If you are traveling to Singapore, the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration is a mandatory digital requirement for every traveler entering the country. This document is a critical step in streamlining your entry to Singapore and ensuring public health safety.
The SG Arrival Card replaces the traditional paper arrival card. It must be submitted before entry to Singapore to ensure smooth and swift immigration clearance.
This guide provides the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to complete your SG Arrival Card quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the Singapore SG Arrival Card?
- Do I Need the Singapore SG Arrival Card?
- Singapore SG Arrival Card vs. Visa: The Difference
- Applying for Your Singapore SG Arrival Card: Critical Timing
- Applying for Your SG Arrival Card: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official Singapore SG Arrival Card Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the Singapore SG Arrival Card: Other Entry Requirements
- Transiting (ONLY) Through Singapore
- Singapore SG Arrival Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Singapore SG Arrival Card?
The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory online pre-arrival declaration required by Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It combines:
- Arrival Information (replacing the paper D/E card).
- Electronic Health Declaration (for disease control purposes).
Do I Need the Singapore SG Arrival Card?
Yes, you need the SG Arrival Card. Submission is mandatory for all travelers entering Singapore, including foreign visitors and returning residents, regardless of age.
You must submit the SGAC if you are:
- A foreign visitor entering Singapore (by air or sea) for tourism or business.
- A traveler enrolled in the Frequent Traveller Programme.
Note: The SG Arrival Card is a declaration form, not a visa. U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days, but the SG Arrival Card is mandatory regardless of your visa status.
Singapore SG Arrival Card vs. Visa: The Difference
| Document | Purpose | Mandatory Status |
|---|---|---|
| SG Arrival Card | Entry Declaration & Health Screening. Replaces paper forms. | MANDATORY for all travelers seeking immigration clearance. |
| Visa | Entry Permission (Required only if your nationality/purpose demands it). | NOT REQUIRED for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days. |
Applying for Your Singapore SG Arrival Card: Critical Timing
To ensure rapid immigration clearance, the SG Arrival Card must be submitted within a strict window close to your arrival date.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee: | $0.00 USD (FREE). The ICA strongly advises using only official, free channels. |
| Application Window: | Must be submitted within three (3) days (including the day of arrival) before arriving in Singapore. |
| Validity: | Single Entry (A new SGAC submission is required for every entry into Singapore). |
| Duration of Stay (U.S. Citizens) | Typically granted a social visit pass of up to 90 days upon arrival. |
Applying for Your SG Arrival Card: DIY vs. Full-Service
You can apply directly through the official government portal or use an assisted service.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): Submission of the SG Arrival Card is free via the official ICA website or MyICA mobile app. This is the mandatory channel for all travelers.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified process, iVisa offers application review, error-checking, and 24/7 support for a service fee. This service is separate from the free government form.
The Official Singapore SG Arrival Card Process: A 3-Step Guide
The process is fast and designed to be completed a few days before your flight.
- Processing Time: Instantaneous digital submission.
- Use: ICA’s system automatically retrieves the electronic card when you present your passport at the immigration counter.
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid US passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining.
- Flight details (e.g., flight number/vessel name, arrival date).
- The intended address where you will be staying in Singapore.
- A valid email address (for receiving the acknowledgement).
- Travel history for the last 14 days (if applicable).
Step 2: Complete the Online Form
- Access the official ICA SG Arrival Card e-Service or use the MyICA Mobile App.
- Select the submission option for "Foreign Visitors".
- Fill in all sections: personal details, travel details, and the health declaration.
Step 3: Submit and Save Your Acknowledgement
- Review the form. Double-check all answers.
- Submit the declaration form online.
- Confirmation: Upon successful submission, you will receive an acknowledgement email with an electronic confirmation number.
- Keep a digital copy of the acknowledgement on your mobile device.
- When you reach the immigration counter, the ICA officer will retrieve your submission electronically by scanning your passport.
Beyond the Singapore SG Arrival Card: Other Entry Requirements
The SG Arrival Card is mandatory, but final entry and the period of stay granted are determined by ICA officers. The SG Arrival Card does not replace a visa (if one is required). ICA officers retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Valid US Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay.
- Proof of Onward Travel: A confirmed return or onward ticket proving your planned departure from Singapore (ICA may require this).
- Sufficient Funds: Proof of adequate funds for the length of your stay in Singapore.
Transiting (ONLY) Through Singapore
The SG Arrival Card is not required if you are merely transiting through Singapore’s Changi Airport and do not intend to seek immigration clearance (i.e., you remain within the transit area).
Singapore SG Arrival Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. The SG Arrival Card is a mandatory, electronic declaration combining immigration and health forms. It is not a visa, which is a separate requirement for certain nationalities. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to 90 days
A: No. Submission of the SG Arrival Card is free via the official ICA website or MyICA mobile app.
A: You must submit the SGAC within three (3) days before your arrival date. Submitting it too early will invalidate your health declaration.
A: U.S. citizens do not need a visa and are typically granted a Visit Pass allowing a stay of up to 90 days upon arrival.
A: No. The SG Arrival Card is valid for a single entry. You must submit a new SGAC for every trip and every time you seek immigration clearance to enter Singapore.
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