Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC): Who Needs It and How to Submit?
Planning to travel to Singapore? Learn who needs to submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), when to submit it, what information you need and how to complete it through Singapore's official ICA channels.
Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC): Who Needs It and How to Submit?
Planning a trip to Singapore?
Before you arrive, you may need to complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC).
The SGAC is an electronic arrival submission managed by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It allows travellers to submit their personal information, trip details and required health declaration before entering Singapore.
Important: Immigration requirements can change. Always check the latest information from Singapore ICA before travelling.
1. What Is the Singapore Arrival Card?
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is an electronic arrival declaration for travellers entering Singapore.
It includes information such as:
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Travel details
- Accommodation information
- Health declaration
The SGAC is submitted electronically through Singapore's official ICA channels.
It is important to remember: SGAC ≠ Visa
The SG Arrival Card does not replace a Singapore visa. If your nationality requires a visa, you must check and meet the applicable visa requirements separately.
2. Who Needs to Submit SGAC?
Travellers entering Singapore generally need to submit SGAC before arrival unless they fall under an applicable exemption.
This includes many foreign visitors travelling for:
- Tourism
- Visiting family
- Business
- Shopping
- Events
- Short-term visits
Who Is Exempt?
The main exemptions include:
- Travellers transiting or transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance
- Singapore citizens entering through land checkpoints
- Singapore Permanent Residents entering through land checkpoints
- Singapore Long-Term Pass holders entering through land checkpoints
The traveller's status and method of entry both matter.
3. Do Malaysians Need SGAC?
Malaysian citizens travelling to Singapore as visitors generally need to submit SGAC before arrival, unless an applicable exemption applies. This includes travellers entering Singapore from Malaysia by land.
Entering through Woodlands or Tuas does not automatically exempt a Malaysian visitor from SGAC. The land-checkpoint exemption applies to eligible Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders.
4. When Should You Submit SGAC?
The SG Arrival Card must be submitted within three days, including the day of arrival. For example, if you arrive on Friday, you can submit it from:
Wednesday → Thursday → Friday
You do not need to submit SGAC weeks before your journey.
Complete it once your travel details are confirmed and you are within the official submission period.
5. Where Should You Submit SGAC?
Use only Singapore ICA's official channels:
- SG Arrival Card e-Service
- MyICA Mobile application
Official SGAC submission is free. Be careful with third-party websites that charge a fee to submit the form on your behalf.
6. What Information Do You Need?
Before starting your SGAC submission, prepare:
Personal Details:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
Travel Details:
- Arrival date
- Mode of transport
- Point of entry
- Flight details, where applicable
Accommodation:
- Hotel or accommodation information
Contact Information:
- Accessible email address
You will also need to complete the required electronic health declaration.
7. How to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card
The process is straightforward:
Step 1 : Check
Confirm whether you need to submit SGAC.
Step 2 : Open
Use the official ICA SG Arrival Card e-Service or MyICA Mobile app.
Step 3 : Enter
Provide your personal, passport and travel information.
Step 4 : Declare
Complete the required health declaration accurately.
Step 5 : Review
Double-check your passport number, nationality, arrival date, transport details and other information.
Step 6 : Submit
Submit your SGAC and keep the acknowledgement accessible during your journey.
8. What Happens After You Submit?
After successfully submitting your SGAC, keep your acknowledgement information accessible.
Foreign visitors who successfully clear immigration receive their Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) digitally. The e-Pass contains information such as the period of stay granted and the last day of stay.
Remember that submitting SGAC does not automatically guarantee entry into Singapore. Travellers must still meet the applicable immigration requirements.
Travelling from Malaysia to Singapore?
If you're travelling from Malaysia, especially from Johor Bahru, remember that SGAC is only one part of your travel preparation.
Before leaving, check:
Passport → SGAC → Visa, if required → Transport → Accommodation → Border Crossing
If you're driving, also check the applicable vehicle and border requirements before your journey. And if you're using a rental car, never assume that the vehicle can automatically be driven across the Malaysia–Singapore border. Check the rental company's cross-border policy first.
Before You Travel to Singapore
Remember these five steps:
Check → Prepare → Submit → Review → Travel
- Check whether SGAC applies to you
- Submit within the three-day window
- Use the official ICA platform
- Never confuse SGAC with a visa
- Keep your travel information accessible
Preparing your arrival requirements before travelling can make your journey into Singapore much smoother.