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?
Whether you are travelling from Malaysia for a holiday, crossing the border from Johor Bahru, visiting family, travelling for business or flying into Singapore, there is an important arrival requirement you should know about: the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC).
The Singapore Arrival Card is an electronic submission managed by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It allows travellers to submit their personal information, trip details and required health declaration before arriving in Singapore.
But who actually needs to submit it?
Do Malaysians need it?
What about Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents?
Do you need it when crossing from Malaysia by car?
And when should you submit it?
This guide explains the Singapore Arrival Card, who needs it, when to submit it and how to complete it before your trip.
Important: Immigration requirements can change. Always check the latest information from Singapore ICA before travelling.
What Is the Singapore Arrival Card?
The Singapore Arrival Card, commonly known as SGAC, is an electronic arrival declaration for travellers entering Singapore.
It contains information such as your personal details, travel information and required health declaration.
The SGAC is submitted electronically instead of using the old paper arrival card.
Travellers can submit it through the official Singapore ICA SG Arrival Card e-Service or the MyICA Mobile application.
The Singapore Arrival Card is not a visa.
This distinction is important.
A traveller may need to meet Singapore's visa requirements based on their nationality while also needing to submit SGAC before arrival.
If your nationality requires a Singapore visa, submitting the SGAC does not replace the visa.
You can check Singapore's visa requirements through the official ICA Visa Requirements page.
Who Needs to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card?
Singapore's current entry guidance states that travellers generally need to submit the SG Arrival Card within three days, including the day of arrival, before arriving in Singapore, subject to specific exemptions.
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
For most foreign visitors entering Singapore, SGAC is therefore part of the pre-arrival process.
This includes people travelling for:
- Tourism
- Shopping
- Visiting family
- Business
- Short holidays
- Events
- Other short-term visits
Do Malaysians Need the Singapore Arrival Card?
Yes, Malaysian citizens travelling to Singapore as visitors generally need to submit SGAC before entering Singapore, unless they fall under an applicable exemption.
This applies whether you are travelling from Malaysia by:
- Car
- Bus
- Motorcycle
- Train
- Air
The fact that you are entering through a land checkpoint does not automatically exempt Malaysian citizens.
The land-checkpoint exemption applies specifically to Singapore citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and Singapore Long-Term Pass holders.
This is particularly important for people travelling between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Do Singapore Citizens Need SG Arrival Card?
Singapore citizens entering Singapore through Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints are exempt from submitting the SG Arrival Card.
This is useful for Singaporeans who regularly travel between Singapore and Malaysia.
For example:
Singapore → Johor Bahru → Singapore by car
When returning through a land checkpoint, a Singapore citizen does not need to submit SGAC.
However, travellers entering Singapore through air or sea checkpoints should check the applicable requirements.
The method of entry matters.
What About Singapore Permanent Residents?
Singapore Permanent Residents entering Singapore through Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints are also exempt from SGAC submission under the current arrangement.
However, different requirements can apply when returning through an airport or sea checkpoint.
If you have recently renewed your passport, it is also worth checking that your immigration records are properly updated before travelling.
What About Singapore Long-Term Pass Holders?
Singapore Long-Term Pass holders entering through land checkpoints are also included in the relevant exemption.
This can include people holding passes such as:
- Work Pass
- Student's Pass
- Dependant's Pass
- Long-Term Visit Pass
However, the exemption depends on the traveller's status and method of entry.
Do not assume that an exemption for land travel automatically applies when travelling by air or sea.
What If You Are Travelling from Malaysia to Singapore?
This is particularly relevant for travellers moving between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
If you are a Malaysian or other foreign visitor travelling into Singapore, you should prepare your SG Arrival Card before reaching the border.
For example:
Johor Bahru → Woodlands
or
Johor Bahru → Tuas
If you are a foreign visitor, entering through a land checkpoint does not automatically exempt you from SGAC.
If you are planning to drive, you should also consider border traffic, parking, vehicle requirements and your return journey.
If you are travelling from Singapore and renting a car after arriving in Johor Bahru, our guide Car Rental in Johor Bahru: What Singaporeans Need to Know covers the practical things to consider before renting a Malaysian vehicle.
When Should You Submit the SG Arrival Card?
The SG Arrival Card should be submitted within three days, including the day of arrival, before entering Singapore.
For example, if you are arriving on:
Friday
Your submission window includes:
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
You do not need to submit it weeks or months before your trip.
A practical approach is to complete the form once your travel details are confirmed and you are within the official submission window.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card Free?
Yes.
Submission through Singapore ICA's official channels is free.
ICA has warned travellers about commercial websites offering paid SG Arrival Card submission services. The official SGAC service itself does not require a submission fee.
This means you should be careful when searching for “SG Arrival Card” online.
The first website appearing in search results is not necessarily the official ICA website.
Where Should You Submit the SG Arrival Card?
Use the official Singapore ICA platform:
Official Singapore SG Arrival Card e-Service
You can also use the MyICA Mobile application.
When submitting your SGAC, avoid websites that:
- Charge a processing fee
- Claim to be an official Singapore government service
- Ask for unnecessary information
- Use a domain that does not belong to Singapore ICA
The official ICA website uses the ica.gov.sg domain.
What Information Do You Need for SGAC?
Before starting the submission, prepare your travel information.
Personal Information
You may need:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Passport information
Travel Information
Prepare:
- Arrival date
- Mode of transport
- Point of entry
- Flight details, where applicable
Accommodation
You may need:
- Hotel name
- Accommodation address
- Relevant stay information
Contact Information
Have an accessible email address ready.
This is particularly useful because foreign visitors can receive their Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) information by email after successful immigration clearance.
How to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card
Step 1 — Check Whether You Need SGAC
First, determine whether you are required to submit it.
For example:
Malaysian visitor entering Singapore → SGAC generally required
Singapore citizen returning through Woodlands → exempt
Singapore PR returning through Tuas → exempt
Foreign visitor transiting without immigration clearance → exempt
The traveller's status and method of entry both matter.
Step 2 — Open the Official ICA Platform
Go directly to:
Singapore ICA SG Arrival Card e-Service
Avoid third-party websites offering to submit the form for you.
Step 3 — Enter Your Personal Details
Enter your information exactly as it appears on your passport.
Check carefully:
- Name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
A small typing error can create unnecessary problems during your journey.
Step 4 — Enter Your Travel Details
Provide your upcoming travel information.
Depending on your journey, this may include:
- Arrival date
- Mode of transport
- Point of entry
- Flight information
If you are crossing from Malaysia by land, make sure your travel information reflects your actual journey.
Step 5 — Enter Your Accommodation Details
Provide the accommodation information requested by the system.
If you are staying at a hotel, keep your booking confirmation nearby so you can enter the correct information.
Step 6 — Complete the Health Declaration
The SGAC includes the required health declaration.
Read each question carefully and provide accurate information.
If your relevant health information changes before arrival, check the latest ICA instructions on whether an update is required.
Step 7 — Review Your Information
Before submitting, check:
- Passport number
- Name
- Nationality
- Arrival date
- Transport details
- Accommodation
- Email address
- Health declaration
Step 8 — Submit
Submit the SGAC through the official ICA platform.
Keep your submission information accessible for your journey.
What Happens After You Submit SGAC?
For foreign visitors, the SG Arrival Card is part of the pre-arrival process.
After successful immigration clearance, foreign visitors receive an Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) by email instead of a traditional passport endorsement stamp.
The e-Pass provides information such as the traveller's:
- Visit Pass details
- Maximum permitted stay
- Last day of stay
This is why providing an accessible email address is useful.
Do You Need SGAC If You Are Driving from Malaysia?
For foreign visitors, yes.
If you are travelling from Johor Bahru into Singapore through Woodlands or Tuas, you should submit SGAC before entering Singapore.
The land-entry exemption applies to specified Singapore residents, not generally to foreign visitors.
This distinction is especially important for Malaysian travellers making short trips to Singapore.
What If You Are Travelling by Bus?
If you are a foreign visitor travelling by bus from Malaysia into Singapore, you generally need to submit SGAC before arrival unless an applicable exemption applies.
The requirement is based on your traveller status and immigration circumstances.
What If You Are Travelling by Train?
Foreign visitors entering Singapore by train should also check the applicable SGAC requirement and complete the submission within the required period.
Keep your passport and travel information ready during the journey.
What If You Are Only Transiting Through Singapore?
There is an exemption for travellers who are transiting or transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance.
If you leave the transit area or need to clear Singapore immigration, different requirements may apply.
If you are unsure whether your itinerary qualifies as transit without immigration clearance, check with ICA and your transport provider before travelling.
Singapore Arrival Card vs Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
If your trip involves both countries, you may encounter two different arrival systems.
Malaysia uses the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for applicable foreign visitors.
You can read our guide:
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Who Needs It and How to Register?
Singapore uses the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC).
These are separate systems.
For example:
Singapore → Malaysia
Check Malaysia's applicable entry requirements.
Malaysia → Singapore
Check Singapore's applicable SGAC requirements.
Completing one country's arrival declaration does not automatically satisfy the requirements of the other country.
Travelling Between Johor Bahru and Singapore?
For many travellers, the Malaysia-Singapore journey involves more than immigration.
You may also need to consider:
- Border traffic
- Parking
- Public transport
- Car rental
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Food
- Attractions
- Return travel
If you are planning to rent a car after arriving in JB, you can read How to Rent a Car in Johor Bahru: A Complete Guide.
If you are specifically travelling from Singapore, Car Rental in Johor Bahru: What Singaporeans Need to Know covers pickup locations, documents, mileage, parking and driving around Johor.
Driving from Malaysia into Singapore
SGAC is only one part of your preparation if you are driving across the border.
You should also check the requirements that apply to your vehicle.
This is particularly important if you are using a Malaysian rental car.
Do not assume that a rental vehicle can automatically cross into Singapore.
Our guide Can You Drive a Rental Car from Malaysia to Singapore? explains why cross-border rental policies can differ and what you should check before travelling.
If you are planning to drive around Malaysia before crossing into Singapore, you can also read Can You Drive a Rental Car Across Malaysia?.
Planning Your Journey from Malaysia to Singapore
Before leaving Malaysia, prepare more than just your SGAC.
Check:
- Passport
- SG Arrival Card
- Visa requirements, if applicable
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Border crossing
- Vehicle requirements
- Parking
- Return journey
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Malaysia, Driving in Malaysia for the First Time: A Complete Guide can help you understand fuel, tolls, parking and basic road rules before starting your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Singapore Arrival Card?
The Singapore Arrival Card, or SGAC, is an electronic arrival submission managed by Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
Is the Singapore Arrival Card free?
Yes. The official SGAC submission is free.
When should I submit the Singapore Arrival Card?
You can submit it within three days, including the day of arrival, before entering Singapore.
Do Malaysians need the Singapore Arrival Card?
Malaysian citizens travelling to Singapore as visitors generally need to submit SGAC before arrival unless they qualify for an applicable exemption.
Do Singapore citizens need SGAC?
Singapore citizens entering Singapore through Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints are exempt.
Do Singapore PRs need SG Arrival Card?
Singapore PRs entering through Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints are exempt under the current arrangement.
Do I need SGAC if I drive from Malaysia to Singapore?
If you are a foreign visitor entering Singapore through Woodlands or Tuas, you generally need to submit SGAC before arrival.
Is SGAC the same as a Singapore visa?
No. The SG Arrival Card and Singapore visa are separate requirements.
Where can I submit SG Arrival Card?
Use the official Singapore ICA SG Arrival Card e-Service.
Before You Travel to Singapore
The Singapore Arrival Card is one of the simple things you can prepare before your journey.
Remember:
Check whether SGAC applies to you.
Submit it within the three-day window.
Use the official ICA platform.
Do not pay third-party websites to submit it.
Check visa requirements separately.
And if you're travelling from Malaysia, especially from Johor Bahru, plan your border crossing and transport before you leave.
If you're starting your journey in Johor Bahru and need a car to explore Malaysia before or after your Singapore trip, explore car rental options with Senjalan.