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Singapore Digital Arrival Card (SGAC) Overview

The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory electronic pre-arrival form administered by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), required for nearly all travellers entering Singapore by air, sea, or land. It replaced the old paper disembarkation/embarkation card on 27 March 2020 and now includes an electronic health declaration for disease control purposes. This is a separate requirement from your Singapore Visa; the SGAC is not a visa and does not grant entry on its own; it simply allows ICA to process your personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation address, and health declaration electronically before you arrive, so you generally only need to present your passport at the immigration counter. Submission must be completed within 3 days before arrival, including the day of arrival itself, and is entirely free of charge through official ICA channels. Confirmed in February 2023 as a permanent feature of border control, the SGAC remains mandatory in 2026.

Singapore Digital Arrival Card (SGAC) Fees

Fee TypeGovernment Fee
SGAC Submission (via ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app)Free

Submitting the SGAC through the official ICA website or MyICA Mobile app is completely free, with no processing or submission charges. ICA does not endorse or support third-party commercial websites that charge a fee (commonly EUR 34 or USD 25) to submit the SGAC on a traveller’s behalf; these services offer no additional benefit and are a common scam targeting visitors. Report any suspicious paid “arrival card” websites directly to ICA.

Singapore Digital Arrival Card (SGAC) Processing Time

Submitting the Singapore Digital Arrival Card typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes for foreign visitors, and less than 3 minutes for Singapore residents, once your passport and travel details are ready. Processing is usually immediate, and a confirmation email containing your SGAC reference number and QR code is sent shortly after submission. The submission window opens exactly 3 days before your arrival date and closes on the day of arrival; submissions made earlier than this window are not accepted, since the system will not display your intended arrival date. ICA strongly recommends submitting as early as possible within this window, rather than waiting until the last moment, to allow time to correct any errors before travelling.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid Passport (biodata page details, exactly as shown in the Machine Readable Zone)
Flight, Vessel, or Land Transport Details and Arrival Date
Accommodation Address in Singapore (or "in transit" if not staying overnight)
Valid Email Address (for your confirmation and Visit Pass e-Pass notification)
Contact Phone Number
Electronic Health Declaration (recent illnesses or exposure to infectious diseases, if applicable)
Valid Singapore Visa Details (for visa-required nationals; the SGAC does not replace this)

No physical documents are uploaded; the SGAC is a declaration form completed directly online or in the MyICA app.

Singapore Digital Arrival Card (SGAC) Submission Process

Confirm you are within the 3-day submission window before your arrival date.
Go to the official ICA SG Arrival Card e-Service or open the MyICA Mobile app.
Select "Foreign Visitor" or the relevant traveller category.
Enter your passport, travel, and accommodation details.
Complete the electronic health declaration truthfully.
Review all details for accuracy, especially your name and passport number.
Submit the form and receive an instant confirmation email with your SGAC reference and QR code.
Present your passport (and SGAC confirmation, if requested) at the immigration checkpoint on arrival.

Important Notes

The SGAC is not a visa; visa-required travellers, including Indian nationals, must still obtain a valid Singapore Visa separately before travelling.
Submission is mandatory for nearly all travellers, with limited exemptions for those transiting without immigration clearance, and for Singapore residents entering via land checkpoints.
The 3-day submission window is strict; submissions earlier than 3 days before arrival are not accepted.
Submission of SGAC on ICA's official platforms is always free of charge.
Providing false information on the health declaration is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act.
If your health status or travel details change after submission, use the "Update SGAC" feature rather than resubmitting incorrectly.
A successful SGAC submission does not guarantee entry; all travellers are still assessed by an ICA officer upon arrival.
Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; always check ica.gov.sg for the latest requirements.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

While the SG Arrival Card is designed to be simple and free, many travellers are misled by third-party websites charging unnecessary fees, or submit it outside the allowed window and face delays. Shivansh Consultants offers guidance on completing your SGAC correctly alongside your Singapore Visa application, so both are handled through the right official channels. Our personalised guidance helps you time your submission within the 3-day window and avoid common entry errors. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Singapore Visa journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Singapore Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes. Submitting the SGAC through ICA's official e-Service or MyICA Mobile app is completely free. Any website charging a fee to submit it on your behalf is not affiliated with ICA and should be avoided.
When should I submit the SG Arrival Card?
You must submit it within 3 days before arrival, including the day of arrival itself. For example, if you arrive on 30 June, you can submit from 28 June onwards; earlier submissions are not accepted.
Is the SG Arrival Card the same as a Singapore visa?
No. The SGAC is a free pre-arrival declaration and is not a visa. Travellers from visa-required countries, including India, must still obtain a valid Singapore Visa separately before travelling.
Who is exempt from submitting the SG Arrival Card?
Travellers transiting through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance, and Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders entering via land checkpoints, are generally exempt.
What happens if I don't submit the SGAC before arrival?
Travellers who fail to submit the SGAC before arrival may face delays, be asked to submit it on the spot and rejoin the immigration queue, or in some cases be denied entry.