All About SGAC | Singapore SG Arrival Card and Visa

Before entering Singapore, foreigners and Singaporeans alike need to apply online for an SG Arrival Card. The purpose of this card is to provide health declaration, personal information, and trip details to Immigration authorities in Singapore. The electronic version of the DE Card (previously known as the white card) for embarkation and disembarkation purposes is called the Singapore SG Arrival Card. All travelers must submit it before arriving in Singapore. However, Singaporeans, Long Term Pass Holders, and Permanent Residents do not need to fill out SG Arrival Card if entering through land checkpoints.

Is SG Arrival Card Required

The SG Arrival Card is compulsory for all travelers to enter Singapore. It helps collect data at the borders and guards against importing infectious diseases of concern. Travelers are required to submit it three days before they arrive in Singapore. It helps foreigners to avoid waiting time during immigration clearance. Visitors can apply for it on the official website or submit details via mobile application. SG Arrival Card for Singapore is not a visa, and there is no fee.

Getting the Arrival Card with Natvisa

Great news is that Natvisa has created a simple-to-use form for the arrival card. We will facilitate the process and make the experience less of a hassle. Keep in mind, Natvisa will charge a service for these services. 

Entry Points for SG CARD

The following entry points in Singapore will accept SG Arrival Card (SGAC):

1. Tanah Mera Ferry Terminal (for visitors entering via sea)
2. International Changi Airport (for visitors traveling by air)
3. Tuas Checkpoint (for individuals traveling by land)
4. Changi Ferry Terminal (for visitors entering via sea)
5. Checkpoint at Woodlands (for individuals traveling by land)
6. Singapore Cruise Center (for visitors entering via sea)
7. Changi Point Terminal for Ferry (for visitors entering via sea)

Countries Eligible for SG Arrival Card

Citizens of all foreign countries are eligible for Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC). It is mandatory for all visitors. However, depending on the visitor’s nationality, a Singapore entry visa may or may not be required (30-90) days. Since SGAC is not a visa, all travelers must apply for it.

Singapore Arrival Card versus Singapore Visa

The Singapore Arrival Card and Singapore Visa are both important for people traveling to Singapore, but they serve different purposes.

SG Arrival Card (SGAC)

The SG Arrival Card is a mandatory digital form. It is for travelers arriving in Singapore. Additionally, it focuses on personal, travel, and health details, aiding efficient immigration clearance.

Even after successfully submitting the SG Arrival Card or SGAC, the individual’s entry into Singapore is not assured. However, it doesn’t confer entry rights.

SG Arrival card is not a visa. It is an electronic version of a previous embarkation and disembarkation form (white paper). It is just pre-entry permission to travel and enter the city-state. The ultimate authority to grant immigration pass rests with Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore.

Singapore Visa

A Singapore Visa allows an individual to travel to and enter the country. However, they still need to go through immigration clearance. It’s required for citizens of certain countries.

Each case is looked at separately when someone applies for a Singapore visa (visa-eligible nation). The length of the visa for Singapore depends on whether it gets approved. Just because a traveler has a Singapore visa doesn’t mean they can enter Singapore.

See Singapore visa policy

The officers at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) decide when they arrive. The visitor needs a valid passport, enough money for their stay, and a ticket to leave Singapore (if needed).

The visa’s validity is the time when a person can try to enter Singapore. Additionally, the ICA officers at the checkpoints decide how long a visitor can stay.

Both tools in Singapore’s immigration protocol are different. The SG Arrival Card collects information, while a Singapore visa shows preliminary approval for entry.

Upon arrival in Singapore, travelers will need to provide the following to the ICA officer at the immigration counter:

• the travel papers
• the Singapore Arrival Card (PDF download)
• the acknowledgment email (in print or softcopy)
• visa ( if applicable)

Exceptions (individuals not requiring SG Arrival Card)

Before arrival in Singapore, all visitors must submit their SG Arrival Cards, except for the following:

• Passengers passing through Singapore or transiting from the country without the need for immigration clearance
• Residents traveling via the land checkpoints.

Health Declaration and Requirements

Singapore authorities introduced the electronic SG Arrival Card (SGAC) system for disease prevention. It was specifically to guard against importing infectious diseases of concern, such as

1. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
2. Yellow Fever
3. Ebola

Travelers at risk of yellow fever infection and who do not possess a current necessary vaccination certificate could be evaluated and placed in quarantine to reduce the possibility of yellow fever being imported into Singapore.

Singapore is home to the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector, which carries yellow fever; hence, the country’s health ministry considers it a "serious matter."

Health Declaration must be made by Singapore citizens, student pass holders, work pass holders, holders of dependent passes, holders of long-term visit passes, and permanent residents of Singapore.

Similarly, foreigners, including holders of In-Principle Approval letter (IPA) and those enrolled in Singapore’s Frequent Traveller Programme, must provide the health declaration and arrival information for SGAC.

SG Arrival Card Fees and Validity

It is free of charge and valid for three trips (in case of individual submission). On the other hand, group submission is meant for a group for one trip.

SGAC for Singaporeans versus Foreign Visitors

SG Arrival Card must be submitted by all travelers going to Singapore. Travelers who fail to present their Singapore Arrival Card upon entry will be required to do so and rejoin the immigration processing line.

For foreigners filling out the SGAC, they need to provide the following information:

1. Personal Details- Full Name, Passport Number, Date of Birth, Nationality, Address, Contact Number, Email
2. Provide Health Information and Trip Details
3. Preview the form
4. Submit the details

It will take foreign visitors approximately five to seven minutes to complete the digital form.

Singaporeans, Long Term Resident Pass Holders, and Permanent Residents can access the official website. To apply for SG Arrival Card, they are required to fill in the following fields:

1. Personal Information- NRIC/FIN
2. Date of Birth
3. Email address
4. Confirm the Email Address
5. Date of Arrival in Singapore
6. Health Declaration- in case they have a fever, cough, and cold

Documents Required for SG Card

To apply for the SG Card (SGAC), applicants must be ready with the following documents:

1. A current valid passport
2. Contact details
3. Transportation data
4. Information on the lodging options in Singapore ( if appliable)

Tips to Follow when Applying for SG Card

Travelers should use English for all communication. Visitors can submit the arrival card information three days before the scheduled arrival date, including the date of arrival in Singapore. Remember that entry into Singapore is not guaranteed even if the SGAC or Singapore’s arrival card information is submitted successfully. The eligibility for entry will be evaluated individually upon arrival in Singapore. The information the traveler or a third party must fill in must be accurate and true.

If a Third Party is filling the Information

Individuals employing third-party should be aware of the information filled in for the SGAC online form ( if a third party submits the arrival card on someone else’s behalf, he/she is referred to as "the principal"). Travelers should note that any false statement or declaration on the arrival card may subject the principal to liability for the offense, and they may be held accountable for aiding and abetting the offense.

Can Travelers Enter Singapore Without SG Card

No one can enter Singapore without SGAC Card. Before landing in Singapore, all visitors must submit their SG Arrival Card. The only exceptions are Singapore citizens returning to Singapore via the land checkpoints because of the heavy traffic and everyday commuting for employment and education reasons. If they enter Singapore by sea or air, they will be required to submit SGAC. Additionally, transit passengers may not need Singapore’s SGAC card if they are transferring or transiting through the city-state without immigration clearance.

Declaration of Change in Health Status

All travelers must update their health declaration if their health status is on SGAC or their travel history changes before arriving in Singapore. False declarations will subject the individuals to legal action under the Infectious Diseases Act.

Conclusion

The paper-based disembarkation/embarkation card (white card) that international tourists were obliged to provide at Singapore’s checkpoints upon arrival has been replaced with the SG Arrival Card (SGAC). To enter Singapore, travelers must submit their arrival information and health declaration online by applying for the SG Arrival Card. SGAC card has reduced waiting times for foreigners. It gives much-needed control to Singapore authorities to make the country safer by promoting security and monitoring those arriving in the country by collecting relevant information.