Singapore Arrival Card for Indian Citizens

Singapore’s charm as a city-state has lured numerous visitors through its awe-inspiring skyline, cultural wealth, and culinary diversity. Acknowledged for its cleanliness and safety, it stands as a preferred choice for tourists globally. Singapore’s impressive infrastructure, key attractions, and friendly locals make it a top choice among Asia’s most visited destinations.

For Indian travelers embarking on a trip to Singapore, the SG Arrival Card is a crucial document.

This guide sheds light on the SG Arrival Card, explaining its purpose, the application procedure, and the necessary information it entails.

Understanding the SG Arrival Card for Indian Travelers

The SG Arrival Card is an electronic document that replaces the earlier mandatory paper disembarkation/embarkation card for visitors. This card captures essential trip information, such as the traveler’s personal details, journey specifics, and health status. This simplifies immigration procedures and improves the overall arrival process.

Beyond being a standard customs form, the SG Arrival Card forms a key part of Singapore’s strategy to trace transmissible diseases. It incorporates a health declaration section where travelers must reveal their health status and past travel history.

It’s essential, however, to understand that the SG Arrival Card is not a substitute for a valid visa.

Duration of Singapore Stay for Indian Visitors

The SG Arrival Card does not guarantee entry into Singapore like a valid visa. It serves as a mandatory entry document for all overseas visitors, including Indian citizens. The card provides pre-arrival immigration clearance by detailing the traveler’s intentions, journey specifics, and health declaration.

The visitor’s entry visa defines the duration of their stay in Singapore.

Validity of the Arrival Card for Indian Nationals

The SG Arrival Card stays valid for 30 days from the date of approval. Travelers should apply for the SG Arrival Card at least three days before their departure. This will help them avoid any complications during immigration clearance in Singapore.

This ensures the timely processing of the application, helping travelers secure the necessary clearance before their arrival in Singapore.

Requirements for Indian Travelers

The paperwork concerning the Singapore Arrival Card is simple and online. This allows travelers to concentrate on planning their journey.

The simplified application process still necessitates specific information and documents, including:

A valid Indian passport with a minimum of six months remaining validity. The passport scan must be uploaded in PNG, JPG, or JPEG format.

Proof of housing, including the hotel or hostel’s name and address. Journey details, such as flight specifics and arrival date. A credit or debit card for online payment of service fees.

Processing Times and Fees for the Singapore SG Arrival Card

Typically, the online processing of the SG Arrival Card is completed within a few business days.

Importantly, there are no associated costs for Indian citizens applying online through the official website. The service is free of charge, further streamlining the process for travelers.

Entry Points Accepting the SG Arrival Card

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

• Tanah Mera Ferry Terminal (for sea travelers)
• International Changi Airport (for air travelers)
• Tuas Checkpoint (for land travelers)
• Changi Ferry Terminal (for sea travelers)
• Checkpoint at Woodlands (for land travelers)
• Singapore Cruise Center (for sea travelers)
• Changi Point Terminal for Ferry (for sea travelers)

Health Declaration and Requirements

Singapore authorities introduced the electronic SG Arrival Card (SGAC) system for disease prevention.

This document guards against the import of concerning infectious diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Yellow Fever, and Ebola.

Authorities may evaluate travelers at risk of yellow fever who don’t have a current vaccination certificate. These evaluations are in place to prevent the import of the disease into Singapore through potential quarantines.

The country’s health ministry deems this a grave concern.

SG Arrival Card for Indian Citizens vs. Singapore Visa

Based on an applicant’s country of origin, entry into Singapore requires a valid Singapore entry visa. Indian visitors should know that the SG Arrival Card is not a Singapore visa.

This card specifically caters to their needs. Instead, it’s an electronic form that replaces the traditional paper embarkation and disembarkation forms.

A Singapore entry visa, conversely, doesn’t act as an immigration pass. Rather, it offers pre-entry permission for individuals to travel to and enter the city-state. The final authority to grant an immigration pass lies with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore.

Digital Visit Pass (e-Pass) Notifications

As of March 11, 2022, Indian tourists arriving in Singapore started receiving digital Visit Pass (e-Pass) notifications via email. These notifications provide details about the permitted length of stay and the last day of their stay in Singapore. It is crucial for travelers to ensure the email address provided on the SG Arrival Card is accurate.

Indian travelers should present the following at the immigration counter:

• Travel documents
• The SG Arrival Card for Indians (available as a PDF download)
• The acknowledgment email (either printed or in digital format)
• Mandatory Submission of SG Arrival Card

Before arriving in Singapore, all visitors must submit their SG Arrival Cards. There are some exemptions. They are as follows:

• Passengers who are merely passing through Singapore or transiting from the country without the necessity for immigration clearance.
• Residents who are entering via the land checkpoints.

Conclusion

The SG Arrival Card is vital for Indian citizens, ensuring a seamless arrival process in Singapore.

It’s a testament to the city-state’s dedication to maintaining safety and health standards without compromising the ease of travel. Understanding the procedures related to the SG Arrival Card is crucial for Indian travelers. By complying with these, they can anticipate a memorable Singapore experience.