Singapore Arrival Card 2026: How to Fill It In & Entry Tips

Singapore is a relatively small Southeast Asian island nation with a population of just over 6.1 million. However, tourism is becoming increasingly important to Singapore’s economy. Between 2015 and 2019, annual visitor numbers rose steadily from 15.2 million in 2015 to 19.1 million in 2019.

This trend continued after the Covid-19 pandemic. By 2023, Singapore had already welcomed 13.6 million visitors, bringing annual arrivals back above 10 million. In 2025, the figure had risen to 16.9 million. They all have one thing in common: since 2020, travellers have been required to submit a Singapore Arrival Card when entering the country.

In this Trip.com guide, we explain what the Singapore Arrival Card is, how to complete it, and what British visitors need to know about the entry requirements.

What is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)?

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is an electronic arrival card issued by the Singapore government through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It was first introduced in 2019, initially only for certain travel routes and service providers.

The digital arrival card replaced the paper “White Card” previously used for arrivals. It was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2023, Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that it would remain a permanent requirement.

The Singapore Arrival Card is both a document that helps prepare for entry into Singapore and a health declaration for travellers. Before looking at the details of the Singapore Arrival Card, here is an overview of the key information you need to know in advance:

How do you complete the Singapore Arrival Card?

With the introduction of the Singapore Arrival Card, the Singapore government has moved its entry formalities into the digital age. Before the arrival card was introduced, travellers had to complete a paper arrival and departure card.

The Singapore Arrival Card is now entirely digital and must be completed online. The confirmation is also provided digitally, although you can print it out after receiving it if needed.

There are two ways to submit the form. The first is to complete it directly on the ICA website. The second is to use the MyICA app, which you can download for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play. We explain the process in more detail in a separate section below.

How much does the Singapore Arrival Card cost?

The Singapore Arrival Card is free of charge. This applies not only to British citizens but to all travellers, regardless of nationality. The ICA will never ask you to make a payment. Singapore's official government channels also highlight this several times.

If you are unsure, you can find more information on the ICA website. When completing or submitting your Arrival Card, you will never:

• Be asked to make a payment to the ICA or anyone else
• Be asked for your bank account details or login credentials
• Be required to install apps on your smartphone or tablet from unofficial app stores

Who needs a Singapore Arrival Card?

The ICA provides detailed information on its website about who needs a Singapore Arrival Card and who is exempt. With very few exceptions, everyone entering Singapore must have an Arrival Card before visiting the city’s many attractions. The ICA also states that the Arrival Card always includes a health declaration, which forms part of the same submission.

If you are entering Singapore, you must provide the following to the border officer at the immigration counter when requested:

• The Singapore Arrival Card, either electronically or in printed form
• The health declaration included as part of the Arrival Card

Singapore Arrival Card: What are the exceptions?

According to the ICA, there are only a few exceptions to the Arrival Card and health declaration requirements. Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders entering Singapore by land are exempt from submitting the SGAC. In short:

There are, however, a few exceptions:

• Transit passengers who remain in the transit area and do not formally enter Singapore
• Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders entering Singapore by land

According to the ICA, the second category is not limited to Singapore citizens. It also includes people with permanent residence permits and holders of passes that allow them to stay in Singapore long term.

How do you fill out the Singapore Arrival Card?

In the next sections, we will explain everything you need to know about filling out your Singapore Arrival Card. We will therefore first take a look at what information you actually need or have to provide.

Afterwards, we will guide you step-by-step through the entire process of applying for a Singapore Arrival Card, both for the website version and the version using the ICA app.

What information do British citizens need to apply for a Singapore Arrival Card?

Before you start filling out your Singapore Arrival Card application, you should check that you have all the required information to hand. We have created a small checklist for this purpose, and the following data is required:

• ✅ Your travel details, consisting of arrival and departure dates, flight information, etc.
• ✅ Your passport number
• ✅ Your personal details such as date of birth, nationality, citizenship, etc.
• ✅ Your place of residence, email address, and mobile number
• ✅ Details regarding your current state of health

Step-by-step - How to fill out the Singapore Arrival Card online

If you are visiting Singapore, you must submit your Arrival Card online within three days before your arrival in Singapore. You can do this either on the ICA website or through the official ICA app.

In this section, we explain step-by-step how to complete the process using the ICA website. According to the ICA, the whole process should take around 5–7 minutes. Here is what you need to do:

• Step 1: Open the official ICA website where the Arrival Card is applied for
• Step 2: Select “Submit SGAC” on the left
• Step 3: Next, click on “Foreign Visitor” on the right
• Step 4: Now fill in the first page with the requested personal details (you can find the health declaration at the very bottom)
• Step 5: Repeat this on the second page, which is about your travel details
• Step 6: Now your details will be presented to you one final time. Check that no typos have crept in and enter the displayed security code into the designated field
• Step 7: Now submit your application for a Singapore Arrival Card and then download or print it out

Step-by-step - How to fill out the Singapore Arrival Card using the ICA app

The MyICA app provides another way to submit your Singapore Arrival Card. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install it on your smartphone or tablet. Here is how to submit your Arrival Card using the app:

• Step 1: Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the MyICA app
• Step 2: Select “Foreign Visitor-SGAC”
• Step 3: Tap on “Individual Submission"
• Step 4: Now you can either scan your passport with your smartphone or tablet, or enter your details manually
• Step 5: Next, fill in the remaining fields, including the health questions
• Step 6: You will now receive the Singapore Arrival Card via email, and the app also generates a QR code that you can present as well

When do you need to submit the Singapore Arrival Card?

The ICA states several times on its website that you must submit your Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days before arriving in Singapore. The arrival card is designed to help avoid unnecessary delays at the airport.

To help you submit it within the required time, the next 3 days are displayed at the top of the application form. You can simply select your arrival date without entering it manually.

Can I apply for my Singapore Arrival Card at the airport?

Yes, it is possible. As the only requirement is to submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days before entering Singapore, you could technically complete it after arrival using the airport's Wi-Fi connection.

However, this is not recommended. Things can go wrong at an airport such as Singapore Changi Airport. What if your phone runs out of battery? What if you lose your phone? We recommend submitting your Singapore Arrival Card before you start your journey.

What are the other entry requirements for Singapore?

You can find the latest entry requirements for Singapore on the website of the ICA or GOV.UK. In addition to the Singapore Arrival Card, the following documents are required for entry:

• A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry)
• A child passport

According to GOV.UK, you will automatically receive a 30- to 90-day stay permit when entering Singapore.

Tips for your trip to Singapore

To help make your trip to Singapore as smooth as possible, here are a few useful tips. When completing your Singapore Arrival Card, keep the following in mind:

• Only use the official ICA website or app to submit your Singapore Arrival Card.
• Avoid leaving your Singapore Arrival Card until the last minute.
• Save your confirmation email or take screenshots of the QR code and Arrival Card confirmation.
• During immigration, you may be asked to show your Arrival Card, and your thumbprints will be taken.

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