A lot of people dream of visiting Singapore. With its effective public transportation systems, brilliant culture, world-class food and clean streets, it is not difficult to see why the city-state attracts millions of travelers per year. But before you enter this decent city, there’s one thing every traveler should be aware of, the SG Arrival Card. Whether your visit is for tourism, business, or transit, you have to understand the importance and process for the SG Arrival Card.
SG Arrival Card Explained: What It Is and How to Apply
The SG Arrival Card is not a visa, it is another electronic document that every short-term visitor needs to fill out when entering Singapore, even if they are from a visa-exempt country. The primary goal of this card is to obtain travel and health information from the travelers. It assists Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in processing entry more smoothly.
How to Apply
1. Go to the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website and click “Submit the SG Arrival Card.”
2. Enter your personal details, trip information, and complete the health declaration.
3. Review every field carefully to avoid errors in your submission.
4. Submit the form and wait for the confirmation email or reference number.
5. Save a digital or printed copy to present if asked at immigration.
Who Needs to Submit the SG Arrival Card?
● All short-term visitors entering by air, land, or sea
● Tourists, business travelers, and eligible transit passengers
● Each individual in a group or family must submit separately
● Children and infants require separate submissions (by parents/guardians)
● Exemptions apply to citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders
● Some transiting travelers may still need to submit, based on layover and airline rules
● Travelers under the Vaccinated Travel Framework must follow additional health rules
Note that the SG Arrival Card does not replace a visa or determine entry eligibility
Timing and Validity of the SG Arrival Card
Timing is crucial. The SG Arrival Card must be submitted no later than 3 calendar days from your entry. If you are flying to Singapore on April 10, you can apply for your application anytime from April 7.
SG Arrival Card is directly tied to the travel date entered upon submission. It’s only valid for a single entry into Singapore. If the travel dates have changed, a new SG Arrival Card has to be submitted. This card does not have a multiple-entry or long-term variant. A new submission is required each time you intend to travel to Singapore.
What Details Are Needed to Submit the SG Arrival Card?
● Full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth
● Arrival date, flight number, and departure port
● Address or accommodation details in Singapore
● Contact email and mobile number
● Recent travel history (countries visited in the past 7 days)
● Health declaration (symptoms, exposure, COVID-19 status)
● Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business, transit.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
● Submitting the SG Arrival Card too early or after the deadline
● Entering incorrect passport number or travel dates
● Using an outdated or wrong email address
● Skipping or rushing through the health declaration
● Forgetting to list accurate accommodation details
● Assuming it’s not needed because you have a visa
● Not saving the confirmation after submission
● Submitting incorrect or inconsistent travel details can also reflect poorly on your application history and may contribute to reasons for Singapore Visa Rejection.
Can You Enter Singapore Without the SG Arrival Card?
No, travelers need to fill the SG Arrival Card to enter Singapore. This is a compulsory requirement for each short-time visitor, regardless of the nationality and applies to travellers from United States, China, India, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia too. The SG Arrival Card will now completely replace the old paper disembarkation/embarkation card and must be submitted online before you arrive.
Who Is Exempt and What Happens After Submission
The SG Arrival Card does not include Singapore citizens, permanent residents or long-term pass holders. Once submitted, travelers will receive a confirmation associated with their passport. Immigration officers verify it electronically at immigration passes but it’s still a good idea to carry a copy. It is not a substitute for Singapore visa requirements.
FAQS
1. Is the SG Arrival Card the same as a visa for Singapore?
No, it is not a visa. All travelers holding a valid Singapore visit visa must prepare the SG Arrival Card separately before their trip.
2. Do I need to fill the SG Arrival Card for every trip?
Of course, it’s mandatory for every visit. You need to submit it again whenever you travel to Singapore, as it’s valid for one entry only.
3. What if I forget to submit the SG Arrival Card?
You may face delays at immigration. While you can complete the card upon arrival, it is strongly recommended to fill it online beforehand.
4. Is the SG Arrival Card submission free?
Yes, submitting the SG Arrival Card is free. Watch out for third-party services that might offer submission help for a fee.
5. When should I apply for the SG Arrival Card?
It is recommended to submit your SG Arrival Card at least 3 days prior before your arrival in Singapore.
6. Can I correct mistakes on my submitted SG Arrival Card?
No, you will not be able to edit once submitted. If you made a mistake on your entry, you need to fill out a new form. Check the Singapore Visa Photo Size Requirement if you are also applying for a visa.
7. Do children need a separate SG Arrival Card?
Yes, the SG Arrival Card must be submitted for every traveller including infants and children, even if travelling with family.
8. Will I be denied entry if my SG Arrival Card has wrong details?
Possibly. Mistakes such as wrong passport number or travel date can create problems at immigration. That’s why you must always verify every field before submitting.
Conclusion
Bottom line, SG Arrival Card is an important requirement for traveling to Singapore. It may sound like a small detail, but forgetting to complete it or completing it incorrectly can lead to substantial delays. So confirm your details, submit on time, and look forward to the warm welcome in Singapore.