When planning a trip to Singapore, it’s easy to get caught up in booking flights, hotels and sightseeing plans. However, before your journey truly begins, there’s one essential step every traveller must complete: the Singapore Arrival Card. This simple digital declaration is a key part of Singapore’s efficient immigration system, designed to speed up clearance and ensure a hassle-free entry experience. Understanding what this card is, why it’s required and when to submit it can save you valuable time at the airport and help your trip start smoothly from the moment you arrive. Read on to know more about what is Singapore arrival card.
What is a Singapore Arrival Card?
The Singapore Arrival Card is an online declaration form that travellers must submit before entering Singapore. It is also known as the SG Arrival Card or SG Digital Arrival Card. The card replaces the old paper disembarkation card and captures basic details such as personal information, travel plans and accommodation, along with a short health declaration. This helps the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) speed up entry checks and maintain updated traveller records.
The SG Arrival Card was introduced as part of Singapore’s move towards digital processes and makes immigration clearance simpler and more efficient. It is required for most short-term visitors, long-term pass holders and tourists and must be completed ahead of arrival. The form is free, fully digital and designed to reduce errors. It also cuts waiting time and supports smoother entry for anyone travelling to Singapore.
Do Indians need a Singapore Arrival Card?
Indian travellers must submit the SG arrival card before entering Singapore. It is a compulsory digital declaration for anyone arriving by air or sea, whether the visit is for tourism, business, study or to meet family. The card helps immigration authorities verify basic travel details in advance and speeds up entry checks. It is important to note that the SG Arrival Card is not a visa; Indian citizens must still hold a valid Singapore visa in accordance with regular entry rules.
The only travellers exempt from submitting the SG Arrival Card are transit passengers who do not clear immigration and Singapore citizens, permanent residents and pass holders entering through land checkpoints. All other Indian travellers must complete the form within a three-day window before arrival to avoid delays at the airport.
What are the eligibility criteria for an SG Arrival Card?
You are eligible for the SG Arrival Card when the following conditions are met:
- Valid passport: Hold a passport with sufficient validity so immigration checks can be carried out without issues.
- Stated travel purpose: The reason for visiting, such as tourism, business or meeting family, should be clearly mentioned for accurate processing.
- No entry restrictions: Must not have any prohibitions or bands issued by Singapore that prevent entry.
- Correct travel details: Information like the flight number, arrival date and place of stay must be accurate to help authorities verify the trip.
- Entry through authorised checkpoints: The SG Arrival Card applies to travellers who are entering Singapore via official air or sea entry points.
Singapore Arrival Card requirements
You must provide a few essential details to complete the SG Arrival Card. It includes passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation address, contact details and a basic health declaration covering recent travel history and any symptoms and travel insurance for personal safety. The form is free when submitted through the official ICA website or the MyICA app.
Each traveller must also enter accurate individual details to avoid delays during immigration clearance.
Singapore Arrival Card online application process
You can complete the Singapore arrival card online application on the official ICA website or the MyICA mobile app. Here is how you can do it:
- Visit the official SG Arrival Card portal or open the MyICA app: Avoid unofficial websites that charge extra fees.
- Choose your travel category: Select whether you are a tourist, business visitor, returning resident or long-term pass holder.
- Enter your passport and personal details: Make sure your name and passport number match your actual passport details without any spelling errors.
- Add travel details: Include your flight number, arrival date and port of entry.
- Provide details of accommodation: Enter the full address of your hotel or place of stay so immigration knows where you will be based during your trip.
- Complete your health declaration: Fill in the short section about recent travel and any symptoms you may have had, as part of Singapore's routine entry checks.
- Review and submit: Take a moment to review the information you have entered to ensure everything is accurate before submitting.
- Save your acknowledgement: Save or screenshot the confirmation page, as you may be asked to show it when you arrive at immigration.
Processing time and validity of SG Arrival Card
The SG Digital Arrival Card is processed instantly once submitted. Travellers will get an acknowledgement immediately and the card will remain valid only for that specific trip. A new application must be completed for every visit to Singapore, including by frequent travellers.
Things to remember when applying for an SG Arrival Card
Submit the form only through the official ICA website or app. Avoid early submissions beyond the three-day window. Double-check passport numbers and travel dates, save your confirmation and ensure your accommodation details are correct to avoid delays at immigration.
Role of travel insurance for Singapore
Travel insurance for Singapore provides financial protection against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, loss of belongings or travel delays. With healthcare and other overseas expenses often being high, it helps prevent sudden costs from disrupting your budget. More importantly, it ensures quick access to assistance and support during emergencies, letting you travel with greater peace of mind.
FAQs
1. Do travellers need to submit the SG Arrival Card for every trip?
Yes, the SG Arrival Card online application must be completed for each visit within the three-day window before arrival.
2. How early can the Singapore arrival card be submitted?
It can be filled out up to three days before travel using the SG arrival card online form.
3. What is Singapore arrival card? Is the SG digital arrival card a visa?
The Singapore Arrival Card is a mandatory digital entry declaration submitted before arrival to support immigration checks. It is not a visa and does not grant entry; travellers must still meet Singapore’s visa and entry requirements separately.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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