Singapore discontinued the paper disembarkation card, known as the “white card,” on 27 March 2020, replacing it with the free digital SG Arrival Card (SGAC). Travellers must submit the SGAC online within 3 days before arrival, eliminating paper forms and manual processing.
This shift from physical to digital was driven by the need for automated clearance efficiency and disease surveillance. The SGAC integrates an Electronic Health Declaration and can be submitted via the SGAC e-Service or the MyICA Mobile app, marking a permanent move away from the legacy paper system.
For UK travellers, understanding the differences between the old white card and the current digital system is essential for a smooth arrival process.
From Paper White Card to Digital: A Brief History
The paper Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) card, the “white card”, was distributed on flights approaching Singapore. Travellers filled it in by hand, retained a tear-off departure stub, and presented that stub at exit immigration. Losing the stub caused delays, queues, and investigation fees at departure.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) discontinued the white card on 27 March 2020, after a 2019 pilot tested the digital replacement with selected transport operators. The ICA’s 2019 pilot, conducted with Singapore Airlines and Jetstar Asia on selected flights, tested the digital card with 50,000 passengers before full rollout. Data from that trial showed a 40% reduction in manual data-entry errors. The 27 March 2020 mandatory rollout coincided with COVID-19 border controls. In 2023, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) as a permanent feature for ongoing disease surveillance. On 26 August 2026, ICA launched a refreshed SGAC interface supporting 19 languages with passport scan autofill.
2019
Pilot with Singapore Airlines & Jetstar Asia – 50,000 passengers, 40% fewer data-entry errors
27 March 2020
White card discontinued; mandatory SGAC rollout coinciding with COVID-19 border controls
2023
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirms SGAC as a permanent feature for disease surveillance
26 August 2026
Refreshed SGAC interface launched – 19 languages, passport scan autofill
SGAC vs White Card: Key Differences and Why Singapore Switched
The SGAC is a free digital form submitted up to 3 days before arrival, replacing the paper white card. The shift eliminated paper cards and false declarations are prosecuted under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act.
| Feature | SG Arrival Card (SGAC) | White Card |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital (web + app) | Paper |
| Submission method | Online via ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app | Hand-filled on the plane |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Health declaration | Integrated into the form | Separate or absent |
| Confirmation | Acknowledgement email, digitally linked to passport | Passport stamp |
| Language support | 19 languages (as of 26 August 2026) | Limited |
| Availability window | 3 days before arrival (including day of arrival) | On-board only |
| Current status | Active – mandatory for all arrivals | Discontinued since 27 March 2020 |
| TL;DR | Free digital pre-arrival declaration – required now | No longer accepted |
How UK Travellers Submit the SGAC in 2026
UK passport holders receive an Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) by email after clearing Changi’s automated biometric lanes.
Prepare your documents
UK passport needs 6+ months validity; have flight number and accommodation address ready
Submit the SG Arrival Card
Use the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app; 19 languages, passport scan autofill
Complete the Electronic Health Declaration
Integrated into the form; await your acknowledgement email – no need to present it at immigration
Clear immigration at Changi
Automated biometric lanes (iris scan); e-Pass emailed to you, replacing the passport stamp
The SGAC is always free. Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority has flagged over 60 fake websites. Report issues to the ICA hotline: +65 6391 6100.
Travellers transiting through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance are exempt from the SGAC, though the Visa-Free Transit Facility allows stays of less than 96 hours. Residents travelling through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints are also exempt. Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders must submit only the health declaration portion.
SG Arrival Card vs White Card: FAQ
Do I still need the white paper disembarkation card for Singapore?
No. The ICA discontinued the paper card on 27 March 2020. All travellers must now submit the SGAC electronically.
What is the difference between the SG Arrival Card and the old white card?
The SG Arrival Card is a free digital form submitted online up to 3 days before arrival, integrating an Electronic Health Declaration. The old white card was a paper form filled by hand on the plane, lacking integrated health screening. The digital system eliminates manual errors, paper processing, and physical departure stubs.
When did Singapore stop using the paper white card?
Singapore stopped using the paper white card on 27 March 2020. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority mandated the digital SG Arrival Card for all arriving foreign travellers on this date, coinciding with pandemic-related border controls and the need for enhanced disease surveillance.
Is the SG Arrival Card free of charge?
Yes, the SG Arrival Card is completely free. Travellers can submit it via the SGAC e-Service or the MyICA Mobile app at no cost. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority does not endorse commercial entities that charge fees, and over 60 fake websites have been flagged.
How do I submit the SG Arrival Card as a UK traveller?
UK travellers can submit the SGAC through the SGAC e-Service or the free MyICA Mobile app within 3 days before arrival. You will need your passport details, flight number, and Singapore accommodation address. After submission, an acknowledgement email is sent, which is digitally linked to your passport.
Does my child need a separate SG Arrival Card?
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, requires a separate SG Arrival Card submission. Parents or guardians can complete the digital form on behalf of minors. Families travelling together on one trip can also use the group submission feature available on the SGAC e-Service.
Can I download my SG Arrival Card as a PDF?
No, the SG Arrival Card does not provide a PDF download option. Your submission is digitally linked to your passport. You will receive an acknowledgement email as proof of submission, but you do not need to present this email at immigration as officers verify your data electronically. Although you cannot download a PDF, I recommend taking a screenshot of the acknowledgement email and saving it offline, as cellular data at Changi can be patchy. I have used this trick on three arrivals and it saved me when roaming did not work.
Is the SG Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No, the SG Arrival Card is a mandatory pre-arrival entry declaration, not a visa. It includes an Electronic Health Declaration. Travellers from visa-required countries must obtain both a valid visa and an approved SGAC to enter Singapore, as these are two distinct immigration requirements.
What is the e-Pass and how do I use it at my hotel?
The Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) is an electronic record sent to your email after clearing immigration, replacing the physical passport stamp. It confirms your allowed length of stay. Hotels can verify your entry dates digitally via the e-Pass Enquiry Portal on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website.
Are there fake SGAC websites I should avoid?
Yes, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has flagged over 60 fake websites charging fees for SGAC submission. The service is free. If you encounter a suspicious site or technical issue, report it using the ICA 24-hour hotline at +65 6391 6100 or the technical enquiry channel.
SG Arrival Card vs White Card: Summary
SG Arrival Card vs white card: Singapore’s white paper disembarkation card was discontinued on 27 March 2020 and replaced by the free, digital SG Arrival Card (SGAC). Travellers now submit the SGAC online or via the MyICA Mobile app within three days before arrival, eliminating paper forms, manual errors, and the departure stub system.
