Every child entering Singapore needs a separate SG Arrival Card (SGAC), submitted electronically and free of charge up to 3 days before arrival. Parents complete the form using each child’s passport details and a mandatory health declaration. The SGAC is not a visa; it is a digital entry form required alongside valid travel documents. Under Singapore’s Immigration Act (Chapter 133), every non-resident, regardless of age, must present an individually submitted SGAC; failure to do so may result in denial of entry.
This article is for informational purposes only. Immigration rules may change; always verify with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or the Singapore High Commission before travel. Last updated: 15 September 2026.
What Is the SG Arrival Card and When Must You Submit It?
The SGAC replaced the paper Disembarkation/Embarkation (DE) card on 27 March 2020 and is now digital-only with no paper alternative. It is free of charge and is not a visa. Singapore Arrival Card requirements for minors mandate that every child, regardless of age, must have their own entry recorded with full passport details and health declaration. Submission must be completed within 3 days before arrival via the ICA e-Service or the free MyICA Mobile app (Google Play and Apple App Store). A parent or guardian must submit on behalf of each child before departing the UK.
Singapore Arrival Card Requirements for Children: Each Child Submits Individually
Singapore Arrival Card requirements for minors mandate that every child, including newborns and infants, must have a separate SGAC submitted individually. Each traveller, regardless of age, needs an individually-issued travel document; collective travel documents are not accepted by Singapore immigration. Every passport must hold a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival. Parents must also carry the child’s birth certificate as proof of relationship.
| Requirement | Adult | Child (2-17) | Infant (under 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who submits | Traveller themselves | Parent / guardian on child’s behalf | Parent / guardian on child’s behalf |
| Documents needed | Passport (6-month validity) | Passport (6-month validity), birth certificate | Passport (6-month validity), birth certificate |
| Key form fields | Passport number, expiry date, seat number, flight number, accommodation | Passport number, expiry date, seat number, flight number, accommodation | Passport number, expiry date, seat number (parent’s if lap infant), flight number, accommodation |
| Separate SGAC required? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Consent & Documentation for Children Entering Singapore
A child travelling with one parent must carry a written parental consent letter from the absent parent, the child’s birth certificate (especially when the child has a different surname), and any custody documents if applicable. Singapore Arrival Card requirements for minors extend beyond the digital form; immigration officers may request additional documents at the checkpoint.
- Both parents travel: Standard documents apply. Each parent and child submits an individual SGAC.
- One parent travels: Carry a written consent letter from the absent parent, the child’s birth certificate, and custody documents if applicable.
- Grandparent or guardian travels: Provide written consent from both parents, proof of relationship, and custody or guardianship documents.
- Unaccompanied minor: Include a notarised consent letter signed by both parents, contact details for the receiving adult in Singapore, and the child’s birth certificate.
British citizens enjoy visa-free entry with a permitted stay of 30 to 90 days, decided by ICA immigration officers. Singapore recognises dual nationality up to age 21; minors must renounce other nationalities before age 22 to retain Singaporean citizenship. At Changi, officers have been known to ask for the child’s birth certificate when surnames differ, so carry it even with SGAC confirmation. For clarification, contact the Singapore High Commission in the UK or consult the UK government travel advice for Singapore.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out SGAC for a Family
Submit SGACs for up to 10 travellers in one group; enter passport, seat, accommodation, and health details individually.
Go to the ICA e-Service or open MyICA Mobile
Select group submission for up to 10 travellers on one trip.
Enter each family member’s details
Passport number, expiry date, nationality, flight number, and seat number.
Provide accommodation details
Hotel name and address, or host information if staying with a resident.
Complete the Electronic Health Declaration (eHDC)
For every traveller, including each child.
Use a single parent’s email address
For all children’s submissions; confirmation receipts arrive as PDFs.
Submit within 3 days before arrival
Including the arrival day. Airlines often verify SGAC completion at check-in.
Filling Out SGAC for Infants & Lap Children
For lap infants without a dedicated seat, leave the seat number field blank or enter the seat number of the parent holding the infant. The SGAC must still be submitted using the infant’s own passport details.
Email Requirements for Each Child’s SGAC
A single parent’s email address can be used for all children’s SGAC submissions. All confirmation emails and the post-arrival e-Pass will arrive at that shared inbox.
Health Declarations, Immigration Lanes, and Key Warnings
The mandatory Electronic Health Declaration (eHDC) is part of every SGAC submission. Parents must complete the health symptoms declaration for each child, including infants. False declarations are punishable under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act.
Automated clearance at Changi Airport is available to all travellers with a valid ICAO-compliant passport, but in practice, very young children are typically directed to staffed family lanes. Biometrics including fingerprints, facial scans, and iris scans may be recorded; refusal may result in denial of entry.
Exemptions: Transit passengers not clearing immigration are exempt. Long-Term Pass holders (Work Pass, Student’s Pass, Dependant’s Pass) entering via Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints are exempt from SGAC submission. QR code immigration clearance is available at Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints for car, motorcycle, lorry, and bus travellers.
Customs: Submit a customs declaration via the Customs@SG app before arrival. Use the Red Channel for dutiable, controlled, or prohibited goods; the Green Channel applies when you have nothing to declare. You must declare physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments (CBNI) exceeding S$20,000.
Warning: The ICA does not endorse any commercial third-party SGAC service providers. Use only the official ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app, both free of charge.
Yellow fever: If arriving from a yellow fever risk country within 6 days (or more than 12 hours in transit), a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all travellers, including children. Non-compliance may result in mandatory quarantine or entry refusal.
FAQ: SG Arrival Card for Children and Families (2026)
Do I need to submit a separate Singapore Arrival Card for each child?
Singapore Arrival Card requirements for minors: Every child, regardless of age, must have their own SGAC submitted individually before arrival. Parents fill out the form using the child’s passport details, health declaration, and accommodation information. The SGAC is free, digital-only, and must be submitted up to 3 days before your Singapore arrival date.
Are there any fees for children when submitting the Singapore Arrival Card?
No. The SGAC is completely free of charge for all travellers, including children. The ICA does not endorse any commercial third-party SGAC service providers, so avoid paying unnecessary fees to unofficial websites.
What if my child’s passport is renewed after submitting the SGAC?
Use the “Update SGAC” feature on the SG Arrival Card e-Service to link the digital arrival card to the correct, valid passport number before you arrive in Singapore.
Can I use the same email address for all my children’s SGAC submissions?
Yes. A single parent’s email address can be used for all children’s submissions. All confirmation emails and the post-arrival e-Pass will arrive at that shared inbox.
What documents do I need to carry for my family when entering Singapore?
Each child needs a passport valid for 6 months from arrival. A birth certificate may be required as proof of relationship. If arriving from a yellow fever risk country within 6 days, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is also needed.
Does my child need a visa or just the Arrival Card if they hold a British passport?
British citizens, including minors, do not require a visa to enter Singapore. They are granted visa-free entry with a stay of 30 to 90 days, decided by the immigration officer. However, they must still submit the SGAC before arrival.
How do I declare health information for an infant on the SGAC?
The eHDC is mandatory for every SGAC submission. Parents must complete the health symptoms declaration for their infant just as they would for older children or themselves. False declarations are punishable under the Infectious Diseases Act.
Can my child use the automated immigration lanes at Changi Airport?
Automated clearance is available to all travellers with a valid ICAO-compliant passport. However, very young children are typically directed to staffed family lanes. Biometrics may be recorded, and refusal may result in denial of entry.
What is the e-Pass and how will I receive it for my child?
The e-Pass is a digital Visit Pass sent via email (since 11 March 2022) that shows the last allowed day of stay. It is sent to the email provided in the child’s SGAC submission.
Do I need parental consent if my child is travelling with only one parent?
Yes. A child travelling with one parent may need a written consent letter from the absent parent, a birth certificate (especially when surnames differ), and custody documents if applicable, to verify the family relationship at Singapore immigration.
