Published: 15 January 2026. Last updated: 15 September 2026. Penalty amounts and enforcement confirmed against ICA guidelines dated 30 January 2026.
In 2026, failing to submit the SG Arrival Card before arrival can result in an SGAC penalty of up to SGD 400. Providing false information carries a maximum fine of SGD 10,000 and up to six months imprisonment under the Infectious Diseases Act. Prosecutions are handled by Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Source: ICA SG Arrival Card.
What Is the SG Arrival Card and When Must You Submit It?
The SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration is a free, mandatory electronic arrival declaration, not a visa, due within 3 calendar days before arrival in Singapore, including the day of arrival. Missing this deadline triggers a penalty. Travellers can submit via the ICA e-Service portal or the free MyICA Mobile application (Google Play, App Store). The SGAC takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and an acknowledgement email serves as proof of submission.
Transit passengers not seeking immigration clearance are exempt from the SG Arrival Card. Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders using land checkpoints at Woodlands or Tuas are also exempt from the SGAC requirement.
SGAC Penalty Amounts: Fines for Non-Submission and False Declarations in 2026
The SGAC penalty for non-submission is capped at SGD 400 as an administrative fine under the Immigration Act (Cap. 133). A false declaration on the SG Arrival Card escalates to a criminal offence with fines up to SGD 10,000. First-time non-submission may attract a warning or reduced fine; repeat offences escalate to the maximum penalty.
| Offence | Maximum Fine (SGD) | Imprisonment | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-submission | SGD 400 | None | Immigration Act (Cap. 133) |
| Late submission | Administrative fine | None | Immigration Act |
| False declaration | SGD 10,000 | Up to 6 months | Infectious Diseases Act |
Consequence pathway: No SGAC before check-in: airline may deny boarding under the No-Boarding Directive. No SGAC at the checkpoint: administrative fine up to SGD 400. False information on the SG Arrival Card: criminal prosecution, fine up to SGD 10,000, up to 6 months imprisonment.
Criminal Penalties: When an SGAC Violation Leads to Court
Providing false information on the SG Arrival Card triggers criminal prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act, with up to six months imprisonment. The case proceeds to Singapore’s State Courts rather than being resolved at the checkpoint. The SG Arrival Card false-declaration offence is enforced by ICA; overstaying, a separate offence, can lead to caning and deportation, as confirmed by UK government travel advice.
A German national was fined SGD 1,000 for illegal entry in a 2024 case; this is a distinct offence from SGAC non-submission and should not be conflated with the SGD 400 administrative fine.
Forgot to Submit? Remedies, Corrections, and Appeals
Travellers who forgot to submit the SG Arrival Card can rectify it before reaching the immigration counter. The SGAC penalty can still be avoided if you act promptly.
Complete the SGAC at the airport
Use Changi Airport self-service kiosks or terminal Wi-Fi before queuing for immigration clearance. The ICA e-Service portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard is accessible on any mobile device.
Correct mistakes with “Update SGAC”
Use the “Update SGAC” function on the ICA e-Service portal to fix errors on a card already submitted. The system sends an acknowledgement email to your declared address, serving as proof of compliance.
Appeal via ICA Feedback Channel
Appeal an SGAC penalty through the ICA Feedback Channel if penalised despite timely or corrected submission. Retain the acknowledgement email as supporting evidence.
Special Scenarios: UK Travellers, Portal Outage, Third-Party Liability, and Visa Impact
The SGAC penalty applies equally to British passport holders and all other foreign nationals. UK citizens enjoy visa-free entry for 30 to 90 days but must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival. The SG Arrival Card remains mandatory regardless of British citizenship. For queries, contact the Singapore High Commission in the UK.
Under the No-Boarding Directive (from 30 January 2026), airlines face fines up to SGD 10,000 per case, but travellers still face penalties at the checkpoint. If denied boarding, contact the ICA Feedback Channel before rebooking.
If an ICA portal outage prevented submission, appeal via the ICA Feedback Channel and keep screenshots as evidence. If a third-party travel agent submits the SGAC with incorrect details, liability rests entirely on the individual traveller. Unauthorised commercial submission entities are not affiliated with or endorsed by ICA; use the free ICA channels instead.
An SG Arrival Card non-compliance record may affect future Singapore visa applications and could delay automatic e-Pass issuance at the checkpoint.
FAQ
What is the exact fine for not submitting the SG Arrival Card?
The maximum SGAC penalty is SGD 400 under the Immigration Act (Cap. 133) for non-submission or late submission.
Can I go to jail for not submitting my SG Arrival Card?
Simple non-submission does not result in jail time. Providing false information can lead to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act with up to six months imprisonment.
What is the difference between a non-submission penalty and a false declaration penalty?
Non-submission is an administrative breach under the Immigration Act (Cap. 133) with a fine up to SGD 400. A false declaration is a criminal offence under the Infectious Diseases Act, with fines up to SGD 10,000 and potential jail time.
How many days before arrival must I submit the SG Arrival Card?
You must submit the SGAC within 3 calendar days before arrival in Singapore, including the day of your arrival.
Can I submit my SG Arrival Card at Changi Airport if I forgot?
Yes, use the self-service kiosks or free Wi-Fi at Changi Airport to complete your SG Arrival Card before proceeding to immigration clearance.
What happens if I provided false health information on my SG Arrival Card?
Providing false health information on the SGAC is a criminal offence under the Infectious Diseases Act, carrying fines up to SGD 10,000 and up to six months imprisonment.
Are transit passengers exempt from the SG Arrival Card requirement?
Yes, transit passengers not seeking immigration clearance are exempt, but must submit the SGAC if entering Singapore.
Do UK passport holders face different SGAC penalties than other nationalities?
No, British passport holders face the exact same SGAC penalty rules as other foreign visitors, with no special exemptions.
Can I appeal against an SG Arrival Card penalty fine?
Yes, appeal through the ICA Feedback Channel, retaining your acknowledgement email as supporting evidence of timely or corrected submission.
Will an SGAC non-submission penalty affect my next Singapore visa application?
An SG Arrival Card non-compliance record may affect future Singapore visa applications and could delay automatic e-Pass issuance at the checkpoint.
Am I still liable if my travel agent submitted the SGAC with incorrect details?
Yes, liability rests entirely on the individual traveller, not the agent. Always verify the submitted SGAC details yourself.
What happens if the ICA website was down when I tried to submit my SGAC?
If an ICA portal outage prevented submission, appeal via the ICA Feedback Channel and keep screenshots as evidence.
Disclaimer: Immigration penalties and enforcement policies are subject to change without notice. Travellers should verify current requirements with the ICA or their airline before departure. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Additional sources: GOV.UK Singapore travel advice, Smartraveller Singapore.
