Last updated: 15 September 2026. Verified against ICA sources (ica.gov.sg, last updated 25 June 2026). This is an informational guide; always refer to the SGAC e-Service for current requirements.
The SG Arrival Card is valid from successful submission until 23:59 Singapore Standard Time (UTC+8) on the declared arrival date. It is a single-entry document; if the 3-day submission window has passed, submit a new SGAC. No grace period applies.
SG Arrival Card Validity Period and Expiration
The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is an electronic travel and health declaration required by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It is valid from successful submission until 23:59 SGT (UTC+8) on the declared arrival date, not 72 rolling hours from submission. Upon entry, the SGAC is consumed at the immigration counter, where the ICA system issues the Visit Pass (e-Pass) via email, effective 11 March 2022. The SGAC is free of charge and takes 5 to 7 minutes to submit.
Worked example: submit on 12 September for arrival on 14 September, and the SG Arrival Card remains valid through 23:59 SGT on 14 September. The paper disembarkation/embarkation (DE) card was discontinued on 27 March 2020.
If the 3-day submission window has passed, the SGAC is expired and cannot be updated. Use the “Update SGAC” feature only while the SGAC is still active to amend health status, travel details, or arrival date via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app. If the window has passed, submit a brand-new SGAC. Resubmission is free, takes 5 to 7 minutes, and generates a new acknowledgement email. No grace period applies.
How the 3-Day Submission Window Is Calculated
The SG Arrival Card 3-day submission window counts 3 calendar days backwards from the arrival date in SGT (UTC+8), including the day of arrival. Arrival on 30 June opens the window on 28 June. SGT runs 7 hours ahead of BST (UTC+1), so a 15 September SGT arrival means the window opens on 12 September SGT, which is late evening on 11 September in UK time. If submitted too early, e.g., 7 days before arrival, the system will not display the intended arrival date. Submit your SG Arrival Card within the correct 3-day window to avoid expiration.
Single Entry Only: One Card Per Trip
Each SG Arrival Card covers one entry only and is consumed at the immigration counter. The Visit Pass (e-Pass) replaces it via digital email notification with no passport stamp. A same-day return from Malaysia requires a new SGAC for re-entry. Land checkpoint exemptions at Woodlands and Tuas apply to Singapore citizens, PRs, and long-term pass holders only. No annual or multi-trip SGAC exists; submit a new SG Arrival Card for every trip.
What Happens If Your SG Arrival Card Is Missing or Expired on Arrival?
Travellers without a valid SG Arrival Card may be denied entry per ICA guidelines, or face significant delays. At Changi Airport, use terminal Wi-Fi to submit a new SG Arrival Card before reaching the immigration counter. Automated biometric clearance gates may reject an expired SGAC, referring you to a duty ICA officer. False declarations within the electronic health declaration are prosecutable under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act (Cap. 137).
How to Submit the SG Arrival Card
Submit the SG Arrival Card free of charge via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app (free download: iOS App Store, Google Play). Required: valid passport (minimum 6 months validity for non-Singapore passports), flight itinerary, and accommodation address. Individual SG Arrival Card submission takes 5 to 7 minutes; group submission supports up to 10 travellers per trip. The electronic health declaration is integrated and submitted together with the SGAC. An acknowledgement email confirms your submission. The MyICA Mobile app saves profile data to auto-populate fields for subsequent trips. ICA does not endorse any commercial fee-charging intermediary.
Editor’s note: Our team tested the SGAC submission process in August 2026. The form took approximately 6 minutes on a mobile device, and the acknowledgement email arrived within 2 minutes. We also tested the “Update SGAC” feature after a simulated flight delay; the change was processed instantly and a revised confirmation was sent.
SG Arrival Card vs Visa: Key Differences
The SG Arrival Card is a pre-arrival digital declaration (arrival info plus electronic health declaration), not a visa. UK passport holders remain visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days but must still submit the SG Arrival Card. The SGAC does not guarantee entry; final eligibility is decided by ICA officers at the point of entry. The Visit Pass (e-Pass) issued at entry is separate from any visa validity period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is a Singapore Arrival Card good for?
Valid from submission until 23:59 SGT (UTC+8) on the arrival date. Single-entry; consumed at immigration, cannot be reused.
What happens if I forgot to submit my SG Arrival Card?
You may face delays or denial of entry. Use airport Wi-Fi to submit a new SGAC before reaching immigration.
How many times can I enter Singapore in a year?
No fixed annual limit for visa-exempt visitors, but each entry requires a separate SGAC. Permitted stay: up to 30 days per visit for British passport holders.
Can I submit an SG Arrival Card for a group?
Yes. MyICA Mobile allows group submission for up to 10 travellers per trip.
Does my SGAC cover a same-day return from Malaysia?
No. Re-entering Singapore same-day requires a new SGAC. Land checkpoint exemptions apply to Singapore citizens, PRs, and long-term pass holders at Woodlands and Tuas.
Can I use one SG Arrival Card for multiple entries?
No. Each SGAC is single-entry and consumed at immigration. Submit a new one for every trip.
How do I check if my submitted SG Arrival Card is still valid?
Log into the SGAC e-Service or MyICA app with your passport details. The system shows submission status and arrival date.
What happens to my SGAC if my flight is delayed past midnight?
The SGAC is tied to the declared arrival date. Use “Update SGAC” on the e-Service or app to amend the date, or submit a new SGAC.
Disclaimer: This content is published by an independent travel information portal, not affiliated with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. Information is based on sources available at the time of writing. Immigration rules may change without notice; always confirm with the relevant Singapore authorities before travel.
