Singapore Arrival Card vs e-Visa: What UK Travellers Need to Know in 2026

The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free, mandatory electronic arrival declaration required of all travellers entering Singapore, submitted within 3 days before arrival. The Singapore e-Visa is a paid (S$30) entry permit required only for nationals of visa-required countries. UK citizens are visa-exempt and need only the SGAC.

Last updated: 15 September 2026. Immigration policies may change without notice; always verify with the ICA website before travel.

SG Arrival Card vs e-Visa: Definitions and Eligibility

The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free, mandatory electronic arrival declaration (replacing the paper Disembarkation/Embarkation card discontinued on 27 March 2020) that all travellers must submit within 3 days including arrival day via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app, with an integrated Electronic Health Declaration. It is not a visa. Confirmation includes a DE number and QR code. Group submission and an “Update SGAC” feature are available. Long-Term Pass Holders entering via land checkpoints (Woodlands, Tuas) are exempt from the full SGAC but must still submit the health declaration. Transit travellers not leaving Singapore territory are also exempt.

Pro Tip: The SGAC submission takes under 5 minutes if your passport is ready. Completing it on the MyICA Mobile app saves your profile for repeat trips.

The Singapore e-Visa is a paid entry permit for nationals of visa-required Assessment Level countries. It costs S$30 via the SAVE platform, processes in 1 to 3 working days, and requires Form 14A, a passport photograph, a bio-data page scan, and sponsor details. On approval, a PDF electronic visa is issued with a typical entry window of 30 days from the date of issue (distinct from the Visit Pass duration granted at immigration). If rejected, applicants may reapply with corrected documentation; there is no formal appeal process for tourist e-Visas.

Do UK Citizens Need an e-Visa?

No. UK passport holders are visa-exempt for short-term visits to Singapore and need only the SG Arrival Card. The ICA visa requirements list confirms this.

Side-by-Side Comparison: SGAC and e-Visa

Do You Need Both Documents?

Visa-required nationals need both the Singapore e-Visa and the SG Arrival Card. Visa-exempt travellers, including UK citizens, need only the SGAC.

Are you from a visa-required country?
|
|-- YES -> You need BOTH: e-Visa + SG Arrival Card
| (Apply for e-Visa first; submit SGAC within 3 days of arrival)
|
|-- NO -> You only need the SG Arrival Card
 (UK citizens fall here - no visa required)

Singapore Border Control and Common Mistakes

At border control, present your SGAC QR code (and PDF e-Visa if applicable), passport with minimum 6 months validity, and biometrics (fingerprints, facial scan, iris scan). An electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) is emailed to the address registered in your SGAC submission, replacing the former arrival stamp. Short-term visitors must also carry sufficient cash and proof of onward travel (tickets, visas). The Short-Term Visit Pass does not permit paid employment, and overstaying is a punishable offence. e-Pass validity can be checked via ICA’s e-Pass Enquiry Portal.

• Confusing the SGAC with a visa – the SGAC is a health and arrival declaration, not an entry permit.
• Submitting the SGAC outside the 3-day window – submit within 3 days including arrival day.
• Applying for an e-Visa when not required – UK passport holders are visa-exempt and need only the SGAC.
• Forgetting that visa-required nationals need both – an approved e-Visa does not replace the mandatory SGAC.

Based on repeated trips to Singapore, I always set a calendar reminder to submit the SGAC exactly 3 days before departure, avoiding last-minute submission errors.

SG Arrival Card vs e-Visa FAQ

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the ICA website for the latest requirements.