The SGAC is a free mandatory declaration submitted within 3 days before arrival; a Singapore visa costs SGD 30 for visa-required nationals. UK travellers need the SGAC but are visa-exempt for 30 days.
Both are pre-arrival formalities submitted online, but they serve different legal purposes: the SGAC is a health/immigration declaration, while a Singapore entry visa is an entry authorisation. Neither replaces the other; travellers who need both must obtain each separately.
Published 15 September 2026. Informational guide only; not affiliated with the Singapore Government. ICA entering Singapore guidelines last updated 25 June 2026.
What is the SG Arrival Card vs a Singapore Visa?
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free mandatory electronic health and immigration declaration submitted within 3 days before arrival; a Singapore entry visa is a paid pre-travel authorisation (SGD 30, 3-5 working days via Form 14A) required only for visa-required nationalities. The SGAC is a receipt only, not a visa, not Form 14A, not an e-Visa. The paper disembarkation/embarkation card was discontinued on 27 March 2020.
| Feature | SG Arrival Card | Singapore Visa | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (SGD 0) | SGD 30 per application | No government fee vs paid |
| Purpose | Health & immigration declaration | Entry authorisation | Declaration vs permission |
| Submission timing | Within 3 days before arrival | 3-5 working days processing | Last-minute vs advance planning |
| Who needs it | All travellers (unless exempt) | Visa-required nationalities only | Universal vs selective |
| Process | Online self-service or MyICA app | ICA or authorised agent | DIY vs agent-assisted |
| Validity | Single arrival | Entry window (single or multiple) | Per-arrival vs multi-use |
| Output | Acknowledgement email | e-Visa approval | Different legal documents |
| Missing it | May be denied entry | Cannot board or enter | Different failure points |
| Obtainable at border? | No – pre-submission required | No – pre-approval required | Neither issued on arrival |
| Submission channel | ICA e-Service / MyICA app | ICA or approved agents | Self-service vs application |
| Issuer | Traveller self-submits; ICA receives | ICA (or embassy) approves | Declaration vs approval |
| Updatable after submission? | Yes (Update SGAC feature) | No – new application required | Flexible vs fixed |
Key takeaway: The SG Arrival Card vs visa distinction comes down to three differences: the SGAC is free while a Singapore visa costs SGD 30; the SGAC applies to all travellers while a visa is selective; the SGAC is a declaration while a visa is entry permission.
Who Needs Which Document for Singapore in 2026?
All travellers need the Singapore Arrival Card unless exempt; a Singapore visa is only for visa-required nationalities.
Travelling on a UK passport? UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days but must still submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival. Verify your status on the ICA visa-required list. To extend your stay, apply for a Visit Pass extension via the ICA e-Service (subject to approval).
Transit passengers staying airside without seeking immigration clearance are exempt from both. Scenario A: staying in the transit area with no baggage transfer needed means exempt. Scenario B: if your airline does not transfer baggage and you must clear arrival immigration, the SGAC is required. Visa-required nationals may qualify for the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF).
How to Submit the SG Arrival Card and Apply for a Visa
Submit the Singapore Arrival Card via the ICA e-Service or MyICA Mobile app; a Singapore entry visa requires Form 14A and supporting documents processed by ICA.
Submit the SG Arrival Card
Online at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard or via the free MyICA Mobile app (iOS and Android). Individual submission takes 5 to 7 minutes; group submission is allowed for a single trip.
Apply for a Singapore entry visa
Use Form 14A, a passport photo, a Letter of Introduction from a local contact or authorised agent, plus flight and hotel details. The fee is SGD 30 per application.
Track your visa application
Via the ICA SAVE portal. Standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Visa validity (entry window) differs from Visit Pass validity (stay duration granted at border).
Present your travel document
At immigration. Neither the SGAC nor a Singapore visa can be obtained at the border.
Visa Types for Singapore
Singapore visa types include tourist visa (Social Visit Pass), business visa, and transit visa. Single-entry and multiple-entry (MEV) options exist. Eligible visa-required nationals may use the 96-hour Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF). Short-term visitors on an e-Pass cannot engage in paid employment.
Common Mistakes and Exemptions to Know
Common errors and exemptions:
- 🔴 Wrong arrival dates in the Singapore Arrival Card invalidate your declaration.
- 🔴 Copycat or scam websites only domains ending in .gov.sg are legitimate; the SGAC is free.
- 🔴 Assuming the SGAC replaces a visa a Singapore visa is a separate entry authorisation for visa-required nationalities.
- 🟡 Forgetting health declaration update if health status changes, use Update SGAC; false declarations are prosecutable under the Infectious Diseases Act.
- 🟡 Exceeding the CBNI threshold cash and bearer negotiable instruments over S$20,000 must be declared via Customs@SG.
- 🟡 Not checking transit exemption rules verify whether you need immigration clearance before assuming exemption.
- 🔴 Showing up without a valid travel document passports need at least 6 months validity; collective documents are not accepted.
SGAC exemptions apply to transit passengers staying airside, and to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass Holders entering through Woodlands or Tuas land checkpoints. Singapore Residents arriving by air or sea must still submit the health declaration only. Since 30 January 2026, airlines may be instructed to verify SGAC submission before boarding under the ICA No-Boarding Directive. Automated clearance gates are available for all travellers with valid ICAO-compliant passports.
Beware of Scam Sites
The SGAC is free on ICA channels only (.gov.sg domains and MyICA Mobile app). ICA never charges a submission fee. Verify: (1) URL must end in.gov.sg, (2) app must be MyICA Mobile on App Store or Google Play, (3) no payment should be requested. ICA telephone: +65 6391 6100 (24-hour automated service).
What If My Flight Is Delayed?
If your arrival shifts within the 3-day SGAC window, no action is needed. If it shifts outside the window, use the Update SGAC feature on the ICA e-Service to adjust your arrival date.
FAQ: SG Arrival Card vs Visa
Is the SG Arrival Card a visa on arrival?
No. The SGAC is an electronic declaration submitted before travel. Singapore does not offer visa on arrival. The SGAC is free and does not grant entry rights.
Can my SGAC be rejected?
The SGAC is not subject to immigration approval; it is a mandatory declaration, not an application. However, incomplete or false declarations may lead to denial of entry.
What documents do I need at the immigration counter?
(1) Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, (2) SGAC acknowledgement email or app record, (3) visa or e-Visa if applicable, (4) proof of onward travel, (5) sufficient funds, and (6) yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled to risk countries within 6 days (including airport transit exceeding 12 hours).
Is the Singapore Arrival Card free?
Yes, the SGAC is completely free with no government fee. The only channels are the SGAC e-Service at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard and the MyICA Mobile app, both free.
How many days before arrival should I submit my SGAC?
Submit the Singapore Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival, including the day of arrival. If your flight is delayed outside the 3-day window, use the Update SGAC feature to adjust.
Do I need a visa if I’m transiting through Singapore?
If you remain in the transit area without seeking immigration clearance, you are exempt from both. If you must clear arrival immigration, you need the SGAC. Visa-required nationals may qualify for the 96-hour VFTF.
What is the fee for a Singapore entry visa?
The standard Singapore entry visa fee is SGD 30 per application. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days. Required: Form 14A, passport photo, Letter of Introduction, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Track via ICA SAVE portal.
How do I know if I need a visa for Singapore?
Check the ICA visa-required countries list at www.ica.gov.sg. UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 30 days. All travellers must submit the SGAC unless exempt.
Is the SG Arrival Card the same as an e-Visa?
No. The Singapore Arrival Card is a health and immigration declaration. An e-Visa is an entry authorisation. A visa-free traveller needs only the SGAC; a visa-required traveller needs both.
