The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is required for most foreign visitors to Singapore. Understanding who needs to submit the SGAC – and who is exempt – is essential before planning your trip to Singapore in 2026.
Who Must Submit the Singapore Arrival Card?
The following categories of travelers are required to submit the SGAC before entering Singapore:
- All foreign nationals: Citizens of every country except Singapore who are arriving in Singapore
- Tourists and leisure travelers: Regardless of passport nationality or visa status
- Business travelers: All foreign business visitors entering Singapore
- Students: International students arriving to study in Singapore
- Long-term pass holders: Including Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit holders who have been abroad
- Foreign workers: All foreign workers returning to Singapore after overseas travel
- Transit passengers (in some cases): Those passing through immigration control (see transit section below)
Who Is Exempt from the Singapore Arrival Card?
The following are exempt from submitting the SGAC:
- Singapore citizens: Holders of a Singapore passport do not need to submit the SGAC
- Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs): Holders of a Singapore Blue IC (NRIC) are exempt
- Air transit passengers: Those who remain in the international transit area of the airport without passing through immigration control
Eligible Travelers by Nationality
The SGAC requirement applies to ALL foreign nationalities without exception. Whether you hold a strong passport like the USA, UK, or Australia, or a passport that requires a visa for Singapore, you still need to submit the SGAC.
Most nationalities also enjoy visa-free access to Singapore:
- Visa-free: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, EU countries, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and 160+ more
- Visa required: Some nationalities require a visa in addition to the SGAC
Country-specific guides: US | UK | Australia | EU
Singapore Arrival Card for Children
Children and infants must also have an SGAC submitted before entering Singapore. Key points:
- Every child needs their own individual SGAC
- Parents or guardians submit on behalf of minors
- Enter the child’s passport details (not the parent’s)
- Children on a family passport also need individual SGACs
SGAC for Long-Term Pass Holders Returning to Singapore
If you are a holder of a Singapore long-term pass (Employment Pass, S Pass, Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, etc.) and you have traveled outside Singapore, you must submit the SGAC before returning. The SGAC requirement applies to your foreign nationality regardless of your pass status.
Transit Passengers and the SGAC
Whether transit passengers need the SGAC depends on their transit type:
- Airside transit (no immigration clearance): No SGAC required – you remain in the international terminal
- Landside transit (passes through immigration): SGAC required – you will go through Singapore immigration control
- Overnight stopovers: SGAC required if exiting the airport and entering Singapore
Full details: Singapore Arrival Card for transit passengers.
Autogate Access for Eligible Nationalities
Singapore’s Autogate system allows faster immigration processing for eligible nationalities. In 2026, the following passport holders can use the Autogate at Singapore’s Changi Airport:
- Citizens of: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
- Singapore Citizens and PRs
- Selected long-term pass holders
Using the Autogate requires a valid SGAC, so you still need to submit the form even if you qualify for Autogate access. See airport arrival information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dual citizens need to submit the SGAC?
If you hold dual nationality, including Singapore citizenship, you are exempt from the SGAC when traveling on your Singapore passport. If you are a dual citizen of a foreign country only (no Singapore citizenship), you must submit the SGAC. Always travel on the passport that gives you the best entry conditions.
Do frequent travelers to Singapore need to submit SGAC every time?
Yes. The Singapore Arrival Card must be submitted for each entry into Singapore. It is valid for one arrival only and cannot be reused for subsequent trips. You must submit a new SGAC for each time you enter Singapore.
What happens if an ineligible person submits the SGAC?
Singapore citizens and PRs cannot submit the SGAC – the system will reject submissions from Singapore passport/IC holders. They use the Autogate with their Singapore passport or NRIC.
