Having trouble with your Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)? This troubleshooting guide covers the most common problems travelers encounter when submitting the SGAC in 2026 and provides step-by-step solutions.
Most Common SGAC Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: “Cannot Submit SGAC – Too Early”
Error message: “Submission is not accepted” or the form won’t accept your arrival date.
Cause: You are trying to submit more than 3 days before your arrival in Singapore.
Solution: Wait until you are within the 3-day window before your arrival. Set a reminder to submit 2 days before your flight.
See: processing time guide.
Problem 2: “Passport Number Error / Mismatch”
Cause: Typographical error in passport number, or using dashes/spaces that shouldn’t be there.
Solution:
- Check your passport’s photo page carefully
- Enter the passport number exactly as printed – no spaces, no dashes unless they appear in the passport
- Submit a new SGAC with the corrected passport number
- Note: Multiple SGAC submissions are allowed; the most recent valid one counts
Problem 3: “Email Confirmation Not Received”
Cause: Typo in email address, email in spam folder, or email server delay.
Solution:
- Check your spam/junk email folder first
- Wait up to 15 minutes for delivery
- If still not received: resubmit the SGAC with double-checked email address
- The on-screen confirmation at submission time is also valid proof
Problem 4: “Wrong Accommodation Address”
Cause: Hotel name/address entered incorrectly or changed accommodation after submission.
Solution: Submit a new SGAC with the correct accommodation details. The SGAC cannot be edited – you must resubmit. The ICA system accepts multiple submissions. See requirements guide.
Problem 5: “Flight Changed After SGAC Submission”
Cause: Airline rescheduled your flight or you booked a different flight.
Solution: Submit a new SGAC with your updated flight details. If the new arrival date is still within 3 days, submit immediately. If it’s more than 3 days away, set a reminder to resubmit when you’re within the window.
Problem 6: “Website Error / Portal Unavailable”
Cause: ICA portal maintenance, server issues, or browser compatibility problems.
Solution:
- Try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try the MyICA Mobile app instead of the website
- Try again after 30 minutes – maintenance is usually brief
- If arriving soon, contact the ICA directly
Problem 7: “Third-Party Site Charged Me / Scam”
Cause: Used a third-party website that charged a fee for the free SGAC service.
Solution: The SGAC itself is free and valid regardless of where it was submitted (as long as the information is correct). If you paid a third party, your SGAC may still be valid. Check for the confirmation reference number and your submitted details. In future, use only the official ICA portal at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard. See our fee guide.
Problem 8: “Immigration Officer Says SGAC Not Found”
Cause: Passport number on SGAC doesn’t match physical passport, or submission too far in advance (old submission).
Solution:
- Show your email confirmation to the immigration officer
- Explain you submitted within the 3-day window
- If SGAC genuinely missing: immigration officers can manually verify or allow you to submit on the spot in exceptional cases
- Having your email confirmation is your safety net
Contacting the ICA for SGAC Issues
If you cannot resolve your SGAC issue independently:
- ICA website: ica.gov.sg
- ICA hotline: +65 6391 6100 (Singapore)
- ICA email: Contact form available on ica.gov.sg
- Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm SGT
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the SGAC twice?
Yes. You can submit the SGAC multiple times. If you make an error, simply submit a new SGAC with the correct information. The most recent valid submission linked to your passport number will be used at immigration. There is no penalty for multiple submissions.
My SGAC shows a different name than my passport – what do I do?
This is a critical issue. Your SGAC details must match your passport exactly. Submit a new SGAC with your name entered exactly as it appears on your passport’s photo page. Do not use nicknames or alternate spellings.
I arrived in Singapore without submitting the SGAC – what happens?
Singapore immigration may detain you for additional questioning if you arrive without an SGAC. In some cases, you may be allowed to submit on the spot, but this is at the immigration officer’s discretion. To avoid this situation, always submit the SGAC before travel. See the full SGAC guide.
The ICA portal says my date of birth is invalid – how do I fix this?
Ensure you are entering your date of birth in the correct format (DD/MM/YYYY). Check that you have selected the correct day, month, and year. If the issue persists, try a different browser or the MyICA app.
