Many travelers are confused by the different names used for Singapore’s mandatory pre-arrival form. Is the Singapore Arrival Card the same as the SG Arrival Card? What about SGAC? This guide clarifies all the names and terminology used for Singapore’s digital entry requirement in 2026.
Singapore Arrival Card vs SG Arrival Card – Are They the Same?
Yes – Singapore Arrival Card, SG Arrival Card, and SGAC are all the same thing. They are different names for the same mandatory digital pre-arrival form required by Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Here is a quick reference:
- Singapore Arrival Card = Full formal name
- SG Arrival Card = Official short name used by ICA
- SGAC = Abbreviation of SG Arrival Card
- ICA Arrival Card = Informal reference to the ICA’s arrival card system
- Singapore digital arrival card = Descriptive term used by travel sites
Why Are There So Many Names?
The form was officially named the “SG Arrival Card” by the ICA, which stands for “Singapore Arrival Card” – hence “SG” as an abbreviation for Singapore. However, travelers and travel websites commonly use the full name “Singapore Arrival Card” for clarity in search results and content.
The result is that both “SG Arrival Card” and “Singapore Arrival Card” are widely used, creating the impression that they might be different documents. They are not.
Where to Find the Official SG Arrival Card / SGAC
The official portal for the SG Arrival Card (SGAC / Singapore Arrival Card) is:
- Website: eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
- Mobile app: MyICA Mobile (iOS and Android)
- Domain confirmation: The official ICA website uses the .gov.sg domain
The SGAC is free. See our fee guide for details on avoiding third-party paid services.
Terms NOT Related to the Singapore Arrival Card
Some terms are sometimes confused with the SGAC but refer to different things:
- Singapore visa: A separate travel authorization required for some nationalities – not the same as the SGAC
- SingPass: Singapore’s national digital identity system – used for residents, not for tourist SGAC submissions
- ICA e-Pass: Digital pass issued on entry to Singapore – different from the pre-arrival SGAC
- Disembarkation/Embarkation card (white card): The old paper system that the SGAC replaced in 2020
- Entry permit: A different ICA document for long-term residents
Complete Table: Singapore Entry Terminology
| Term | What It Is | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Arrival Card / SG Arrival Card / SGAC | Pre-arrival digital form | Yes – all foreign nationals |
| Singapore Visa | Entry authorization for some nationalities | Only for non-visa-exempt nationalities |
| Disembarkation/Embarkation Card | Old paper form (discontinued 2020) | No – replaced by SGAC |
| SingPass | National digital ID for residents | No – for residents only |
| Autogate | Automated border control system | Optional – for eligible nationalities |
How to Submit the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC / SG Arrival Card)
Regardless of which name you use, here is how to submit the form:
- Visit eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard
- Complete the form with your passport and travel details
- Submit within 3 days before your arrival
- Receive instant confirmation
Full instructions: how to fill the Singapore Arrival Card. Check eligible travelers to confirm your requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SG Arrival Card different from the Singapore Arrival Card?
No. “SG Arrival Card” and “Singapore Arrival Card” are the same form. SG is simply an abbreviation for Singapore. Both names refer to the mandatory digital pre-arrival form at eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard.
What does SGAC stand for?
SGAC stands for “SG Arrival Card” where SG = Singapore. The abbreviation is used by the ICA and Singapore government in official communications.
Is the old Singapore white card still used?
No. The old paper disembarkation/embarkation card (white card) was completely replaced by the digital SG Arrival Card (SGAC) in 2020. There is no paper version anymore.
