SG Arrival Card (SGAC) — What Indian Travellers Need to Know
The SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a free, mandatory digital arrival and health declaration that travellers who are required by ICA submit online within 3 days before they arrive. It is not a visa, and it does not replace one — this is the single most important thing to understand about it, and one of the most commonly confused points for first-time travellers.
Three Different Things — Don't Mix Them Up
Indian travellers to Singapore typically deal with three separate items, each at a different stage of the trip:
| What | When | What It Is |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Visa | Applied for before travel | Pre-travel permission to enter Singapore, obtained through an authorised visa application channel |
| SG Arrival Card (SGAC) | Submitted within 3 days before arrival | A free, mandatory arrival/health declaration — not a visa |
| Visit Pass (e-Pass) | Granted on arrival | Digital entry permission issued at the checkpoint, emailed with no passport stamp |
See our entry requirements overview for how all three fit together across your trip.
Is the SG Arrival Card Free?
Yes. There is no fee to submit the SG Arrival Card. Be cautious of any third party charging you specifically for "SG Arrival Card submission" as if it were a paid service — the declaration itself is free.
When to Submit It
Within 3 days before you arrive in Singapore. Submitting it too early (outside that window) generally won't be accepted, and you shouldn't wait until after you've landed — it's meant to be completed shortly before arrival.
Does the SG Arrival Card Replace My Visa?
No. If you're an Indian passport holder who needs a Singapore visa for your trip, submitting the SG Arrival Card does not remove that requirement — you need both. The SG Arrival Card is an arrival declaration; the visa is entry permission. They're assessed separately.
What Happens After You Submit It
The SG Arrival Card is one part of your pre-arrival preparation. Once you land, you're separately granted the Visit Pass (e-Pass) digitally at the checkpoint — this is issued after your visa and is not something the SG Arrival Card grants on its own.
Need Help Getting the Sequence Right?
If you're not sure what applies to your specific trip — visa, SG Arrival Card, or both — get in touch and we'll walk you through exactly what's needed and when, alongside your visa application. See our full application process guide for the complete picture.
Get Pre-Travel Guidance
We'll confirm exactly what you need, and when, for your trip.
SG Arrival Card (SGAC) — FAQ
Direct answers for Indian travellers. For anything not covered here, see our full Singapore Visa FAQs page.
What is the SG Arrival Card?
A free, mandatory digital arrival and health declaration that travellers to Singapore submit online within 3 days before they arrive. It is not a visa and does not replace one.
Key Terms — Singapore Visa for Indians
Singapore Entry Visa
Pre-travel permission to enter Singapore. Indian passport holders generally need one before travel; it is applied for through an authorised visa application channel, not directly with ICA.
Visit Pass (e-Pass)
Granted digitally at the checkpoint when you arrive in Singapore — emailed, with no passport stamp (since 11 Mar 2022). This is different from the visa itself.
SG Arrival Card (SGAC)
A free, mandatory digital arrival and health declaration submitted online within 3 days before you arrive. It is not a visa and does not replace one.
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
The Singapore government authority responsible for visa and entry decisions. Visa Expertz assists with preparation and submission only — final decisions rest with ICA.
Social Visit Pass
The official term for a tourist/social Singapore visit — covering leisure travel and visiting family or friends.
Short-Term Business Visit
A visit for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, or trade events. Not a work pass — no employment or salary in Singapore.
Authorised Visa Application Channel
Since individuals in India cannot file directly with ICA, applications are submitted through an authorised channel on the applicant's behalf.