Entry policy and Singapore arrival card application | Natvisa

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SG Arrival Card required
Visa rules vary
eVisa for select nationalities
Biometric clearance on arrival
Singapore requires all travelers to submit the SG Arrival Card and follow visa regulations based on nationality. Some visitors qualify for eVisa or visa-free entry, while others need local sponsorship. Automated immigration clearance uses biometric data. Strict penalties apply for overstaying or carrying prohibited items like drugs, e-cigarettes.
Validity
Stay
Gov. Fee
Entries
Singapore Arrival Card
Valid for:
30 Days
30 Days
Stay:
Varies
Varies
Gov Fees:
$0 USD
$0 USD
Entries:
Single
Single

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This document provides an overview of Singapore's entry policies, visa requirements, and the mandatory SG Arrival Card. It highlights key considerations for travelers, including visa exemptions, application processes, and the role of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The document also covers special provisions for travelers from specific countries, as well as insights into automated immigration clearance and overstaying penalties.

Visa Requirements and Entry Conditions

Visa Requirement Overview
Depending on the country of origin, duration of stay, and type of passport issued, travelers may require a permit/pass or a visa to enter Singapore. Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not require a visa. However, Chinese and Indian citizens need a Singapore visa and a valid passport. As of date, 36 nationalities require an entry visa. Those eligible will also require Form 14 A along with supporting documents for social and business visits. A social visit visa is for recreation or to meet friends and family.

Visa-Exempt Countries and eVisa Information
Most other nations, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Singapore offers eVisa to select nations, but the official site does not list the eligible countries. Those eligible should check visa fees and document requirements with the Singapore Embassy.

Who Needs a Visa
Citizens from the following countries require a visa to Singapore: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, North Korea, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong SAR (Document of Identity), India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Macao SAR (Travel Permit), Mali, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, PRC (China), Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

Application Process and SG Arrival Card

Special Document Holders Needing Visas
Travelers also need a visa if they hold a passport issued by the Palestinian Authority, are Refugee Travel Document holders from Middle Eastern countries, or are Temporary Passport holders issued by the UAE. Visa approval is not a guarantee of entry. ICA officers decide entry eligibility. All entry matters are handled by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Travelers should confirm required documents with the Singapore Embassy before planning travel.

Visa Application through ICA
ICA assesses each visa application individually. Citizens from visa-required countries must apply via ICA’s website through a local contact or sponsor who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid SingPass/CorpPass. For business visits, the sponsor must represent a Singapore-registered business.

Options without a Local Sponsor
If a traveler lacks a local sponsor, they should contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission (SOM) or use an Authorized Visa Agent (AVA) appointed by the SOM.

SG Arrival Card Requirements
All travelers must submit the SG Arrival Card within three days of arrival. It is valid for 30 days. Required fields include Date of Birth, Arrival Date, Hotel Name, and Email Address. The card is mandatory for all visitors, including Singaporeans arriving by air or sea. It includes personal data, trip details, and a health statement. No fee is charged. The paper-based “White Card” has been discontinued since 2020. Submission can be done online or through the mobile app.

Additional Details and Policies

Visa Types and Other Passes
Visa types include Business Visa for meetings, conferences, and seminars; Social Visa for family and recreation visits; Long-Term Visit Passes for spouses, differently abled children of S Pass Holders, or parents of Employment Pass holders earning over 12,000 SGD (8970 USD). Travelers applying for business or social visas must fill out Form 14A and V39A or submit approval letters from the Ministry of Manpower or ICA.

Work Passes and Electronic Visa (eVisa)
Singapore also issues work passes for professionals, skilled workers, short-term visitors, students, and trainees. Applicants should contact the Singapore Embassy for details. The eVisa can be obtained online through SAVE, and must be submitted by a local contact. Once approved, the electronic visa can be printed.

Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI)
The ACI allows qualified travelers, including first-time visitors, to use automated lanes at immigration. As of April 2023, 130 lanes were installed at Changi Airport and 40 at land checkpoints. Travelers are automatically enrolled in biometrics (iris, face, fingerprint) during arrival. After clearance, they receive an e-Pass by email. Automated lanes aim to handle 95% of arrivals by early 2024. Eligibility was expanded to 51 jurisdictions, including APEC Business Travel Card holders.

Penalties and Prohibited Items
Overstaying is a serious offense, punishable by up to 6,000 SGD (4483 USD), six months in jail, and caning up to 3 strokes. Carrying drugs is a legal offense. Prohibited items include tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, ammunition, radio communicators, and replica guns like pistol-shaped lighters.

FAQs

Is there a deadline for submitting the Singapore Arrival Card?

Yes, the SGAC must be submitted within three days before your arrival in Singapore. Do not submit it earlier than this, as your information may no longer be valid.

Can I apply for the Singapore Arrival Card if I don’t have a confirmed flight?

You need to have your travel details, including flight number and date of arrival, to complete the SGAC application. Wait until you have confirmed travel plans before applying.

Do I need to submit a new Singapore Arrival Card if my travel dates change?

Yes, if your travel dates change, you need to resubmit the SGAC with the updated details. Ensure the submission is made within three days before your new date of arrival.

Can I use the same Singapore Arrival Card for re-entry into Singapore?

No, each entry into Singapore requires a separate SGAC submission. You need to reapply every time you plan to enter the country.

Where can I read more on Singapore entry documents?

See [here](https://www.natvisatravel.com/singapore-info) for more information regarding documents and visas.
Singapore resources