For travel professionals handling bookings to Singapore and ensuring clients meet all entry requirements is essential. Amongst all, one of the key requirements is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC), an electronic arrival form that travellers must submit before entering Singapore. Understanding its purpose, how to complete it, and why it is important helps travel agents provide clients with a seamless, stress-free experience.
What is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)?
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is an online declaration form introduced by the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It replaces the traditional paper disembarkation card and is mandatory for all travellers entering Singapore, including citizens, permanent residents, and visitors.
The SGAC collects essential traveller information such as personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation address, contact number, and health declarations where applicable. This digital system enables Singapore authorities to manage immigration processes efficiently and maintain accurate records of arriving passengers.
Why is the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) Important?
The SGAC is a vital step in ensuring smooth travel and compliance for passengers. For travel professionals, understanding its importance enhances client satisfaction and prevents unnecessary delays.
1. Smooth Immigration Clearance
Travellers who submit their SGAC before arrival experience faster and more efficient immigration processing. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can cause delays at entry points.
2. Regulatory Compliance
Submission of the SGAC is a mandatory entry requirement for Singapore. By assisting clients in completing it, travel agents ensure compliance with immigration regulations and prevent issues such as denied boarding or prolonged clearance.
3. Enhancing the Travel Experience
Guiding clients through the SGAC submission helps them arrive fully prepared, reducing stress and creating a positive first impression of Singapore’s efficient entry system.
How to Complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)
Filling out the SGAC is a simple yet crucial step in travel preparation. Accuracy is key to avoiding errors that could lead to complications upon arrival.
Step 1: Collect Traveller’s Information
Gather full names as per passports, nationality, passport numbers, flight details, and travel dates. Ensure that all the information exactly matches the passport.
Step 2: Provide Contact and Accommodation Details
Travellers must provide a local Singapore address, such as their hotel, along with a valid contact number or email address.
Step 3: Health and Travel Declarations
Depending on current public health guidelines, travellers may need to declare recent travel history, vaccination status, or any symptoms.
Step 4: Submit the SGAC Online
The SGAC must be submitted electronically through the official ICA Singapore Arrival Card portal. Each traveller must submit their own card. Travel agents can guide or assist clients with the process if authorised.
Step 5: Confirm Submission
After submission, travellers will receive an SGAC acknowledgment with a QR code. This confirmation should be presented at immigration checkpoints upon arrival in Singapore.
Step 6: Review and Correct Errors
Before travel, review all submitted details to ensure there are no discrepancies. Even minor errors in passport numbers or dates can result in delays.
Tips for Travel Agents
- Inform Travellers Early: Advise clients about SGAC submission during the booking process to prevent last-minute issues.
- Stay Updated: SGAC requirements and health declarations may change based on Singapore’s immigration or health regulations. Always verify the latest information on the ICA website.
- Encourage Digital Copies: Recommend that travellers save a screenshot or PDF of their SGAC acknowledgment for easy reference.
- Coordinate Group Submissions: For group bookings, track each traveller’s SGAC status to ensure everyone has completed their form before departure.
The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a crucial component of Singapore’s entry process and plays an important role in ensuring a smooth arrival experience. For travel professionals, helping clients complete the SGAC accurately and on time not only demonstrates reliability but also enhances customer satisfaction. Staying informed about updates from the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) ensures that every traveller’s journey begins without unnecessary delays.
By integrating SGAC assistance into your pre-travel checklist, you can guarantee that clients meet all entry requirements and enjoy a seamless arrival in Singapore — one of the world’s most organized and traveller-friendly destinations.
