Do I need a Singapore arrival card if transiting through Singapore?

All travellers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card before arriving in Singapore, except: Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance; and. Residents (Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass holders*) travelling through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.



No, you generally do not need to submit an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) if you are strictly transiting through Singapore Changi Airport and do not intend to clear immigration. If your bags are checked through to your final destination and you remain within the transit area of the airport, you are exempt. However, if you plan to enter Singapore—even for a few hours to see the "Jewel" or stay overnight at a hotel outside the transit zone—you must submit the digital SG Arrival Card within three days of your arrival. In 2026, the process is entirely digital via the MyICA app or the official ICA website. It is also worth noting that if you are using the "96-hour Visa Free Transit Facility" (VFTF) to enter the city during a long layover, the Arrival Card is mandatory as part of the immigration clearance process.

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IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES All passengers (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-term Pass Holders and Foreign Visitors) who will like to enter Singapore are required to submit the electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service before clearing immigration.

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All travellers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card before arriving in Singapore, except: Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance; and. Residents (Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass holders*) travelling through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.

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It is normally between 14 to 30 days. Regardless of the length of stay granted, visitors may request for an extension of stay by applying in person at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority before the expiry of the visa granted.

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To qualify as a Transit Passenger, traveller must:
  • Have both flights booked in the same booking itinerary.
  • Have their check-in luggage tagged-through from the origin airport to their final destination.


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Just remain in the transit area. You won't need to clear arrival immigration and check in again for your connecting flight, so you won't need a visa to enter Singapore.

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You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening. This may include a physical inspection of your luggage and personal items with a metal detector or a full-body scan.

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You need a transit visa if you leave the transit area. However, nationals from specific countries (Iran, Syria, Guinea, etc.) will need a transit visa regardless of whether they leave the transit area or not.

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The port from which cargo depart. This may be a seaport or aerial port from which merchandises flow to a port of debarkation; it may or may not coincide with the port of origin. Also called port of exit.

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IMPORTANT: If you want to GO OUTSIDE, no matter if it's the DIY or FREE Tour option, you need to have a valid visa to exit the Singapore Changi Airport and clear immigration.

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