Land Travelers vs. Ferry Passengers: Who Must Submit the SGAC at Singapore’s Checkpoints
While the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC Singapore) is synonymous with arriving at Changi Airport, the rules for land (Woodlands and Tuas) and sea (Ferry Terminals) entry points are slightly different, particularly for residents.
Singapore’s land checkpoints, which link to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, are the busiest border crossings in the world. To manage this massive flow, specific exemptions and streamlined processes have been implemented.
Trevalo clarifies who needs the Singapore Arrival Card SGAC when arriving via the Causeway, Tuas, or a ferry from regional hubs like Batam, ensuring you are compliant before you start your journey.
Section 1: SGAC Singapore– The Land Checkpoint Exemption (The Causeway Rule)
The most important distinction in SGAC compliance applies to those using Singapore’s land checkpoints (Woodlands and Tuas).
1. SGAC Singapore Exemption for Residents
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs), and Long-Term Pass holders (e.g., Work Pass, Student Pass) are EXEMPTED from submitting the SGAC. This exemption applies specifically when entering Singapore via the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints.
- Reason: This exemption acknowledges the high volume of daily commuters and is designed to speed up the clearance process for residents who enter the country frequently.
2. SGAC Singapore is Mandatory for Foreign Visitors (Land Entry)
All short-term foreign visitors entering Singapore via the Woodlands or Tuas checkpoints (by bus, car, or motorcycle) MUST submit the Singapore Arrival Card SGAC within the 3-day window prior to arrival.
- Consequence: Foreign visitors who fail to submit the SGAC will be directed to an ICA kiosk or mobile device to complete the form, causing significant delays and traffic congestion at the checkpoints.
🛳 Section 2: Sea Entry (Ferry Terminals)
For travelers arriving by sea—typically ferries from Batam, Bintan, or other regional ports—the rules are the same as air travel.
SGAC is Mandatory for ALL Ferry Passengers
All travelers (Citizens, Residents, and Foreign Visitors) MUST submit the SGAC Singapore within the 3-day window. This rule applies specifically when arriving at Singapore’s ferry terminals (e.g., HarbourFront, Tanah Merah).
- Reason: Sea travel is not subject to the same high-frequency commuter exemption applied at the land checkpoints. The health declaration and digital arrival details are mandatory for all persons clearing immigration at a ferry terminal.
- During Submission: When filling out the SGAC, you must select “Sea” as the Mode of Travel and input the specific name of your Ferry Company (e.g., Sindo Ferry, Horizon Fast Ferry) and the last port of embarkation (e.g., Batam Centre).
Section 3: Leveraging QR Code Clearance at Land Checkpoints
Whether you are a resident or a foreign visitor, the ICA has introduced a QR code clearance system at Woodlands and Tuas to speed up the process even further.
1. How the QR Code Works
- Process: Instead of handing over passports for every person in the vehicle, the driver or passenger simply scans the QR code at the immigration counter. The officer retrieves all linked traveler data at once.
- Group Travel: This is particularly efficient for car travel, allowing families (up to 10 people) to clear immigration faster with a single scan.
2. QR Code and SGAC Singapore Integration (Foreign Visitors)
For foreign visitors, compliance requires two digital steps:
- SGAC Submission: Complete the mandatory SGAC Singapore (including the Health Declaration) within 3 days of arrival.
- QR Code Generation: Generate the QR code.
CRITICAL NOTE: First-time foreign visitors entering Singapore, or those using a new passport, must still present the physical passport for their initial clearance to enroll their biometrics. They can then use the QR code for all subsequent trips.