Common Singapore Arrival Card Errors (And How to Fix Them)

Why this matters

Singapore immigration is fast and highly digital—which is great when everything matches. But if your Singapore Arrival Card details don’t match your passport or travel itinerary, you can run into avoidable stress: extra questions at the airport, delays at arrival, or airline staff asking for confirmation before boarding.

The good news: most mistakes are easy to fix. This guide covers the most common errors and gives clear steps to correct them before you travel.

What is the Singapore Arrival Card?

The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory online declaration required before entry. It replaced the old paper disembarkation/embarkation card and helps the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) process arrivals smoothly.

Important: The Arrival Card is not a visa. If you need a visa based on your nationality or travel purpose, you must obtain it separately.

1) Incorrect passport information

Passport details are the most common source of problems because the Arrival Card is digitally linked to your passport. Even one wrong character can prevent your submission from matching correctly.

Common mistakes

• Typo in passport number (swapped digits, missing character)
• Wrong passport expiry date
• Using details from an old passport after renewal

How to fix it

• Before you travel, submit a new Arrival Card with the correct passport details.
• Use the passport you will physically carry and present at immigration.
• Compare every character carefully—especially “0” vs “O” and “1” vs “I”.

2) Name format errors

Name errors happen often with travelers who have multiple given names, middle names, or accents. The safest approach is to match your passport exactly.

Common mistakes

• First name and last name reversed
• Middle names omitted or placed in the wrong field
• Accents/special characters entered inconsistently
• Adding titles like Mr., Mrs., Dr.

How to fix it

• Enter your name as shown on your passport (aim to match the machine-readable line if in doubt).
• Do not include titles or extra punctuation.
• If you notice a mistake, submit a new corrected Arrival Card before travel.

3) Wrong arrival or departure dates

Dates look simple, but they’re a common source of confusion—especially with overnight flights, time zones, and transit. Immigration systems rely on your travel dates matching airline records.

Common mistakes

• Using the day you depart your home country instead of the day you land in Singapore
• Entering a booking date instead of a flight date
• Departure date that doesn’t match your itinerary

How to fix it

• Use the date you arrive (land) in Singapore.
• Use your e-ticket itinerary as your source of truth.
• If your flight changes, submit a new Arrival Card with updated dates.

4) Submitting too early or too late

The Singapore Arrival Card can be submitted within a specific window. Submitting outside that window is one of the most common reasons travelers panic—especially if they try to do it weeks ahead.

Common mistakes

• Trying to submit weeks before arrival
• Forgetting until the day of travel
• Attempting submission after landing

How to fix it

• If you submitted too early (or couldn’t submit), complete it again within the allowed time window.
• If you forgot, submit as soon as possible—ideally before boarding.
• If you’re already traveling, submit when you regain internet access (airport Wi-Fi or roaming data helps).

5) Nationality or travel document errors

This is common for dual citizens or travelers living outside their country of nationality. The Arrival Card should match the passport you will present at immigration.

Common mistakes

• Selecting the wrong nationality
• Choosing the wrong travel document type
• Mixing “country of residence” with nationality

How to fix it

• Use the nationality printed on the passport you are traveling with.
• If you have two passports, be consistent across your booking and Arrival Card.
• If you realize you selected the wrong nationality, submit a corrected Arrival Card.

6) Address and accommodation errors

Singapore generally wants to know where you’ll stay. Most issues happen when travelers leave this incomplete or enter details that look unrealistic.

Common mistakes

• Hotel name misspelled
• Incomplete address
• Using placeholders like “TBD”
• Staying with friends but listing a random hotel

How to fix it

• Use your hotel confirmation to copy the official property name and address.
• If staying with friends/family, enter their residential address.
• If plans change, submit an updated Arrival Card before arrival.

7) Health declaration mistakes

Health questions are there to protect public health and ensure proper screening when needed. Answering incorrectly can create confusion later.

Common mistakes

• Skipping health questions
• Answering inaccurately out of fear
• Not updating travel history if it changes

How to fix it

• Answer honestly.
• If your situation changes, submit a new Arrival Card reflecting accurate information.
• Remember: a “yes” answer does not automatically mean you can’t enter—it may simply trigger screening.

8) Technical issues and “record not found”

Technical problems can happen—especially on mobile devices, older browsers, or unstable networks. The key is knowing what to try next (and what to save as proof).

Common problems

• Website not loading
• Form freezes or won’t submit
• No confirmation received
• “Record not found” or data not visible at immigration

How to fix it

• Try another browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge) and refresh the page.
• Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa).
• Disable VPN/ad-blockers temporarily if pages don’t load.
• Take screenshots after submission (confirmation page, reference details).
• If unsure, submit again—duplicate submissions are generally fine.

Can you edit or correct a submitted Arrival Card?

Many travelers look for an “edit” button after submission. In most cases, the practical solution is simply to submit a new Arrival Card with corrected information before you travel.

• You typically can’t edit a completed submission.
• You can submit again with corrected details.
• Submitting twice is not usually a problem—accuracy matters most.

What happens if there’s a problem at immigration?

If something doesn’t match, immigration officers may ask quick questions to verify your details. In many cases, once you confirm your itinerary and accommodation, you’re cleared within minutes.

Helpful documents to have

• Your passport (the one used for the Arrival Card)
• Flight itinerary / boarding pass
• Hotel booking confirmation (or host address)

When to use an assistance service

Some travelers prefer help to avoid mistakes—especially when traveling soon, traveling as a family, or dealing with name/passport complexities. Assistance can be helpful if:

• You’re short on time and want it done correctly the first time
• You’re traveling with children and want to avoid missing a submission
• Your name formatting is complex (multiple given names, accents, hyphenations)
• You’re worried about technical issues or confusion with entry requirements

Quick checklist before you submit

• Passport number and expiry date match your passport exactly
• Name spelling/order matches the passport
• Arrival date is the date you land in Singapore
• Departure date matches your itinerary
• Accommodation details are complete and realistic
• You’re submitting within the allowed time window
• You saved a screenshot of confirmation details

Frequently asked questions

Can I submit the Singapore Arrival Card twice? Yes. If you need to correct information, submitting again with accurate details is common.

Do I need to print my Arrival Card? Usually no. It’s linked digitally, but saving a screenshot is a good idea.

Is the Arrival Card a visa? No. It’s an entry declaration. If you need a visa, you must apply separately.

What if my flight changes? Submit a new Arrival Card with updated arrival details when possible.

What if I’m transiting through Singapore? Requirements depend on whether you pass through immigration. If you enter Singapore, you should submit the Arrival Card.