Planning a trip to Singapore involves more than just buying flight tickets and booking hotel accommodation. It is important for Indian travelers to understand the difference between the Singapore entry visa and the SG Arrival Card, as the two documents perform completely different functions.
Confusing the two can create unnecessary problems before or during the trip. Therefore, it is important to know what each document is intended for, as this will help make travel preparations much easier.
Are the Singapore tourist visa and the SG Arrival Card the same?
No, A Singapore tourist visa and the SG Arrival Card are not the same documents.
Holders of Indian passports need to have a valid Singapore entry visa in order to travel for a short term. A visa is a preliminary approval that allows an eligible traveler to enter Singapore, however, obtaining a visa does not guarantee entry.
SG Arrival Card, on the other hand, means entering the traveler’s information and travel plans online. There is no visa issued in the process.
What is a Singapore tourist visa?
A travel visa for Singapore is required, if a traveler’s nationality requires a visa for entering Singapore.
When applying for a visa, travelers from India are required to provide mandatory information and accompanying documents via prescribed official channels. Upon being granted permission, visa applicants will receive e-visa.
It is imperative to note that visa duration and validity are not the same. Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will determine the actual Visit Pass issued upon entry into Singapore.
What is SG Arrival Card?
SG Arrival Card refers to a mandatory statement that travelers are required to fill out before arriving in Singapore.
It needs to be submitted no later than three days before traveling to Singapore (inclusive of the arrival day) completely free of charge through Singapore’s authorized ICA channel.
The SG Arrival Card contains such data as personal information, arrival data, accommodation information, and an obligatory health declaration.
It is worth mentioning that completing SG Arrival Card does not eliminate the need to obtain a visa if a visa is required.
What Indians Should Pay Attention To?
If you are a holder of an Indian passport and are traveling to Singapore for tourism purposes, you need to consider two steps. Simply completing one is no guarantee the other is completed as well.
Visitors will have to confirm that their passport will remain valid for at least six months, being one of the basic entry conditions required from everyone travelling to Singapore.
What Happens When You Land at the Airport?
The conventional process of stamping passports for international visitors has been done away with in Singapore. Starting from March 2022, visitors have been receiving a Visit Pass in electronic format, or so-called e-Pass, via correspondence instead of an ink stamp in their passports. The e-Pass contains actual information about the length of stay.
This is why visitors have to provide a correct and reachable email address while filling out an SG Arrival Card.
Is a Visa Guarantee for Permitting Entry?
No, A valid visa allows a traveller to attempt to enter, however, it is up to ICA officers to finally decide on the admissibility of a foreigner. Travellers may have to fulfill more entry requirements. Short-term travellers are expected to prove their future travel plans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Indian travelers should not think that:
- The date of the visa indicates how long one may stay in the country.
- The SG Arrival Card can be filed well in advance.
- A stamp on the passport will ensure how long one can stay.
By providing one’s visa, SG Arrival Card, itinerary, and e-Pass information, one will manage their trip with confidence.