Singapore frequent traveller program [eGate Enrolment]

[Danger]

I arrived in Singapore a few days ago.

The first thing to note is that you need to complete a digital arrival form. Posters with QR codes are throughout the arrival hall linking to this page. Thinking the code was all about proving vaccination status which I had already done, I sauntered to the e-channel, only to be rejected at the gate because I hadn't done the form.

Back out I go, scan the code and complete the multiple questions, before heading back to the e-gates. Rejected again. The very kind and patient Immigration folks ask me to stand aside and wait a minute or two, in case there's a lag in the registration. Still no dice. One of those nice folks looks up my details on his iPad and discovers that in my haste, I've put the wrong birth month in the form. Yet another kind Immigration officer then kindly offers to process me at a desk without further waiting.

The key thing I found is that most travellers would be none the wiser that they are being automatically enrolled in some e-arrivals program. Australian passport holders are among travellers from a number of countries who are simply eligible to use the e-gates.

 

[stm1sydney]

The first thing to note is that you need to complete a digital arrival form. Posters with QR codes are throughout the arrival hall linking to this page. Thinking the code was all about proving vaccination status which I had already done, I sauntered to the e-channel, only to be rejected at the gate because I hadn't done the form.

You can complete the SGAC pre-departure in your home country.

 

[AIRwin]

You can complete the SGAC pre-departure in your home country.

ICA | SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration

All returning Singaporeans, Singapore permanent residents and foreigners entering Singapore are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card with health declaration online via the SGAC e-Service before arriving in Singapore.

www.ica.gov.sg

 

[SYD]

ICA | SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration

All returning Singaporeans, Singapore permanent residents and foreigners entering Singapore are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card with health declaration online via the SGAC e-Service before arriving in Singapore.

www.ica.gov.sg

You can complete the SGAC pre-departure in your home country.

It’s actually required “before” you arrive. I thought it was one of the things airlines confirm when checking in?

 

[cgichard]

Is this required for passengers in transit through the airport?

 

[AIRwin]

Is this required for passengers in transit through the airport?

No, as long as you do not enter SIN

 

[marks]

No, as long as you do not enter SIN

But if you are planning multiple trips to SIN (including going through customs for a quick stop over), you can put multiple trips on your digital arrival card.

 

[RooFlyer]

The form linked to above seems to contemplate the ability to also fill out on arrival:

 

[SYD]

The form linked to above seems to contemplate filling out on arrival:

The first sentence at the SG Gov link above:

“All travellers are required to submit your SG Arrival Card before arriving in Singapore”

 

[AIRwin]

The first sentence at the SG Gov link above:

“All travellers are required to submit your SG Arrival Card before arriving in Singapore”

According to the FAQs:

ICA - Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

ICA

va.ecitizen.gov.sg

 

[RooFlyer]

I'm definitely not arguing the case, but the complete statement (my bold) :

Submit your SG Arrival Card within three (3) days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore. For example, travellers arriving in Singapore on 30 Jun 2020, can only submit their declaration from 28 Jun 2020 onwards. This is to avoid unnecessary delays during immigration clearance.

.. plus Danger's experience above, suggests that you should do it before leaving home, but if you don't, you can do it on arrival (with consequent delays and, I guess, a risk of non-admission). It sounds like non-completion will not result in refusal of boarding.

The FAQs say 'should', not 'must'.

 

[AIRwin]

It sounds like non-completion will not result in refusal of boarding.

A few months ago, EK agent at LHR would not check me in at first as I hadn't submitted the SGAC even though I still had a long transit in DXB...

 

[RooFlyer]

A few months ago, EK agent at LHR would not check me in at first as I hadn't submitted the SGAC even though I still had a long transit in DXB...

What happened?

 

[AIRwin]

What happened?

She asked for evidence of the submission before checking me in so I had to do it on my mobile there and then, eating into my EK lounge time (my first time!)

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Arr into SG on Fri and attempted to complete Arrival Card online this morn but it will only accept today 21, Wed 22 and Thu 23 - but clearly states up to 3 days in advance - PITA

 

[serfty]

Arr into SG on Fri and attempted to complete Arrival Card online this morn but it will only accept today 21, Wed 22 and Thu 23 - but clearly states up to 3 days in advance - PITA

Yes, it can be a PITA - it is three days inclusive of current. Same for multiple entries to "save time" - the additional flights need to be within the next two days

FWIW, for those who had failed to complete their online application downstairs, before immigration, they have a row of tablet computer set up.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Yes just found my mistake - application must be within 3 days incl date of applic - so 21, 22 and 23 only for applications today - 24 applications will be accepted tomorrow - Memo To Self - Don't be afraid to read in total

 

[AIRwin]

Immigration clearance system outage today:

Immigration clearance disrupted for over 5 hours at land, air checkpoints due to technical glitch: ICA

Passengers at various checkpoints complained on social media about long queues to clear immigration. Read more at straitstimes.com.

www.straitstimes.com

 

[Anna]

Automated clearance was awful last night circa 9.30pm. Bigger queue than the 'normal' desks and it took ages. People unable to work out what to do, especially 'where do I put my thumb to scan it?' People trying to use Aust passports that got rejected leaving them nowhere to go except to force their way back down the funnel that's only really wide enough for one person. People forming erratic lines at the 4 machines meaning some people got stuck behind a slow person and others bowled straight up to a free machine effectively jumping the queue. One official trying to deal with all 4 machines at once in terms of problems and assistance. If this is the future I don't like it! Might be better if it was a bigger space dedicated to these automated gates. Feels like a cattle pen atm.

 

[SYD]

Automated clearance was awful last night circa 9.30pm. Bigger queue than the 'normal' desks and it took ages. People unable to work out what to do, especially 'where do I put my thumb to scan it?' People trying to use Aust passports that got rejected leaving them nowhere to go except to force their way back down the funnel that's only really wide enough for one person. People forming erratic lines at the 4 machines meaning some people got stuck behind a slow person and others bowled straight up to a free machine effectively jumping the queue. One official trying to deal with all 4 machines at once in terms of problems and assistance. If this is the future I don't like it! Might be better if it was a bigger space dedicated to these automated gates. Feels like a cattle pen atm.

Which terminal?