Singapore adds passport autofill and 7 languages to SGAC on Aug. 26

Singapore will roll out passport scanning autofill and seven additional languages across its digital border clearance system starting Aug. 26, streamlining the entry process for international arrivals.

Passport autofill and 19 language options

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is updating the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) web portal on Aug. 26, with the MyICA Mobile app receiving the same upgrades shortly after.

The enhanced system allows travelers to scan their passport photo page to automatically populate key fields, including full names, document numbers and expiration dates. The update also expands the platform to 19 languages, adding Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Dutch, Filipino, Italian, Russian and Spanish to the existing 12 language options.

Submission remains completely free on the official ICA website and mobile app. The agency warned travelers to avoid third-party commercial websites charging fees for filing.

How to prepare before clearing immigration

All foreign visitors, tourists and remote workers entering Singapore must submit the SGAC alongside an electronic health declaration within three days before arrival. Travelers transiting through Changi Airport without passing immigration clearance remain exempt.

Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders entering via air or sea must still submit health declarations, but they remain exempt at the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints. For nomads planning longer stays or regular regional trips under Singapore's residency rules, creating a profile in the MyICA Mobile app saves core personal details for one-tap submissions on future entries.

Travelers who already submitted an arrival card before the interface upgrade don't need to resubmit, as each trip requires only one successful filing.