Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory travel document for all foreign visitors, and this requirement applies to Sri Lankan passport holders as well. Regardless of the purpose of their trip, Sri Lankan nationals must apply for a Singaporean electronic travel authorisation before they travel.
When is an Arrival Card Required for Sri Lankan Passport Holders?
All Sri Lankan travelers intending to visit Singapore must obtain an Arrival Card. This applies to both those who need a visa and those who are eligible for visa-free entry.
It is important to note that an Arrival Card is different from a Singaporean visa. An Arrival Card cannot be used in place of a visa and it is not a replacement for one.
The SGAC has replaced the paper-based Disembarkation/Embarkation Card, making the document verification process quicker and reducing waiting times at the border crossing in Singapore.
Do Sri Lankans Need a Visa for Singapore?
Sri Lankan passport holders who plan to work, study, or live in Singapore must obtain a Singaporean visa suitable for their specific purpose of travel, in addition to the SGAC. Travelers are required to visit their nearest Singaporean embassy or consulate in person to apply for the visa.
On the other hand, Sri Lankan citizens are allowed to travel to Singapore visa-free for trips shorter than 30 days for the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Business visits
- Social visits
- Medical treatment
- Attending conferences or seminars
Allowed Ports of Entry for SGAC Holders from Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan SGAC holders are permitted to enter Singapore by air, sea, or land through the following border crossings:
- By Air
- By Land
- By Sea
Travelers from Sri Lanka should be aware that possessing an SGAC does not guarantee entry into Singapore. The final decision rests with the immigration officials at the border crossing, who will examine the passenger’s travel documents.
Singapore Arrival Card Application for Sri Lankan Nationals
The SGAC application for Sri Lankan travelers can be completed in a matter of minutes using any mobile device. Applicants need to provide their personal and passport details (such as name, date and place of birth, nationality, passport number, and expiry date), as well as their travel plans, and pay the SGAC processing fee through a secure online system.
Each person in a traveling party, including minors and children on their parents’ passports, must submit an individual application form. If traveling with children, a parent or guardian should fill out the form on their behalf.
Sri Lankan applicants will receive their SG Arrival Card via email within a few days. The typical processing time is 5 business days, although delays may occur if there are errors in the application form. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all the information provided in the application is correct and error-free.
Please note that significant mistakes or discrepancies in the form may result in the application being declined.
Validity of a Singapore Arrival Card for Sri Lankan Visitors
The validity of a Singapore Arrival Card for Sri Lankan nationals depends on the validity of their visa. For visa-free travels, Sri Lankans can stay in the country for up to 30 days. It is important to abide by this limit as overstaying an SGAC is against the law and can result in fines.
SG Arrival Card Requirements for Sri Lankan Nationals
Sri Lankan nationals must fulfill several SGAC requirements, including:
- Providing accurate personal and passport details
- Paying the SGAC processing fee
- Completing an individual application form for each traveler
Some travelers may also be required to present additional documentation upon arrival in Singapore.
Passport Requirements for Sri Lankan Nationals
Since the applicant’s passport and the SG Arrival Card are electronically linked, Sri Lankan nationals must travel to Singapore using the same passport they used for the application.
If the passport is due to expire before the trip, candidates need to renew it and apply for another SGAC using the details of the new passport. Dual citizens with multiple passports must also apply using the same travel document they will use to enter Singapore.
For more information about traveling to Singapore, visit DHPL Travels.