Planning a trip to Singapore? Use this checklist to confirm the entry steps that depend on your passport, complete the free SG Arrival Card on time, check medicines and restricted goods, and pack for your own itinerary. Rules can change, so use the official links below again shortly before departure.

1. Check your passport and visa requirements

  • ICA says travellers (except Singapore passport holders) need a passport valid for at least six months. Check your passport expiry date before booking or travelling.
  • Visa requirements depend on the passport or travel document you will use. Check ICA’s current visa-required list; do not assume visa-free entry or a fixed length of stay from a blog post.
  • Entry is decided by ICA at the checkpoint. A visa, when required, does not itself guarantee admission. Keep your onward or return ticket and accommodation details accessible in case they are requested.

Singapore ICA: Entry requirements · Singapore ICA: Visa requirements

2. Submit the SG Arrival Card through ICA

Most travellers must submit the SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival, counting the arrival date. It is free and is not a visa. Exceptions include travellers transiting without immigration clearance and certain Singapore residents or pass holders entering by land. Submit only through ICA’s official e-Service or MyICA app; avoid paid third-party lookalikes. Use an email address you can access for the electronic Visit Pass notice.

ICA: Visiting Singapore and SG Arrival Card · Official SG Arrival Card e-Service

3. Check medicines before packing

Do not assume every prescription or over-the-counter medicine can be brought in. HSA says approval may depend on active ingredients. Check each medicine using HSA’s current guide before travel. Where permitted without approval, the general allowance is up to a three-month supply; carry a valid prescription or doctor’s letter and keep medicines in their original pharmacy-labelled packaging. Some controlled ingredients need prior approval, and prohibited medicines cannot be brought in. HSA asks travellers needing approval to apply at least two weeks before arrival.

Singapore HSA: Travelling with personal medications

4. Review customs restrictions and declarations

Check the current Singapore Customs list for prohibited and controlled goods before packing. Some items are banned; others need advance permits. Declare dutiable, taxable, controlled or prohibited goods as required, and use the Red Channel or ask Customs if you are unsure. Do not rely on an old generic allowance for cigarettes or alcohol: rules differ by item and can change.

Singapore Customs: Prohibited and controlled goods · Singapore Customs: Travel rules

5. Pack for your booked stay and activities

  • Travel documents: passport, itinerary, accommodation confirmation, travel insurance details and copies stored securely offline.
  • Payments and connectivity: a payment method that works overseas, a small amount of local cash if useful for your plans, and a roaming, SIM or eSIM option checked for your device.
  • Personal essentials: prescription medicines cleared for entry, chargers, a compatible plug adapter if needed, and any accessibility or child-care items you rely on.
  • Clothing: light clothes and comfortable walking shoes; add a light layer or rain protection if it suits your forecast and schedule. Check the forecast shortly before leaving.
  • Optional items: swimwear, sun protection and a compact umbrella only if they match your planned activities and baggage allowance.

Before you leave

  1. Recheck passport validity and visa requirements for every traveller.
  2. Submit the free SG Arrival Card in ICA’s permitted window.
  3. Check medicine ingredients and customs rules against official Singapore sources.
  4. Save confirmations and essential documents where you can access them offline.

Information checked against the linked official sources on 18 October 2026. Entry and customs requirements may change; confirm them with ICA, HSA and Singapore Customs before each trip.