Do I need a Singapore arrival card for connecting a flight?

Do I Need a Singapore Arrival Card for a Connecting Flight?

Navigating international airports can be confusing, especially when dealing with connecting flights. One common question for travelers passing through Singapore’s Changi Airport concerns the Singapore Arrival Card. The short answer is: likely no, you don’t need one.

The Singapore Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) is a mandatory document for passengers entering Singapore. This means if your journey involves passing through immigration in Singapore, stepping out into the public areas of the airport, or even briefly accessing a transit hotel, you will need to complete and submit the e-Arrival Card before your arrival. The submission window opens three days prior to your arrival in Singapore.

However, if your flight is purely a connecting flight, and you remain within the sterile transit area of the airport – meaning you never clear immigration – you generally do not need a Singapore Arrival Card. This usually involves staying airside, within the designated transit zones, and simply transferring from one aircraft to another. Your passport and boarding pass are sufficient for this process.

Think of it this way: if you remain entirely within the airport’s secure area, only interacting with airport staff and staying within the confines of the transit zone, you are considered to be “in transit” and not “entering” Singapore. Your passport will be checked to confirm your onward journey.

In short: If your connection involves leaving the secure transit area of Changi Airport, even briefly, you will need an e-Arrival Card. If you remain airside throughout your transit, you likely won’t. Always check the specific requirements with your airline and refer to the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website for the most up-to-date information before your travel. Confirmation with your airline regarding the specific requirements of your transit is highly recommended, especially if there are any unexpected delays or changes to your itinerary.

Remember, it’s always better to be prepared. While you may not need the e-Arrival Card for a simple airside transit, having the information readily available and understanding the requirements can prevent any potential delays or complications during your journey.