According to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), travelers entering Singapore will soon use seven newly supported languages on the electronic Singapore Arrival Card and utilize expanded passport scanning features starting August 26, 2026.
Singapore Arrival Card Language Expansion Details
The ICA is expanding language options on the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) from 12 to 19. According to official agency announcements, the seven new language additions include Bahasa Indonesia, Dutch, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Filipino, and Italian.
Officials selected these specific languages based on travel volume data showing which tongues are most commonly spoken by visitors entering the country. They join an existing roster that already includes English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Vietnamese, Hindi, Bengali, German, French, Japanese, Korean, and Thai.
Did You Know?
The SGAC is a mandatory electronic declaration required for nearly all individuals entering Singapore. However, two specific groups remain exempt: travelers transiting through the country without clearing immigration, and residents crossing via the Woodlands and Tuas land checkpoints, according to ICA guidelines.
Passport Scanning Extended to Singapore Residents
In addition to linguistic updates, passport scanning functionality is rolling out to local residents. According to the ICA, Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and Singapore Long-Term Pass holders will soon be able to autofill their SGAC details directly by scanning their physical passports.
Previously, this feature was restricted exclusively to foreign nationals using the official ICA website and the MyICA mobile application. While local residents could previously retrieve details via SingPass, the new update provides an alternative method for quick data entry.
Implementation Timeline and Access Points
Travelers can access these new features starting August 26, 2026, directly on the ICA website. According to system deployment plans, the same enhancements will roll out on the MyICA mobile application in a subsequent update.
For specific inquiries regarding these administrative changes, travelers and legal representatives can contact the T&S APAC Team.
Pro Tip for Frequent Travelers
Keep your passport handy when accessing the ICA portal after the August rollout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must complete the Singapore Arrival Card?
According to ICA regulations, all travelers entering Singapore must complete the SGAC, with exceptions only for transit passengers without immigration clearance and local residents entering through the Tuas or Woodlands land checkpoints.
When do the new SGAC features launch?
The updated language options and passport scanning for residents launch on the ICA website on August 26, 2026, according to official notices.
Can Singapore residents still use SingPass?
Yes. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders retain the ability to retrieve their details via SingPass alongside the newly introduced passport scanning option.
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