2026 New Student Arrival Guide: From the Singapore Arrival Card to Check-In, Explained in One Article

2026 New Student Arrival Guide: From the Singapore Arrival Card to Check-In, Explained in One Article

The September semester is just around the corner. To every student who has received an offer, welcome to Singapore, and welcome to Hanbridge Institute.

For students coming to Singapore alone for the first time, the real source of anxiety usually isn’t the coursework. It’s the string of details before departure. When do I submit my Arrival Card? How do I clear immigration at Changi Airport? Do I need to print my IPA letter? What comes after immigration?

Jewel Changi Airport’s indoor waterfall

Jewel Changi Airport’s indoor waterfall. Photo by Vidit Goel on Pexels.

This year, there’s an added wrinkle worth knowing about. From 26 August 2026, the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) system has been upgraded. It now includes a new passport-scan autofill feature, and language support has expanded from 12 to 19 languages.

This guide walks through everything you need, from pre-departure preparation to electronic arrival declaration, customs clearance, and registration once you land in Singapore.

1. Before You Depart: Documents to Check

Singapore’s entry process is now largely electronic. Even so, it’s worth preparing key documents in advance. Keep them in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage.

The most important documents are:

  • Your original passport
  • Your IPA Letter (In-Principle Approval Letter)
  • Your SG Arrival Card submission confirmation (submitted within 3 days before arrival)
  • Any other academic or admission documents your school has requested

Some of these documents can be accessed via phone or email. Even so, we recommend saving electronic copies in advance and bringing paper copies for your first entry. This matters most for your IPA letter, admission documents, and academic records. Being able to present these promptly, if asked for on-site verification, will make things much smoother. It’s also worth carrying a small amount of Singapore dollars in cash. This covers transport, meals, or unexpected costs on arrival.

2. Before Boarding: Submit Your SG Arrival Card

Most foreign travellers must submit a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) before entering Singapore. This is an electronic arrival declaration. Submit it within 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival, including the day of your flight.

How to submit:

  • Where: Via the ICA website (eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard) or the MyICA Mobile app
  • Cost: Free (watch out for fraudulent third-party websites that charge a fee)
  • Save your receipt: You’ll receive a confirmation email after submission. You now typically only need to scan your passport at immigration. Even so, we strongly recommend screenshotting or printing this email as proof of submission

What’s new from 26 August 2026: the updated SGAC adds a passport-scan autofill feature. Previously, you had to manually type in your name, passport number, and expiry date. Now, you can scan your passport’s information page with your phone camera, and the system fills these fields automatically. This reduces both time and manual entry errors. The system also now supports 19 languages, up from 12. The seven newly added languages are Indonesian, Dutch, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Filipino, and Italian. This is on top of existing languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malay, Hindi, Thai, and Japanese. If you’re a Vietnamese student, Vietnamese has actually been supported for some time already, so you’ll be able to complete the form in your own language either way.


How to Complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC)

Example of The SG Arrival Card interface    Example of The SG Arrival Card interface

Example of The SG Arrival Card interface    Example of The SG Arrival Card interface

When filling out your SGAC, use your own actual details. Your correct country code, country of departure, and nationality will differ depending on where you’re travelling from. ICA has confirmed that submitting SGAC through official channels is completely free. If any website asks you to pay an “arrival card processing fee,” treat it as a red flag. Verify it’s an official platform before entering any personal information.

3. At Changi Airport: Clearing Immigration

On arrival, follow the “Arrival / Immigration” signs to the immigration area. Singapore makes wide use of automated immigration lanes. Eligible foreign travellers can typically use these by scanning their passport and completing identity verification, which may include facial, iris, and, where required, fingerprint checks.

We strongly recommend submitting your SG Arrival Card before you arrive in Singapore. If you land and realise you haven’t done so yet, you’ll need to submit it on the spot before going through immigration. This can slow things down considerably. Don’t wait until you’re already in the queue to fill it out.

If automated lanes aren’t available or staff direct you to a manual counter, there’s no need to worry. This is usually just a standard identity check. Simply present your passport, IPA, and any other requested documents.

Singapore now relies fully on electronic entry records, so you typically won’t receive a physical passport stamp. After clearing immigration, check your email for an e-Pass Notification from ICA. This email states how many days you’re permitted to stay in Singapore. Keep it safe, since it matters for your subsequent Student Pass application.

If you’re entering Singapore on a Student Pass IPA, you’ll usually need to complete further steps after arrival. These include a medical examination, document submission, and formal Student Pass registration. Your school will guide you through these based on your specific situation.

4. Settling In: What to Prepare in Your First Few Days

Singapore is a highly convenient place to live, but a few basics will make your first days smoother.

Clothing: Singapore’s climate is hot and humid year-round. Air conditioning in malls, classrooms, offices, and public transport is often strong, though, so pack summer clothing plus a light jacket for indoor spaces.

People walking alongside the Singapore skyline. Photo by Sam Tan on Pexels.

People walking alongside the Singapore skyline. Photo by Sam Tan on Pexels.

A vibrant street market in Singapore’s Chinatown. Photo by Fabian Reck on Pexels.

A vibrant street market in Singapore’s Chinatown. Photo by Fabian Reck on Pexels.

Cash and banking: Singapore’s electronic payment system is well developed. That said, some hawker centres and traditional shops still prefer cash, so carry a small amount of Singapore dollars when you arrive.

Major banks in Singapore

Singapore’s financial district. Photo by Calvin Seng on Pexels.

If you plan to open a local bank account, the three major local banks are DBS, OCBC, and UOB. (POSB is part of DBS, not a separate fourth local bank.) Requirements vary by bank. Generally, you’ll need your passport, Student Pass or a valid IPA, and proof of a Singapore address. DBS, for example, currently accepts a Student Pass, an ICA-issued IPA, or a school certificate as proof of student status. Always check the latest requirements directly with your chosen bank.

Beyond the local banks, some students need to manage cross-border transfers with their home country. If that’s you, check whether your home country’s banks operate in Singapore. Several international banks, including Bank of China, ICBC, Citibank, HSBC, and Standard Chartered, offer accounts and cross-border services here. If your family will be transferring money from overseas, compare exchange rates and transfer fees across a few providers first. Don’t assume any option is free of charge, since fee structures vary considerably.

If you’re carrying a large amount of cash into Singapore, note that declaration rules apply. Don’t skip this simply because you weren’t aware of the requirement. If you take regular medication, you can usually bring a small personal supply. Some medications are regulated in Singapore, though, so if you’re on prescription or specialised medication, confirm the entry requirements before you depart.

5. Useful Apps to Set Up Before You Arrive

In Singapore, your phone can handle almost everything day-to-day.

  • Getting around: Google Maps covers most navigation needs. Grab and Gojek handle ride-hailing and various lifestyle services
  • Staying in touch: WhatsApp is widely used here, including for school communication and group assignments
  • Food delivery: GrabFood and foodpanda are the most common platforms
  • Digital identity: Singpass is Singapore’s government digital identity system, useful for certain government and public services once you’re eligible to register

You don’t need to set everything up the moment you land. Prioritise immigration, school registration, and basic living arrangements first. Then follow your school’s guidance for the rest, step by step.

6. A Few Local Norms Worth Knowing Early

Singapore is known for being safe, clean, and orderly. This also means public rules are fairly clearly enforced. Eating and drinking are not allowed on public transport, and littering or spitting are punishable offences. Cross the street at designated crossings and traffic lights, even if the road looks quiet.

New students should also stay alert to phone scams and impersonation of government agencies. Singapore government agencies generally do not request immediate money transfers by phone. They also don’t ask for payment under the pretext of an “account suspected of illegal activity” or a “deposit required immediately.” If you receive a call, text, or link from an unknown number, verify it through official channels first. Don’t rush to share personal information or make a payment.

Settling In Is Part of the Learning

For international students, arriving in Singapore for the first time is more than a change of address. Clearing immigration independently, adapting to public transport, managing daily life, and stepping into English-language classrooms are all part of learning to live independently.

At Hanbridge Institute, we hope every new student not only completes their coursework successfully, but also gradually settles into the learning style, pace of life, and international environment here. If you run into any issues during immigration, registration, or your Student Pass application, please reach out to your faculty contact at Hanbridge promptly. We’re here to help.

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