Heading to Singapore on your own for the first time? Before you start planning Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios and all that amazing food, there are a few things you really need to sort out first!
“Do Taiwanese travelers need a visa for Singapore?”
“Do I have to pay for the SG Arrival Card?”
“Can I go straight through the automated immigration gates?”
“I heard you can get fined for bringing chewing gum or vapes. Is that true?”
Entering Singapore is actually pretty easy, but the rules on prohibited items and public order are very clear-cut.
Here’s how it works right now: in 2026, Taiwanese passport holders can visit Singapore visa-free for up to 30 days for short tourist trips. You still need to complete the free SG Arrival Card before you go, and once you land, you can use the automated gates if you’re eligible.
As for chewing gum, vapes and eating on the MRT, some of the actual rules are a bit different from what you’ll read online. Let’s clear it all up in one go!
1. Do Taiwanese Travelers Need a Visa for Singapore? 2026 Entry Documents Checklist
According to the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, Taiwanese passport holders can enter Singapore visa-free for short tourist or business visits of up to 30 days.
That said, visa-free doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare anything.
Before you fly, make sure you have:
- Passport: Generally valid for at least 6 months.
- SG Arrival Card: Submitted in advance for free, as required.
- Return or onward ticket: You may be asked to show it on arrival.
- Accommodation details: Have your hotel’s name and address ready.
- Sufficient funds: You may need to show you can cover your expenses during your stay.
The length of stay you’re actually granted is based on the electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) issued when you enter.
Official reference: Singapore Trade Office in Taipei
2. How to Fill Out the SG Arrival Card: A Complete Guide to the Free Electronic Arrival Card
The SG Arrival Card, or SGAC for short, is Singapore’s electronic arrival declaration. It covers your personal details, travel information and a health declaration.
It’s not a visa, and submitting it through the official website is completely free.
Official website:
https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
When Can You Submit It?
You have to submit it within the 3 days before you arrive in Singapore, including your arrival day.
For example, if you’re arriving on October 20, you can start filling it out from October 18.
We recommend getting it done the day before you fly, rather than leaving it until your plane lands.
SG Arrival Card Step by Step
Step 1 | Go to the official website
Click Foreign Visitors, then choose whether you’re submitting for yourself or for a group traveling together.
Step 2 | Enter your passport details
Fill in your name in English, passport number, date of birth, nationality and other details exactly as they appear in your passport.
Step 3 | Enter your travel details
Enter your expected arrival date, mode of transport, flight details, accommodation address and contact information.
Step 4 | Complete the health declaration
Answer the questions truthfully based on your current health and recent travel history.
Step 5 | Review and submit
Double-check everything and submit. Once it goes through, you’ll get a confirmation email.
It’s a good idea to keep the email and your submission details in case you need them later.
Do You Need to Print the Electronic Arrival Card?
Usually not. Your details are already in the ICA system, but it’s worth keeping the electronic confirmation as a backup.
If your health or travel details change after you submit, update them using the official function rather than sticking with an inaccurate declaration.
Reminder: the SG Arrival Card is free! When you search for it, look for the official ica.gov.sg domain so you don’t end up on a paid agency website by mistake.
3. How Do Singapore’s Automated Immigration Gates Work? Can You Use Them on Your First Visit?
In 2026, eligible foreign visitors can use the automated clearance lanes in Singapore’s arrival halls without any manual pre-registration.
Here’s roughly how it goes:
- After you get off the plane, follow the Arrival and Immigration signs.
- Follow the on-site instructions to the right automated lane.
- Scan your valid passport, with the passport cover removed.
- Go through the face, iris and, if required, fingerprint checks.
- Once you’ve cleared immigration, head to baggage claim and customs.
If it’s your first time entering Singapore as a foreign visitor, you may need to register your biometrics at the automated gate.
Automated clearance doesn’t guarantee you’ll get through in 1 minute. The actual time depends on queues, the equipment and your individual checks, and you may also be asked to use a manual counter instead.
Once you’re through, Singapore usually emails you your electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass), and you may not get an entry stamp in your passport.
4. Singapore Fines to Watch Out For: Chewing Gum, Vapes and Eating on the MRT
Singapore has quite a few public order rules, so first-time visitors should pay extra attention.
Chewing Gum: The Ban Is on Importing It, Not on Chewing It
Singapore strictly bans importing regular chewing gum, with exceptions for certain approved medical or oral health products.
So don’t just toss the gum you bought in Taiwan into your bag and bring it to Singapore.
That said, the online rumor that “you’ll get fined just for chewing gum in Singapore” isn’t the most accurate description of the law.
Vapes: Don’t Bring Them, Don’t Use Them
Singapore bans the import, possession and use of e-cigarettes and related products.
Enforcement was also stepped up in May 2026. Possessing or using a regular prohibited vape can now mean a fine of up to S$10,000, and penalties are even heavier if certain controlled substances are involved.
Whether it’s a disposable vape, pods or related devices, don’t bring any of it in thinking “it’s just for personal use.”
MRT: No Eating, and No Drinking Water Either
Regulation 14 of Singapore’s Rapid Transit Systems Regulations bans eating and drinking in the applicable areas of MRT stations and trains.
That includes regular drinks and drinking water.
The maximum fine set by law is S$500, which doesn’t mean you’ll be charged a flat S$500 every time.
Finish your food before entering the paid area, and put your drinks away in your bag.
Littering: You Could Face a Hefty Fine
Littering in public places is also against the law in Singapore.
According to official sources, a first conviction in court for littering can mean a fine of up to S$2,000, and repeat offenders may face even heavier penalties.
Always use the bins, and don’t assume dropping a single tissue is no big deal.
5. How to Get Online Fast with an eSIM After Landing at Changi Airport
Once you’ve cleared immigration, you’ll usually need to check Google Maps, take the MRT, book a Grab or contact your hotel right away.
If your phone supports eSIM, consider getting a Singapore travel eSIM before you leave.
Just check first when the plan’s validity period starts counting.
Some eSIMs can be installed in advance in Taiwan and activated after you arrive, while others may start counting as soon as they’re installed.
After you land at Changi Airport:
- Turn on the travel eSIM you’ve already installed.
- Switch your phone’s mobile data to the Singapore eSIM.
- Set up data roaming according to the plan’s instructions.
- Check that your phone shows an available carrier network.
- Open a web page or map to test the connection.
If your device, signal and plan settings are all working properly, you can usually get online quickly, but there’s no guarantee every phone will be set up within three minutes.
Also, you don’t need to buy a JEKO eSIM to use the automated gates, and you don’t have to receive an email on the spot to clear immigration. Submitting your arrival card in advance is the important part.
Get Connected for Your Singapore Trip with JEKO eSIM
From Changi Airport to Marina Bay, Orchard Road and Sentosa, you’ll be relying on your phone for navigation, e-tickets and Grab.
JEKO eSIM offers travel plans with different durations and data allowances, so you can pick the Singapore data option that fits your itinerary.
See JEKO eSIM travel data plans
Get your entry documents and mobile data sorted before you go, and you can start your Singapore trip feeling relaxed and ready!
Singapore Entry FAQ
Do Taiwanese travelers need a visa for Singapore?
Eligible Taiwanese passport holders can visit visa-free for short tourist or business trips of up to 30 days.
Do I have to pay for the SG Arrival Card?
No. Submitting it through Singapore’s official ICA website or the MyICA App is completely free.
Can I fill out the SG Arrival Card a week in advance?
No. The official rule is that you submit it within the 3 days before arrival, including your arrival day.
Can I use the automated gates on my first trip to Singapore?
Foreign visitors who meet the passport and entry requirements can use the automated gates, but you still have to go through biometric checks and follow on-site instructions.
Can I drink water on Singapore’s MRT?
Generally, no. Eating and drinking, including drinking water, are prohibited in the applicable MRT station and train areas.
Official Sources
- Singapore ICA | Entry Requirements
- Singapore ICA | SG Arrival Card
- Singapore ICA | Automated Clearance
- Singapore Customs | Prohibited and Controlled Goods
- Singapore HSA | E-cigarette Enforcement
- Singapore Statutes | Rapid Transit Systems Regulations
- Singapore NEA | Public Cleanliness Rules
Information last checked: October 2026. Entry requirements and regulations may change, so please refer to official announcements.
