Driving to Singapore? Foreign cars need valid VEP to submit Singapore arrival card from Oct 6

From Oct 6, all foreign-registered cars entering the Republic via Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint must must hold a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). Those without one will be unable to submit their Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC). 

"Vehicles without a valid VEP will be turned back to Malaysia," the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Tuesday (Sept 22).

ICA said the new requirement ensures that foreign-registered vehicles entering Singapore are covered by valid motor insurance throughout their stay in the Republic, providing protection in the event of a road accident.

Vehicles without valid motor insurance coverage cannot be issued a VEP. 

Explaining how the new SGAC requirement works, ICA said its system will automatically check a vehicle's VEP status when travellers submit their SGAC.

Those without a valid VEP will not be able to complete their submission. Instead, they will be prompted to apply for a VEP before travelling to Singapore.

It added that this advance verification, through the SGAC submission process, is intended to alert travellers, including passengers, so that they will have an opportunity to rectify any issue before travelling to Singapore.

This also avoids the inconvenience of being turned back at the land checkpoints, the authority said.

ICA added that this VEP verification, prior to SGAC submission, will be progressively extended to other vehicle types at the land checkpoints.

Pay outstanding fines

Travellers are also reminded that foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines will not be able to apply for or renew a VEP from Nov 2.

These include fines for traffic, parking and vehicular emission offences.

Currently, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines may be denied entry only when they arrive at Singapore's land checkpoints.

Those who wish to check for any outstanding fines can do so on AXS.

Motorists are advised to factor in the VEP application processing time of up to two weeks, as well as the two calendar days that payment service providers may require to update records across the relevant agencies' systems.

Meanwhile, VEP fees for foreign-registered cars and motorcycles entering Singapore will be raised to $50 per day and $7 per day respectively, up from $35 and $4 currently.

The new VEP fee will apply on all days, except on weekends and Singapore public holidays, from Jan 1 next year.

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