Visiting Singapore would be made more convenient with the introduction of the new Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) card on 1 August 2004.

2. A foreign visitor* arriving in Singapore is required to fill in a form known as the D/E card and present the completed card together with his travel document to the ICA officer at the checkpoints. With the new D/E card, visitors no longer need to fill in nine data fields, which will bring about greater convenience to visitors. Details on the modifications are at Annex.

3. Some good things remain unchanged. The new D/E card will still be issued free-of-charge at all checkpoints. Those arriving by air can obtain the card from the airlines or onboard their flights to Singapore while those arriving by land and sea can obtain it from their travel agents, bus companies and ferry operators. The existing D/E card can be used up to 31 July 2005, after which it would be phased out. We wish all visitors a delightful and enjoyable trip to Singapore.


* Note: Permanent Residents, work pass holders and other long term pass holders are not required to fill in D/E cards each time they want to enter Singapore.

END OF NEWS RELEASE

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
30 July 2004

ANNEX

With the introduction of the new D/E card, visitors no longer need to fill in the following information:

(a) Disembarkation Portion
(i) "Occupation";
(ii) "Travelling on";
(iii) "Purpose of Entry";
(iv) "Accommodation"; and
(vi) "First Trip to Singapore".

(b) Embarkation Portion
(i) "Tick if Malaysian";
(ii) "Date of Birth";
(iii) "Passport Number"; and
(iv) "Number of children travelling on parent's passport".