Navigating Singapore passport photo requirements can be tricky. We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide including dimensions, dress code, and where to get your perfect photo taken. Avoid common mistakes and ensure a hassle-free passport application process.
Singapore Passport Photo Requirements
Feel lazy reading long texts? Here is a comprehensive table of checklists for Singapore passport photo requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo Size | – 35mm wide x 45mm high (without border) |
| – Face image between 25mm and 35mm from chin to crown | |
| Background | – Plain white or off-white background |
| – No decorations/objects in the background | |
| Face Position | – Look straight at the camera |
| – Both ears visible (and not covered by hair) | |
| Facial Expression | – Neutral expression (no smiling or frowning) |
| – Mouth closed | |
| Eyes | – Both eyes open and clearly visible |
| – Not covered by hair or glasses frames | |
| Head Covering | – No hats or head coverings (unless worn daily for religious or racial reasons) |
| – If wearing a head covering, the full oval of the face must be visible from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin. The head covering must not cast any shadows on the face. | |
| Face Obstructions | – No objects on the face (e.g., headphones, large earrings) |
| – Hair should be kept behind the ears and not covering any part of the face | |
| Glasses | – Avoid wearing glasses if possible |
| – If wearing glasses, ensure no reflection/glare on lenses and eyes are fully visible. Frames should not cover any part of the eyes. | |
| Shadows | – No shadows on the face or in the background |
| Lighting | – Even lighting on the face |
| – No red-eye | |
| Photo Quality | – Color photo |
| – Clear and sharp image | |
| – No alterations or enhancements (e.g., retouching) | |
| Photo Recency | – Taken within the last 3 months |
Singapore Passport/Visa Photo Size
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore regulates the Singapore passport photo size and other requirements. Therefore, you must follow their instructions or your application will not be accepted.
- Dimensions: 35mm wide x 45mm high (without border)
- Resolution: At least 600 dpi
- File Size: Less than 10MB
Background Requirements
The Singapore passport requires the photo to have a plain white or off-white background. Any decorations or objects in the background are not permitted, as they can interfere with the identification process and biometric data extraction. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority enforces these background specifications to ensure compliance with the passport application standards.
Attire and Dress Code
For the Singapore passport photo, applicants must follow specific attire and dress code guidelines.
- Head Coverings: Allowed only if habitually worn for religious or racial customs, but should not obscure facial features.
- Accessories: Hats or headsets are strictly prohibited, as they can obstruct the face and interfere with the identification process.
- Eyeglasses: Should be avoided if possible, or worn in a way that ensures both eyes are clearly visible without any reflections that could hinder facial recognition.
The immigration authorities have established these attire and dress code requirements to maintain the integrity of the Singapore passport application process. Photographers and photo studios/booths play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to these standards when capturing passport photos for applicants.
Singapore Passport Photo Baby Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo Size | – 35mm wide x 45mm high |
| Head Height | – Occupy about 75% of the photo |
| Headroom | – 3mm distance from the top of the photo to the top of the hair |
| Background | – Plain white |
| Photo Type | – Color photo |
| Facial Expression | – Neutral (no smiling or frowning) |
| Eyes | – Open and clearly visible |
| Mouth | – Closed (open mouth allowed for newborns) |
| Obstructions | – No objects or other people in the picture |
| Parental Hands | – Not allowed in the photo |
| Additional Notes | – Same requirements as adult passport photos apply |
| – For digital submissions: 400×514 pixels, file size under 2MB, JPG/JPEG/PNG format |
For the most up-to-date information, refer to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore’s website.
Taking Your Own Photo
Capturing a professional-quality passport photo at home is entirely possible with the right setup and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take your own passport photos that meet the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s requirements:
Step 1: Choose the Right Place in Your Home
Select a well-lit room with ample natural light, preferably near a large window or glass door. Avoid rooms with harsh overhead lighting or shadows, as these can create unwanted contrasts on your face. If natural light is limited, you can use two or three lamps positioned at a 45-degree angle to create even, diffused lighting.
Step 2: Set Up the Background
Arrange a plain white or off-white background, such as a large piece of seamless paper or a flat, wrinkle-free bed sheet. Ensure the background is free from any decorations, patterns, or textures that could be distracting.
If you don’t have a white background, don’t worry, we will guide you on how to change your passport photos to a white background with online tools.
Step 3: Set Up Your Position with Camera
Place your camera on a tripod and adjust the height so that the lens is at eye level. This angle will help capture a natural, straight-on view of your face without distortion. If you don’t have a tripod, you can improvise by stacking books or boxes to achieve the desired height.
Position yourself about 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) away from the background, and use the camera’s viewfinder or live view to frame your shot. Your head should be centered, with enough space above your head to meet the passport photo’s size requirements (typically around 35-45mm from chin to crown).
Step 4: Maintain a Neutral Expression
Look straight into the camera with a neutral, relaxed facial expression. Keep your eyes open, mouth closed, and face forward. Avoid smiling, squinting, or making exaggerated expressions, as these can affect the accuracy of facial recognition software.
Step 5: Adjust Lighting and Exposure
If using natural light, position yourself facing the window and use a reflector (such as a large piece of white cardboard or foam board) to bounce light onto the shadowed side of your face, creating an even illumination. If using lamps, adjust their position and intensity to eliminate harsh shadows or hotspots on your face.
Step 6: Take Multiple Shots
Take several photos, adjusting your position and expression slightly between shots. This allows you to choose the best one from multiple shots.
Also read: Korean Passport Photo Requirements
How to Edit Your Passport Photo Using PassportMaker
- Head to passportmaker.com and choose Singapore.
- Choose the type of document (passport in this case).
- Upload your photo.
- AI automatically standardizes the Singapore passport photo including size, background, and resolution.
- Download the photo file within 60 minutes.
People usually make common mistakes when taking passport photos at home. These mistakes include wrong size and oversize digital files. Therefore, the best online passport photo maker help you optimize your photos strictly following the guidelines of the ICA in Singapore.
Where to Get Passport Photos Taken in Singapore
Even if you don’t take passport photos at home, in Singapore, there are convenient options for getting passport photos taken:
- Photo Me Booths: These self-service kiosks are available in malls, MRT stations, and shopping centers. They are a quick and affordable option.
- Singapore Passport Photo Online: Several online services can format and print passport photos. You can upload a photo taken with your own camera, and they will ensure it meets the required specifications.
- Photo Studios: Located in several locations, these studios provide professional photo services. The best studios rated 5* on Google Maps include Studio 03 on Lavender Street Lift Lobby 2, Portrait Gallery on 315 Outram Rd, Tan Boon Liat Building, or H2 Photography Studio on 28 Sin Ming Ln, Midview City.
- Self-Service Kiosks: The ICA Building has self-service kiosks for taking passport photos if you are applying or renewing your passport on-site. You can come here and take passport/visa photos quickly without the fear of rejection.
