Singapore Passport Size: A Guide to Photo Requirements

If you’re planning to travel abroad, you’ll need to have a passport. One of the requirements for a passport is a passport photo. Passport photos are a standard size and format that must be followed to ensure that they are accepted. In Singapore, there are specific guidelines for passport photos that you need to know before you take your picture.

A Singapore passport size with lion symbol and biometric chip

The Singapore passport photo size is 35mm x 45mm, which is the same size as most passport photos around the world. The photo must be taken against a white background, and your face must be centered and fully visible. You cannot wear glasses or any headgear unless it is for religious or medical reasons. Additionally, your expression must be neutral, and you cannot smile or frown in the photo.

To ensure that your passport photo is accepted, there are specific technical guidelines that you must follow. For example, the photo must be in colour, and the resolution must be at least 600 dpi. The file size must be between 60KB and 100KB, and the file format must be JPEG. If your photo does not meet these requirements, your passport application may be rejected.

Key Takeaways

Singapore passport photos must be a specific size and format.
There are technical guidelines that must be followed to ensure that your photo is accepted.
Your photo must be in colour, and your expression must be neutral.

Singapore Passport Photo Specifications

A passport photo booth with a white background, a camera, and a measurement guide for size and positioning

When applying for a Singapore passport, it is important to ensure that your passport photo meets the specific requirements set by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Here are the key specifications you need to know:

Size and Resolution

The only acceptable photo size for printed photos is 35×45 mm, with the subject’s face measuring between 25 mm and 35 mm. For digital submissions, the ICA recommends submitting a photo that is 400×514 pixels. The image resolution should be 600dpi to ensure that the photo is sharp and clear.

Quality and Background

Your photograph must be of high quality and taken against a plain white background. The background should be a plain white background, and there should be no shadows or patterns visible in the photo. The photograph must be on a matte or semi-matte finish (non-reflective photo) to avoid any glare or reflections.

Facial Features and Expression

Your facial features must be clearly visible in the photo, and your head should be straight and facing the camera. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible, with no hair covering them. You should have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and no smile. In addition, there should be no accessories such as glasses, hats, or headbands that obstruct your facial features.

By following these specifications, you can ensure that your Singapore passport photo will be accepted by the ICA and that your application process will run smoothly. Remember to check your photo before submitting it to ensure that it meets all the requirements.

Submission and Technical Guidelines

A passport-sized photo with white background, clear and centered subject, and no shadows or reflections

When submitting your passport application, it is important to follow the submission and technical guidelines set forth by the Singapore government. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in delays or rejection of your application.

Digital Requirements

If you are applying for your passport online, you will need to provide a digital passport size photo that meets the ICA’s requirements. The digital photo must be in JPEG format and not exceed 60KB in file size. The dimensions of the digital photo must be 400 pixels in width and 514 pixels in height.

Dress Code and Accessories

When taking your passport size photo, it is important to follow the dress code and accessory guidelines set forth by the ICA. You should wear street clothes and avoid uniforms or attire that may give the impression of a different profession. Religious attire is allowed as long as it does not cover your face or obscure your features.

You should also avoid wearing hats, headgear, sunglasses, or tinted glasses that may obscure your face. If you wear glasses, they should not have any tint and should not cause any glare or reflection. Bobby pins and headbands are allowed as long as they do not obscure your face.

Dos and Don’ts

When taking your passport size photo, there are certain dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind. You should maintain a neutral facial expression and avoid smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows. Your head height should be between 70% to 80% of the photograph from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.

You should also avoid using filters or image editing software that alters your appearance or the background colour. The photograph should be taken against a plain white or light-coloured background.

Mobile Apps

There are several mobile apps available that can help you take a passport size photo that meets the ICA’s requirements. Some suggested search words you can use on the Android Play Store or Apple App Store are ‘Singapore Passport’, ‘Singapore IC‘, and ‘Photo. These apps usually come with features that will help you take photographs in the required dimensions.

Printed Photos

If you are submitting a hardcopy application, your printed photograph must be on a matte or semi-matte finish (non-reflective photo). The photograph must meet ICA’s requirements based on specifications by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Professional Photo

You may also choose to have your passport size photo taken by a professional photographer. If you choose this option, make sure that the photographer is aware of the ICA’s requirements and can provide you with a photo that meets these requirements.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your passport size photo meets the ICA’s requirements and that your application is processed smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions required for a Singapore passport photograph?

To apply for a Singapore passport, your photo must be 45mm in height and 35mm in width. The resolution of the photo should be 600 dpi (dots per inch). Make sure that your head covers 80% of the photo.

How can I edit my photo to meet the Singapore passport size requirements?

If you need to adjust your photo to meet the Singapore passport size requirements, you can use a photo editing tool such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. You can also use online tools such as Passport Photo Online or MyPassportPhotos.

Which tools can I use to resize my picture to the correct Singapore passport photo dimensions for free?

You can use free online tools such as Passport Photo Online, MyPassportPhotos, or ResizePixel to resize your picture to the correct Singapore passport photo dimensions.

What specifications must a photo meet to be suitable for a Singapore identity card?

To be suitable for a Singapore identity card, your photo must be 35mm in width and 45mm in height. The photo should be in colour and have a resolution of 400 dpi. Your head should cover 75% of the photo.

Is there a mobile application that can adjust photos to the suitable size for Singapore travel documents?

Yes, there are mobile applications such as Passport Photo Booth and Passport Size Photo Maker that can adjust photos to the suitable size for Singapore travel documents.

Are there any specific pixel requirements for Singapore visa or passport photos?

Yes, for Singapore visa or passport photos, the dimensions should be 400 pixels in width and 514 pixels in height. The file format should be either jpg, jpeg or png, with a maximum size of 2MB. The resolution should be 600 dpi.