Guide To Your Singapore Visa Photo Requirements

On the other hand, if you are applying for a Singapore visa, it is important to ensure that your passport-sized photo is correct as incorrect ones will either cause delay or rejection of the application. In this guide, you will be walked through all the important criteria! This is to help ensure that your photo meets ICA standards.

Table of Contents

1 Photo Size and Dimensions

2 Digital or Physical Photo Submission

3 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

4 How to Ensure Your Photo Meets Singapore’s Requirements

5 Taking Your Visa Photo with Smartphone iD: Key Things to Consider

6 Sources

7 Continue Reading

Photo Size and Dimensions

The SG visa photo size have to be as follows:

1. Dimension

If you’re submitting a physical copy of your photo, it should be printed on high-quality photo paper with a matte or semi-matte finish. The photo size should be 35mm x 45mm.

For online submission of your Singapore visa application, the photo format should be a JPEG file with a maximum size of 2 MB. The dimensions of the photo should be 400 x 514 pixels.

Head — between 29mm and 34mm from chin to crown

Face Position: The height of your face should be 70 to 80 percent of the photo This will guarantee that your face is clearly visible and centered in the frame.

2. Photo Quality

The quality of your photo is paramount. It should be:

Clear and sharp: No blurry or pixelated images.
High-resolution: The photo should be of high quality, with no visible creases, tears, or marks.

3. Lighting and Exposure

Proper lighting is essential to avoid shadows and ensure that your features are visible:

Even Lighting: Your face should be evenly lit, with no harsh shadows or highlights. Natural light is ideal.
No Glare: If wearing glasses, ensure there’s no glare on the lenses.

4. Background

The background of your Singapore visa photo must meet the following criteria:

Plain: The background should be plain white or light-colored, free of patterns, textures, or objects.
Contrast: Your face must stand out clearly against the background, with no blending.

5. Pose and Expression

Your expression and positioning in the photo are important to meet Singapore’s visa photo standards:

Neutral Expression: You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, frowning, or other exaggerated facial expressions are not allowed.
Eyes Open and Visible: Ensure that your eyes are fully visible and open.
Head Position: Your head should be upright and centered in the frame. Tilted or turned heads will not be accepted.

6. Clothing and Accessories

What you wear and any accessories you have can impact the acceptance of your photo:

Clothing: Wear solid-colored clothing. Avoid overly dark or light clothes that blend with the background. Patterns should be avoided.
Glasses: Glasses are allowed, but they must not obscure your eyes. No tinted or dark glasses unless medically required. If possible, remove glasses to avoid reflections.
Headwear: Hats, headscarves, or other head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. These must not cover any part of your face and should not cast shadows.

7. Photo Format

The photo should be in color, not black and white.

No Digital Alterations: Ensure the photo is not digitally altered to change your appearance.
No Retouching: Do not retouch the photo to remove blemishes, wrinkles, or any other natural feature.

8. Babies and Children

If applying for a Singapore visa for a baby or child, there are additional considerations:

Eyes Open: Babies should have their eyes open, and their face should be clearly visible.
Positioning: Ensure that the baby’s head is centered and takes up the required percentage of the photo.
No Obstructions: Ensure that nothing, such as a blanket or toy, obstructs the baby’s face.

Digital or Physical Photo Submission

Your photo can either be submitted physically (as part of your visa application form) or digitally if applying online.

Digital Submission: Ensure that your photo is in the correct format (JPEG, PNG) and meets the file size requirements set by the Singapore ICA.
Physical Photo: If submitting a physical photo, print it on high-quality photo paper and avoid creases or damage.

Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

Make sure to avoid these common mistakes when taking your Singapore visa photo:

Incorrect dimensions or size.
Background not plain or light-colored.
Poor lighting causing shadows or glare.
Glasses causing reflections or covering your eyes.
Wearing hats or other head coverings (unless for medical or religious reasons).
Exaggerated facial expressions.
Head tilted or not centered in the photo.

Visa in the world

How to Ensure Your Photo Meets Singapore’s Requirements

The easiest way to ensure your visa photo meets Singapore’s requirements is by using a service like Smartphone ID. This app can help you take your photo in real time, ensuring that it complies with all the necessary specifications. The app will guide you through the process, providing feedback on how to adjust your photo if it doesn’t meet the requirements.

Taking Your Visa Photo with Smartphone iD: Key Things to Consider

Taking the right Singapore visa photo is essential for a smooth application process. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can ensure that your photo meets all of Singapore’s strict specifications. Whether you’re using a professional photographer or a tool like Smartphone ID, make sure your photo is clear, properly sized, and correctly positioned to avoid any delays in your visa application.

Sources

https://www.ica.gov.sg/photo-guidelines