A Singapore visa photo size requirement is a 35mm x 45mm colored passport-sized image for every new application. For online applications, the image should be in JPEG/PNG format with specific pixel dimensions (400 x 514 pixels) with a maximum file size of 8 MB. The image must be recent and taken in the last 3 months.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Singapore visa photo requirements for Indians, covering size, format, and attire so you can enjoy your trip. Adhering to these strict guidelines is essential, as the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) uses sophisticated biometric software to verify every image.
|
Height x Width |
35 mm wide x 45 mm high |
|
Face Size |
Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo area. |
|
Face Orientation |
Clear front & forward facing |
|
Background |
White background |
|
Quantity |
2 |
|
Accessories |
No hats, sunglasses, or scarves |
|
Tips |
– The picture should be easily identifiable. – Taken within 3 months before the application. – Photos with dark or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted. |
Photo Size
Here are the specific Singapore visa passport photo sizes you need for a successful visa approval:
|
Photo Size in MM |
35 mm wide x 45 mm high |
|
Photo Size in CM |
3.5 cm wide x 4.5 cm high |
|
Photo Size in Inches |
1.38 inches wide x 1.77 inches high |
|
Photo Size in Pixels |
400 x 514 pixels |
- Digital Format Requirements: For online applications via the ICA portal, the JPEG file should have a maximum size of 8 MB. Ensure the image is square and centered before resizing to the exact 400 x 514) pixel ratio to avoid distortion, which is a common cause of biometric failure.
Photo Color & Recentness
To understand the requirements better, here are the rules regarding photo specifications for Singapore visas:
- Color of the Photo: Colored photos are mandatory. Black-and-white images will not be accepted. Make sure your images are recent and reflect your current appearance.
- Age of the Photo: Photographs taken within the last 3 months are acceptable. The strict three-month limit ensures the photo accurately represents your current appearance for facial recognition checks at the airport.
- Photo Matte or Glossy: Use high-quality photo paper, and ensure the photo is free of creases, marks, or damage. Do not apply filters or alterations. While both matte and glossy paper are usually accepted for physical photos, matte is often preferred as it minimizes reflective glare.
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Photo Background & Lighting
Ensure your photo meets the required specifications for background and lighting to avoid delays in your Singapore visa application.
Background
For visa photos, the background must be plain white or off-white. Ensure no patterns, shadows, or objects are visible and that it’s evenly lit to provide a clear contrast with your face. The use of a true plain white background is critical for the automated cropping and sizing tool used in the online submission portal.
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial. The photo should have even lighting across your face and the background. Uniform illumination is essential, with no shadows on the face or background.
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Face Visibility & Expressions
Here are the Singapore visa photo guidelines related to face visibility and expressions:
Facial Visibility
Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo area for biometric identification. The face height should measure 32 – 36 mm from the chin to the crown of the head. This spacing ensures the biometric software can clearly map your facial features without distortion.
Facial Expression
To meet the Singapore visa photo requirements, you must have a neutral expression in your photo. This means:
- No smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows.
- The mouth should be closed, and your eyes should be open.
- There should be no hair, glasses, or other obstructions on the face.
- Your head must be centered and straight, facing the camera directly.
- Both ears should be visible.
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Accessories & Attire
There are specific protocols that you must follow when it comes to attire and accessories:
Accessories
- Glasses: Avoid sunglasses. Medically necessary glasses that do not cover the eyes or cast a shadow are permitted. If you must wear glasses, the frames must be thin, and the lenses must be clear (not tinted). There must be absolutely no glare or reflection visible on the lenses, as this will lead to automatic rejection.
- Medical Devices: Remove a hearing aid or any medical device that may cover your face.
- Jewelry: Do not wear jewelry that may obscure your facial features from the camera.
- Headgear: Hats or any headgear should be removed for the photo. Religious headwear is permitted so long as it doesn’t cover any facial features.
- Hair & Makeup: Do not wear wigs, fake eyelashes, or appearance-altering makeup.
- Electronics: Do not wear headphones or wireless earphones during your photo session.
Attire
There is no specific dress code for the photo. However, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Avoid wearing white, as it may blend in with the white background. Wear a dark or colored top to ensure a clear contrast between your shoulders and the white background.
- Wear solid colors and avoid clothes with graphic designs, logos, or patterns.
- Don’t wear a uniform or camouflage attire.
- Avoid ties, bow ties, or other formal accessories that may divert attention from your face.
Singapore Visa Photo Requirements for Children & Infants
For children and infants, the Singapore visit visa photo requirements are relaxed:
- Babies’ eyes should preferably be open, but it’s not mandatory
- Infants can be photographed sitting in a chair or lying on a flat surface
- The background should be plain white without visible support
- Perfectly aligned head positions are not mandatory for babies and young children
- For children under 5, a small smile or relaxed expression is acceptable as long as the face is completely unobscured.
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Common Reasons for Singapore Visa Photo Rejection
Here are some of the common reasons for Singapore visa photo rejection:
Incorrect Size or Dimensions: Photos that do not adhere to the exact 35 mm wide x 45 mm high will be rejected. The digital file must match the 400 x 514 pixel ratio exactly; incorrect aspect ratios are the leading cause of online submission failure.
Improper Background: Photos with a background color other than white, or those with patterns or shadows, are often rejected. A plain white background is the ideal setting for a Singapore visa photo.
Visible Objects or People: Any images with objects or people in the background will be rejected immediately. Make sure the background is plain and there are no distractions in the image.
Facial Expressions and Position: A neutral expression is required. Smiling, frowning, or other facial expressions are not acceptable. The applicant must be facing the camera in an upright position.
Head and Eye Position: You need to look straight at the camera lens, which must be positioned at eye level. Your application will be rejected if your head is tilted or your eyes are closed.
Shadow or Glare: If you wear glasses, any glare, reflections, or frames covering part of your eyes will result in rejection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are also not allowed. Avoid wearing glasses, or make sure that your glasses are rimless and anti-rejection so that your eyes are visible.
Clothing and Accessories: Don’t wear a scarf, hat, or headgear for your photo session. Dress professionally and modestly for the photo session. Make sure your clothes or accessories do not obscure your face.
Quality of the Photo: The photo should be of excellent quality, and the paper texture should be ideally matte, glossy, or semi-matte. Low-resolution images (below 300 DPI) or images of poor print quality will fail the quality assessment.
Unapproved Photo Editing: Photos should not be edited or tampered with in any way or by anyone. If your photo is edited, it may be rejected. This includes digital enhancement, blurring of the background, or manipulation of facial features.
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FAQs
What are the Singapore visa photo size requirements?
A photo required for singapore visa is 35 mm wide x 45 mm in height. The image should be in color, with a neutral expression, open eyes, and a closed mouth.
Can you provide details about the visa for Singapore photo requirements?
The passport photo requirement for Singapore is a colored photo that is 35 mm wide x 45 mm. All applicants must adhere to the image dimensions in order to get a visa approval.
What are the Singapore visa picture requirements for children?
Children’s photos need to be clear for Singapore visa applications, taken from the front within the last six months, with a white background.
How should the Singapore visa photo size be measured?
The Singapore photo requirements typically include a color, 35 mm wide x 45 mm high photo with a plain white background.
What are the common mistakes with the Singapore visa photo size requirements?
Common mistakes with Singapore visa photo size requirements include incorrect dimensions, poor image quality, improper lighting, and facial issues like incorrect expressions or obstructed views.
What lighting conditions should be avoided for the Singapore visa photo specification?
For a Singapore visa photo, you should avoid shadows on the face or background, overexposure, and underexposure. The photo must be taken in a well-lit area with a plain white background.
Can accessories be worn in the Singapore visa photo requirements?
Accessories should be minimized or avoided in Singapore visa photos to ensure clarity. Hats, headwear, and sunglasses are typically not permitted, except for religious or medical reasons.
What are the key Singapore visa photo requirements?
The standard size for a Singapore visa photo is 35 mm wide x 45 mm high. All applicants are required to adhere to the image dimensions and ensure that the background is plain and there are no obstructions in the image.
