Singapore visa photo size guide

Before you can explore Singapore, there’s one thing that could stand between you and your trip: your visa photo. It’s easy to overlook, but the right photo is an essential part of your application. In this guide, we'll ensure you have everything you need to get it right. Let’s make sure your Singapore visa photo is ready, so you can focus on your journey.

What is the standard size for a Singapore visa photo?

The Singapore visa photo size is crucial for your application. The official size required by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is:

● Width: 35mm

● Height: 45mm

This size aligns with international passport photo standards, ensuring uniformity and consistency across various visa applications. Double-checking the size before submission is important to avoid rejections.

What are the face dimensions for a Singapore visa photo?

Your face must occupy a certain proportion of the photo to meet Singapore’s visa requirements. The ideal face dimensions are:

● Face height: 32mm to 36mm (from chin to crown)

● Face width: 24mm to 26mm

These measurements ensure that your face is clearly visible and correctly aligned in the photo. The face should occupy approximately 70-80% of the total height of the image.

What should the background of the visa photo be like?

A plain, light-colored background is essential for your Singapore visa photo. This helps to clearly distinguish your facial features. Key background requirements are:

● Preferred colors: White, light grey, or light cream

● No shadows or patterns: The background should not have any distractions like patterns, shadows, or textures

A clean background ensures that your face stands out, making the photo easier to assess.

What expression and pose should I have in the visa photo?

For a valid Singapore visa photo, the following guidelines should be adhered to:

● Neutral expression: Keep your face neutral, without smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows

● Mouth closed: Ensure that your mouth is closed and there are no visible teeth

● Eyes open: Your eyes must be open and visible, with no reflections from glasses or any obstructions

Maintaining a neutral expression ensures that the photo meets ICA standards, avoiding delays in processing your visa.

Are there any clothing restrictions for the Singapore visa photo?

What you wear in your Singapore visa photo is just as important as your facial expression and background. Here are the clothing guidelines:

● No uniforms: Unless you’re wearing religious attire, avoid wearing uniforms in the photo

● Headwear: You are only allowed to wear headwear for religious or medical reasons. The head covering should not obscure your face

● Glasses: If you wear glasses, ensure the frames do not cover your eyes, and there should be no reflections or tints in the lenses

These clothing requirements help ensure that your photo accurately represents your appearance.

What are the quality and resolution requirements for a Singapore visa photo?

Photo quality is a critical aspect of your Singapore visa application. Your photo must meet the following criteria:

● Resolution: High-resolution and clear

● No overexposure or shadows: The photo should be well-lit, with no overexposure or shadows on the face or background

● Recent photo: Your photo should have been taken within the last 3 months to ensure it accurately represents your current appearance

The photo must be printed on high-quality, glossy paper, ensuring that it is clear and sharp.

How do I submit my Singapore visa photo online?

If you're applying for a Singapore visa online, you need to submit a digital photo that meets specific format and size requirements:

● File format: JPEG or PNG

● File size: Typically, your photo should not exceed 300 KB

● Resolution: Ensure that the image is at least 600 x 800 pixels

When submitting the photo online, make sure it fits the required dimensions of 35mm x 45mm without distortion. Quality is essential, so avoid compressing the photo too much, as this may affect the clarity.

What common mistakes should I avoid when taking my visa photo?

To ensure your Singapore visa photo meets all the guidelines, avoid these common mistakes:

● Incorrect size: Make sure your photo is exactly 35mm x 45mm

● Improper background: A background that is too dark, patterned, or shadowed will lead to rejection

● Low quality or blurry photos: Ensure your photo is clear and sharp

● Obstructed facial features: Glasses, headwear, or hair should not block your face

By carefully following the guidelines, you can reduce the chances of your photo being rejected.

Where can I get my Singapore visa photo taken?

You can have your Singapore visa photo taken at various locations:

● Professional photo studios: Many photo studios are familiar with visa photo requirements and can ensure your photo meets the ICA guidelines

● Passport photo booths: These booths are equipped to take photos that meet the specific standards for visa applications

● Online photo services: Some online platforms provide photo services where you can upload your photo and have it resized and formatted to meet the visa requirements

Regardless of where you choose to take your photo, ensure that the service you use is familiar with the Singapore visa photo specifications.

Final checklist: Is your photo ready for submission?

Before submitting your Singapore visa application, ensure that your photo meets the following criteria:

● Size: 35mm x 45mm

● Quality: Clear, high-resolution image

● Background: Plain, light-colored background with no shadows or patterns

● Expression: Neutral expression with eyes visible and mouth closed

● Clothing: No uniforms or headwear (unless religious)

● File format (for digital applications): JPEG or PNG, not exceeding 300 KB

By following this checklist, you can avoid delays and ensure that your visa application process goes smoothly.

Pro tip: The cost of visa fee, in case of visa denial by the embassy is reimbursed to the insured, provided the insured has opted for the cover before or at the time of applying for visa.

Conclusion

A correctly formatted visa photo is one of the most important elements of your Singapore visa application. Not following the size, background, and quality guidelines can lead to delays or even rejection of your application. By adhering to the specifications outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your Singapore visa photo meets all the requirements and helps speed up the processing of your application. Additionally, having valid travel insurance is crucial for your trip, as it provides essential coverage and peace of mind during your travels.