Singapore Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to singapore passport photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.
Singapore passport photos must be 35x45mm with a plain white background, and the face must occupy 70-80% of the frame. Since 2019, glasses of any kind are strictly prohibited, making Singapore one of the earlier Asian countries to adopt this rule. Online submissions through the ICA website require a minimum of 400x514 pixels in JPEG format, with file sizes between 15 KB and 2 MB, and photos must be taken within the last three months. These specifications are enforced by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for both passport and NRIC applications. PassportPic produces ICA-compliant photos automatically, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 35mm x 45mm |
| Pixel Dimensions | 400 x 514 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | White |
| Head Size | 70-80% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 15 KB - 2 MB |
| Document Type | Passport |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
Glasses
Not allowed
Head Covering
Allowed for religious reasons with full face visible
Additional Requirements
- Photo must be taken within the last 3 months
- White background required
- Face must be centred and occupy 70-80% of the frame
- No glasses of any kind since 2019
- Digital photos can be submitted via the ICA website
- Minimum pixel dimensions of 400x514 for online submissions
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be white — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 70-80% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for Singapore Passport photos: not allowed. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 35mm x 45mm; digital submissions need 400x514 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
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Last updated
2026-01-10