A visit to Singapore requires a Singapore visa, unless you are a citizen of a country eligible for a visa waiver. To obtain a Singapore visa, you must submit a visa application form along with several supporting documents. The process of applying for a Singapore visa would depend on whether you are applying for an e-visa or a regular visa. Either way, you must submit your photographs along with the other important documents to receive your Singapore visa. But this does not mean that you can submit any random photographs. You need to follow specific rules regarding size, appearance, color, etc., to ensure that you submit the right pictures. Here we present the photo requirements you need to follow when applying for a Singapore visa from Dubai or any other city in the world.
Specifications for Singapore Visa Photo Size
The Singapore visa guidelines are very specific about the size of the photographs you submit along with the visa application.
- The Singapore visa photo size should be 35 mm x 45 mm, i.e., 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height. The photo should not have any edges or borders.
- If you are applying for a Singapore e-visa, you will have to submit scanned photos. In this case, the dimensions of the photo should be 400 x 514 pixels.
- You must submit the scanned photo in JPEG format, and the file size should not exceed 2 MB.
- In either case, 80% of the photo should be covered with your face. Your face must face the camera directly, and head, forehead, eyes, ears, nose, chin, neck, and shoulders should be clearly visible.
- For a paper Singapore visa application, you need to submit two physical photographs. The visa photographs should have a matte finish, not a glossy finish.
Singapore Visa Photo Color, Background, and Lighting
Apart from the Singapore visa photo size requirements, there are several other parameters that you must fulfil before submitting your photo for a Singapore visa.
Color: The visa photo you submit must be in color. Black and white photos will not be accepted.
Background: The background of the photo should be a white color. No other color will be accepted. Similarly, the background should be plain. There should be no patterns, designs, or shadows on them.
Face Orientation: It is essential that your face is directly facing the camera. Photos with side profiles will be outrightly rejected.
Lighting:Â The lighting in the photo should be perfect. It should not be too dark or too bright, but well-lit. There should be no shadows or glare on the photo.
Clarity: The photo should be clear and sharp. It should not be distorted, elongated, or blurred. Make sure the focus on your face is just right. There should be no red eyes in your photo.
Singapore Visa Photo Guidelines on Appearance
Along with the Singapore visa photo size and background color, the way you appear in the photo is also important. Here are some tips to help you look your best in the photo.
Attire: The attire is not particularly important, as only a small portion of your clothes would be seen in the photo. Still, go for semi-casuals or formal attire. However, the color of the outfit is crucial. As the background is white, you should wear outfits with dark colors so that contrast is clearly visible. Avoid wearing uniforms while getting your Singapore visa photo clicked.
Hairstyle:Â Keep your hairstyle simple. More important is to ensure that your hair is combed and styled neatly. Ensure that your hair does not cover your forehead, eyebrows, or eyes. If you have long hair, keep it tucked away so that your ears are clearly visible.
Headgear: The one thing you must avoid is wearing headgear, including scarves, caps, hats, etc. Face masks are also included in this list. However, there is an exception to this rule. Headgear worn for religious purposes, such as a hijab or a turban, is permitted for Singapore visa photos. However, they should not cover your face. Headgear worn for medical reasons is also accepted.
Eye Glasses: If you wear eye glasses regularly, you can wear them while getting your visa photos clicked. However, ensure that the frames are not so thick that they cover your eyes. There should be no glare on the lens. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited. In such cases, get a photo clicked without wearing the spectacles.
Facial Expression: Your facial expression must be neutral. You should not smile or laugh while the photo being taken. Your teeth should not be seen in the photo. In fact, your mouth must remain closed. Similarly, you should also not frown in the photo. Keep your expression relaxed.
Photo Recency: It is extremely crucial that you send recent photos for your Singapore visa applications. Your visa photos should not be older than 3 months.
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Singapore Photo Requirements for Children
Most of the requirements mentioned above also apply to children. However, getting formal photos of kids can be a bit difficult, especially in the case of infants and toddlers. So, there are some relaxed rules. Here are some things to keep in mind when clicking children’s photographs for Singapore visa.
- Infants should be laid on a flat surface or a car seat for the photo. Do not forget to lay a white sheet on the surface before taking the photo.
- If someone is holding the child, the person or their arms should not be visible in the photo.
- Toys, bibs, pacifiers, bottles, and other similar items should not be visible in the photo.
- The child’s eyes must be open, and the mouth should be closed. It is important that the child looks directly into the camera.
Conclusion
To ensure that your Singapore visa application is not rejected because of an incorrect photograph, you must submit the right photos. Check all the specifications mentioned above before you submit the photo along with your visa application form for a Singapore visa.
FAQs about Singapore Visa Photo
Q. Can I take the Singapore visa photo at home?
Q. What happens if I do not submit the right photo for a Singapore visa application?
Q. What are the common reasons for Singapore visa photo rejection?
- Old photos
- Photos with colored or patterned backgrounds
- Wrong photo size
- Digitally altered images
- Photos with headgear or too thick glasses
- Unclear or hidden facial features
- A laughing or frowning expression on your face
Q. Is it ok to make digital alterations or use filters for Singapore visa photos?
Q. Apart from photos, what other documents do I need to submit for my Singapore visa application?
- Passport (minimum six months validity)
- Visa application form
- Confirmed return tickets
- Proof of funds
- Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter for Singapore visa from the host


