ICA Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines

In Singapore, ICA refers to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority — the government agency responsible for immigration, citizenship, and border control services. When submitting an application through ICA, whether for a passport, identity card, or other travel document, you are usually required to provide a passport-sized photograph that complies with the official ICA photo requirements.

These requirements cover aspects such as photo size, background color, facial expression, attire, and image quality. Meeting them is crucial, as a non-compliant photo can lead to application delays or rejections.

Let’s go through these ICA passport photo specifications in detail so you can prepare your picture correctly the first time.

Table of contents

• Singapore ICA portal explained
• ICA passport photo size and format
• ICA photo background and color requirements
• Get an ICA photo online!
• ICA Passport Photo App!
• FAQ!

Singapore ICA portal explained

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is the Singapore government agency responsible for immigration control, border security, and the issuance of identity and travel documents. It provides services to Singapore citizens, permanent residents (PRs), and certain categories of visitors.

Through the ICA, you can apply for or renew the following documents:

1. National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) – for Singapore citizens and PRs
2. Singapore Passport – for Singapore citizens
3. Certificate of Identity (COI) – for stateless persons residing in Singapore
4. Citizenship Certificate – for individuals granted Singapore citizenship

ICA also manages entry, transit, and departure requirements, oversees permanent residency applications, and operates Singapore’s land, sea, and air checkpoints.

Remember that to apply for all these documents, you need a 35x45 mm photo or a 400x514 digital photo.

ICA passport photo size and format

To ensure your application is accepted, your photo must meet ICA’s official specifications. Below are the current requirements:

• Dimensions: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high
• Face size: 25 mm to 35 mm from chin to crown
• Resolution (digital): Minimum 400 × 514 pixels
• File format (digital): JPEG (.jpg)
• File size (digital): 60 KB to 3 MB
• Color mode: Full color
• Photo age: Taken within the last 3 months

ICA photo background and color requirements

• Background color: Plain white
• Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background
• Patterns: Background must be free of any patterns, textures, or objects
• Color mode: Full color (no black-and-white, sepia, or filters)

Here is an example of a Singapore passport online photo:

Get an ICA photo online!

How to edit a photo for a visa application so that it matches all the requirements? That's what Visafoto is made for!

Take an image with a smartphone against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.

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All you need to do is to upload your full-face portrait taken against any background. The service will automatically set the required size, correct the head and eye position, replace the background, and adjust the quality.

ICA Passport Photo App

Want to skip the hassle of finding a studio? The 7ID App from Visafoto.com lets you create a compliant Singapore IC photo directly from your smartphone. It works on both iOS and Android, making it easy to prepare ID, passport, and visa photos anytime, anywhere.

Simply take a clear picture, upload it to 7ID, choose “Singapore" and the document type, and the app will automatically format it to ICA specifications. You’ll get both a ready-to-use digital file and a printable template sized for 4×6, A4, A5, or B5 paper.

Need help? 7ID offers round-the-clock technical support.

Beyond photos, 7ID includes handy extras such as free QR code and barcode storage, secure PIN code storage, and a free signature generator — all in one app.

Singapore ICA Passport Photo FAQ

Do children and infants need a separate photo for an ICA application?

Yes. All applicants, including newborns and young children, must submit their own ICA-compliant passport photo. Parents can hold infants for the photo as long as hands or objects are not visible.

Can I wear glasses in an ICA photo?

Yes, but only if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Dark-tinted or reflective glasses are not allowed.

Is headwear allowed in ICA photos?

Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons. The full face must remain visible from chin to forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows.

Can I smile in an ICA ?

No. ICA requires a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed and eyes open, looking straight at the camera.

Can I submit a scanned or edited photo?

No. ICA requires original, high-resolution photographs. Scanned prints or heavily edited images will be rejected.

How recent must my ICA passport photo be?

The photo must have been taken within the last 3 months to accurately reflect your current appearance.

Can I use a selfie for my ICA passport photo?

Yes, as long as it meets ICA’s size, format, and composition requirements. Selfies taken with wide-angle lenses may distort facial features and should be avoided.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

You will receive an email or portal notification asking you to resubmit a compliant photo, which may delay your application processing. If you created your photo using Visafoto or 7ID, contact our support team to request a refund.

Last Update: August 2025