According to ICAO, travelers must hold a valid passport while traveling internationally. That is to say, the passport must be renewed on time in case of being rejected onboard or entry. As a Singaporean citizen, are you looking for how to renew your passport renewal? This passage is an ultimate Singapore passport renewal guide for those who live domestically or abroad, covering renewal requirements, online or in-person renewal, ICA passport photo, and other related issues.
Is it Necessary to Renew My Passport?
Many countries require foreign visitors to hold a passport with at least 6-month validity. According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), it might take 3-6 weeks to deal with an application, so it is necessary to learn about it in advance.
An adult’s Singaporean passport is usually valid for about 10 years and 5 for those under 16. It is time to renew your passport when it is going to expire in 6 weeks, has expired, or run out of pages. 5-year passport holders are allowed to transfer the remaining validity time (up to 9 months) to the renewed passport.
Moreover, you are supposed to replace the old passport when it is damaged, lost or stolen.
What You Need for Singapore Passport Renewal
To ensure everything goes smoothly, it is recommended to get the following documents prepared before starting renewal.
- Current passport
Both the photocopy and original copy are required.
- Application form (Form IMME 11)
This can be downloaded here. Please include this completed form in your package while applying by post. For online applications, you just need to fill out the e-form.
- ICA passport photo
It must comply with the official passport photo requirements. An unqualified photo would terminate your application. It is suggested to use a passport-size photo maker, such as AiPassportPhotos to check and fix compliance.
- Singpass ID
This is the access to Singaporean online government services. The SingPass app can be found in the App Store, Google Play and AppGallery.
- Banking information
This is used to fulfill payment which can be done by VISA, MasterCard Credit/Debit Card or other banking credentials.
How to Renew a Singapore Passport
The ICA office allows for 2 ways for renewal: online, in person, or by post.
Renew Singapore Passport Online
Online renewal is the most convenient way, especially for those who want to skip the long queues and fulfill the application from the comfort of home. The whole process takes only 15 minutes. All you need to do is go to the APPLES system and follow the step-by-step instructions.
- Log in with your SingPass ID or create an account.
- Provide personal information as required, such as name, address, contact, etc.
- Upload the required documents stated before and select a collection center where you’ll pick up the new passport.
- Pay the renewal fees through a valid debit/credit card.
After submitting the application, you will receive a confirmation. It will take 3-4 weeks to process your application. The authority will inform you to pick it up by email, post or SMS when it is ready. Just pay attention to the notice. If there is any problem, please email ICA_APPLES_Administrator@ica.gov.sg and attach a screenshot of the error message. The administration team will guide you through it.
Renew Singapore Passport by Post
If you are not eligible or have no access to online applications, you can pack your completed application form, ICA passport photo, current passport and other supporting documents in an envelope. Mail the package to the following address.
Passport Unit
Citizen Services Centre
ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Level 2
Singapore 208718
You can also drop it into the deposit box
You may also drop it at the Consulate-General during business hours, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday. Login to MyICA to track the processing status.
Renew Singapore Passport Abroad
Supposing that you are living outside Singapore and want to renew your ICA passport, the first thing you need to do is find a local embassy or consulate and submit all required documents.
For example, in the United States, there are 4 Singaporean passport offices, including the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Washington DC, the Consulate General in New York and San Francisco, and the Honorary Consulate in Miami.
Renew a Child’s Singapore Passport
The renewal requirements and process for minors are the same as that for adults but extra documents listed below are required.
- 2 photocopies of the child’s birth certificate which shows both parents’ information
- 2 photocopies of the child’s citizenship certificate/NRIC (if applicable)
- 2 photocopies of the child’s valid exit permit (only needed for 13- to 21-year-old male minors)
- 2 photocopies of passport/NRIC of both parents/legal guardians
Urgent Singapore Passport Renewal
A: Citizens who are in urgent need to travel within the coming 7 days can bring all supporting documents to the Information Counter at Level 2, Passport Unit, ICA Building.
Urgent applications for adults must provide:
- recent passport
- digital/physical identity card
- proof of urgent travel, such as air tickets, accommodation reservations or travel itinerary.
- qualified passport-sized photo
Urgent applications for children must provide:
- the child’s recent passport
- the child’s birth certificate
- the parent’s digital/physical identity card
- proof of urgent travel, such as air tickets, accommodation reservations or travel itinerary.
- qualified passport-sized photo
ICA Passport Photos
A Singaporean passport photo specifications are based on the rules and regulations of the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The picture must be taken no more than 3 months ago so as to present your current look.
Passport Photo Requirements
Whether you decide to take a passport photo on your own or seek a photographer, it is suggested to learn about the detailed guidelines for a qualified picture.
- The Singapore passport photo size should be 35 mm x 45 mm, with the head measuring 25mm to 35mm in height.
- The digital photo file format could be jpg, jpeg or png.
- The file size is no more than 2 MB.
- You must print a colored picture on matte paper.
- The whole picture must be evenly lit.
- Keep a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.
- Ensure the photo is clear, in focus and non-pixelated.
- The photo must show the full head and upper shoulder.
- Wear dark clothes that contrast with the background.
- Headgear and veil are only accepted for religious reasons. They must not be the same color as the background or cover your face.
- Eyeglasses are allowed but don’t let them hinder your eyes or cast shadows on the face. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are prohibited.
- Non-colored contact lens is permitted but don’t create a “red eye” effect.
- The eyes must be fully revealed. Don’t let it be covered by hair, spectacles, veils or accessories.
- Center your head and look directly at the front to present the whole face.
- Don’t distort or flip the photo in case of changing your facial features.
- Don’t alter the subject with any software or app.
Where to Take Passport Photo in Singapore
Now that you have learned about ICA passport photo requirements, let’s see where to take passport photos that meet official guidelines.
- Photography Studios
There are professional photographers, equipment, lighting, and backdrops to ensure the qualification of your photos. Famous studios include Kodak Express, FujiFilm, and FotoHub. You can find one on Google Maps.
- Shopping Centers
Many photo booths or photo stores are located in large malls, such as Plaza Singapura, VivoCity, Bugis Junction, etc. You can visit there in the neighborhood and ask whether they provide passport photo service.
- Pharmacies
Drug stores, easily found around the city, provide photography and printing services. To take a passport photo, you can visit Watsons, Guardian, and Unity.
- Online Passport Photo Services
A passport photo editor allows users to make a biometric picture at home. Taking AiPassportPhotos as an example, you can take a shot with a smartphone or camera, upload it to its official website and it will automatically adjust size and background to satisfy the ICA’s requirements. This AI-supported tool can check photo compliance after uploading, thus generating 100% acceptable digital or printable versions. It works 7/24 and is accessible anywhere, which is quite friendly to those who are too busy or unable to find a physical store. Read here to learn more about taking Singapore passport photos at home.
FAQs: ICA Passport Photo Renewal
Q: How long does it take to get a renewed passport?
A: It takes 3-4 weeks for online renewal and 4-6 weeks for in-person renewal.
Q: When should I renew my Singapore passport?
A: It is allowed to file the application up to 6 months before it expires.
Q: Can I renew my Singapore passport after it expires?
A: Yes. It is not mandatory to renew a passport unless you have to travel abroad.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for or renew an ICA passport?
A: It takes S$70 to apply online, by post, or by dropping in the deposit box while S$80 for applications handed in over the counter at the ICA building or the Singapore Overseas Mission.
Supposing that you renew your passport due to loss or damage, you have to pay extra penalty fees, S$50 for first-time replacement and S$100 for subsequent replacements.
Since January 1, 2020, Singaporean newborn citizens have enjoyed a waiver of the application fee for the first passport as long as it is submitted within 1 year after the birth through MyICA.
Q: How can I pay the passport fees?
A: For online applications, it is acceptable to pay through Visa or MasterCard, American Express (AMEX) credit card, online banking accounts or PayNow. For applications by post or deposit box, payment methods by Visa or MasterCard or AMEX credit card are allowed.
Q: How can I collect my renewed Singapore passport?
A: You can pick it up along with supporting documents in person at the ICA Building or post offices which should be decided at the application.
Summary
Generally speaking, renewing a Singapore passport is easier than first-time applications. You can either renew online, by post or in person, depending on where you are. Remember to prepare all required documents to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you are looking for the quickest and most efficient way to take a passport photo, we hope AiPassportPhotos can help you.
Dolores Xiao