Passport Photo Requirements: Essential Guidelines for Acceptance

Getting a passport photo can be tricky. There are many rules to follow. If you don’t meet them, your application might be rejected.

Passport photos must be 2×2 inches in size, taken within the last 6 months, and show a full face view. The background should be plain white or off-white. You need to have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile.

Proper lighting is key. Avoid shadows on your face or behind you. Don’t wear glasses unless you need them for medical reasons. Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes. These rules help make sure your photo is clear and easy to identify.

Basic Passport Photo Requirements

Passport photos must meet specific standards to be accepted. These requirements cover size, quality, and appearance to ensure clear identification.

Size Specifications

Passport photos need to be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) square. The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Make sure the photo shows the full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. Include the neck and shoulders in the frame.

Quality and Composition

Photos must be clear, sharp, and in focus. Use a plain white or off-white background.

Don’t use filters or edit the image. The photo should show your natural skin tone.

Face the camera directly with both eyes open. Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile.

Remove glasses unless you wear them daily. Avoid headwear, except for religious or medical reasons.

Color and Lighting

Submit a color photo taken in the last 6 months. Use even lighting to avoid shadows on your face or background.

Don’t use flash photography that causes red-eye. Ensure there’s no glare on glasses if worn.

The photo should have proper contrast and accurate color. Avoid over or underexposure.

Print on high-quality photo paper for best results. Digital photos must meet specific file format and size requirements.

Country-Specific Guidelines

Passport photo requirements vary across nations. Each country sets its own rules for photo size, background color, and facial expression.

United States Requirements

U.S. passport photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). The head should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from chin to top. Photos need a white or off-white background.

Applicants must face the camera directly with a neutral expression. No smiling is allowed. Eyes should be open and clearly visible.

Glasses are not permitted unless medically necessary. Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons.

Photos must be in color and taken within the last 6 months. Digital alterations are not allowed.

United Kingdom Standards

UK passport photos should be 45mm high by 35mm wide. The head must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

The background must be light grey or cream. Photos should be taken against a plain backdrop with no shadows.

Applicants must have a neutral expression with mouths closed. Eyes must be open and clearly visible.

Glasses are allowed if the frames don’t cover eyes. Religious head coverings are permitted but must not obscure the face.

Photos must be clear, in focus, and free from red-eye effect. They should be printed on high-quality paper.

Canadian Specifications

Canadian passport photos must be 50mm wide by 70mm high. The head should measure between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown.

Photos need a white or light-colored background. They must be taken straight on with a neutral facial expression.

Eyes should be open and clearly visible. Glasses are allowed if eyes are clearly visible and there’s no glare.

Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons. They must not cast shadows on the face or obscure the hairline.

Photos must be original and not altered in any way. They should be taken within the last 6 months.

European Union Regulations

EU passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm high. The face should take up 70-80% of the photo’s height.

Photos need a light-colored, plain background. Applicants must look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.

Eyes must be open and clearly visible. Glasses are allowed if they don’t obscure the eyes or cause reflections.

Religious head coverings are permitted but must not cover any part of the face. The face should be evenly lit with no shadows.

Photos must be in color and taken within the last 6 months. Digital alterations are not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Passport photos have specific requirements that must be followed. These cover aspects like size, background, and facial expressions.

What size must passport photos be in the United States?

U.S. passport photos must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Are there any specific color requirements for clothing in passport photos?

Applicants should wear everyday clothing in passport photos. Uniforms are not allowed, except for religious clothing worn daily. Bright or patterned clothes should be avoided.

What is the acceptable resolution for a U.S. passport photo?

Digital passport photos must have a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 pixels. The maximum size is 1200 x 1200 pixels. Photos should not be blurry or pixelated.

Can glasses be worn in a passport photo?

Glasses are not allowed in U.S. passport photos. Applicants must remove their glasses for the photo, even if they wear them every day.

What background color is required for a passport photo?

The background for U.S. passport photos must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, textures, or other colors are allowed. The background should be evenly lit.

Is it permitted to smile in a passport photo?

A neutral facial expression is required for U.S. passport photos. The applicant should look straight at the camera with both eyes open. Smiles are not allowed.

How to Take a DIY Passport Photo?

The image must be clear and well-lit, without any visible pixels, printer dots, or common filters used on social media. Your head should be centered in the frame and occupy most of it, measuring between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) in size. You must face the camera directly with a neutral expression, and your eyes must be clearly visible.