Official-source reference · Last reviewed 2 September 2026
Passport Photo Requirements by Country
Compare passport photo size, digital upload rules, background requirements and submission methods across 35 countries. Each country includes a direct official source so you can verify the current rule before applying.
Check the submission method first. Some passport authorities capture the photo themselves or require an approved provider instead of a self-prepared image.
Passport photo requirements by country
Showing 35 of 35 countries.
“Not stated” means the reviewed official source does not publish that value.
| Country | Submission | Photo dimensions | Digital / upload | Background | Official sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IndiaView detailsPassport Seva says a photograph is not required for applications submitted at PSK/POPSK. Other collection centres use one 35 mm wide × 45 mm high colour photo, and minors below 4 should carry a recent photo of the same dimensions with a plain white background. Submission method: PSK/POPSK: no applicant-supplied photo; other collection-centre routes and some child cases require a supplied photo | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensions35 mm wide × 45 mm high where a supplied photo is required; minors below 4 are specifically told to carry this size | Digital / uploadNo general applicant-upload pixel/file-size specification for the normal PSK/POPSK workflow. | BackgroundPlain white where a supplied photo is required | Official sources |
United StatesView detailsPhoto must be recent, clear and unaltered. The U.S. Department of State says not to change passport photos with computer software, phone apps, filters or AI. Submission method: Printed photo for paper applications; original digital photo for eligible online renewals | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm); head height 25–35 mm | Digital / uploadOnline renewal: JPG/JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF; 54 KB–10 MB. The online application handles crop/repositioning. | BackgroundPlain white or off-white | Official sources |
United KingdomView detailsDigital photos must be unaltered. If taking your own digital photo, include head, shoulders and upper body and do not crop it yourself; the passport application crops it. Submission method: Digital photo for online application; 2 printed photos for paper application | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensionsPrinted: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high; head height 29–34 mm | Digital / uploadAt least 600 px wide × 750 px high; 50 KB–10 MB | BackgroundPlain light-coloured background | Official sources |
CanadaView detailsPhotos must be original and unaltered. Canada explicitly says editing, filters, AI tools, cropping, background replacement and other alterations can cause rejection. Submission method: Commercial photographer required for both physical applications and online-renewal digital photos | SubmissionApproved provider | Photo dimensionsPrinted: 50 mm wide × 70 mm high; chin-to-crown 31–36 mm | Digital / uploadOnline renewal: JPG/JPEG; 1,200 px wide × 1,800 px high minimum to 3,000 px wide × 4,500 px high maximum; 200 KB–5 MB; portrait 2:3 width-to-height ratio | BackgroundPlain white or light-coloured | Official sources |
AustraliaView detailsPhotos must be high-quality prints and must not be retouched. The Australian Passport Office says it does not recommend online passport-photo services or mobile apps. Submission method: Two printed photos; professional passport-photo provider recommended | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high; chin-to-crown 32–36 mm | Digital / uploadNo self-upload pixel specification is given for the standard passport application on the reviewed page. | BackgroundPlain white or light grey | Official sources |
ChinaView detailsThe cited Chinese Embassy page requires a recent front-facing white-background photo, 33 mm wide × 48 mm high, with head width 21–24 mm and head height 28–33 mm. Mission workflows can vary, so follow the mission handling the application. Submission method: Digital ID photo uploaded in the Chinese consular passport/travel-document workflow | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions33 mm wide × 48 mm high; head width 21–24 mm; head height 28–33 mm | Digital / uploadChinese Consular APP workflow on the cited embassy page: upload a digital ID photo; application-material images are prepared as JPG files, each no larger than 5 MB. | BackgroundWhite | Official sources |
United Arab EmiratesView detailsICP requires a recent personal photo that meets ICAO standards. Its current FAQ specifies a 3.5 cm wide × 4.5 cm high photo with a white background for passport services. Submission method: Personal photo submitted through the reviewed ICP passport issuance service | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions3.5 cm wide × 4.5 cm high | Digital / uploadICP requires a personal photo for passport issuance but does not publish a universal applicant pixel dimension on the reviewed service page. | BackgroundWhite | Official sources |
Saudi ArabiaView detailsSaudi passport workflows differ by case. The official source below is specifically for Saudis abroad in cases such as lost, stolen or damaged passports and children born abroad; domestic applicants should follow the live Absher/Passports instructions. Submission method: Depends on passport service; the cited official page covers specified issuance cases for Saudis abroad | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensionsNo universal print dimension is stated on the reviewed official service page. | Digital / uploadFor the cited overseas service: recent personal photo with white background, no larger than 5 MB | BackgroundWhite for the cited overseas service | Official sources |
QatarView detailsFor a new Qatari passport, the reviewed MOI page lists two recent passport-size photos but does not publish exact millimetre dimensions, background colour, pixels or file-size limits on that page. Submission method: Printed passport-size photos listed for a new Qatari passport | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensionsOfficial page says 2 recent passport-size photos but does not state exact millimetre dimensions. | Digital / uploadNo universal pixel/file-size requirement is stated on the reviewed MOI passport page. | BackgroundNot specified on the reviewed passport page | Official sources |
KuwaitView detailsHigh-quality, clear colour photo, not more than 6 months old; look directly at the camera and keep hair off the face outline. Submission method: One recent photo is required for the reviewed first-time electronic passport service | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions4 cm wide × 5 cm high | Digital / uploadNo universal pixel/file-size value is stated on the reviewed government page. | BackgroundBlue | Official sources |
OmanView detailsThe reviewed Royal Oman Police service describes electronic application plus required in-person issuance/renewal steps, but it does not publish a general self-supplied passport-photo size, pixel limit or background rule on that page. Submission method: Electronic application followed by required in-person issuance/renewal steps | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensionsNo self-supplied passport-photo size is stated on the reviewed ROP passport page. | Digital / uploadNo applicant-upload pixel/file-size specification is stated on the reviewed ROP passport page. | BackgroundNot specified on the reviewed passport page | Official sources |
BahrainView detailsThese details are from the reviewed Bahrain ordinary-passport service. Other passport transactions can have their own attachment rules, so use the exact NPRA service for your case. Submission method: Reviewed ordinary passport service: printed photo for personal attendance; JPG/JPEG photo for the eGovernment route | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions4 cm wide × 6 cm high for the personal-attendance route on the reviewed service | Digital / uploadeGovernment route on the reviewed service: JPG/JPEG photo; no universal pixel dimension is published there. | BackgroundWhite on the reviewed service | Official sources |
PakistanView detailsDGI&P explicitly lists two application routes. The in-person Regional Passport Office / Mission process includes photograph capture; online processing is available for eligible renewal and specified overseas cases. Submission method: Regional Passport Office / Pakistan Mission: official photo capture; an online passport route also exists for eligible renewal and specified cases | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensionsNo self-supplied print size is required for the in-person MRP route described by DGI&P. | Digital / uploadIn-person route: official photograph capture. Online applicants should follow the live online-application requirements for their eligible case. | BackgroundHandled by official capture for the in-person route | Official sources |
BangladeshView detailsThe e-Passport portal says most applicants are photographed during enrolment and do not bring a photo. Applicants below 6 may need a 3R-size grey-background photo under the current official instructions. Submission method: Photo captured during e-Passport enrolment at the passport office | SubmissionOfficial capture | Photo dimensionsMost applicants do not bring a photo; applicants below 6 may need a 3R-size photo. | Digital / uploadFace image is taken with a digital camera during enrolment. | BackgroundBelow-6 supplied photo: grey background; other applicants are photographed during enrolment | Official sources |
NepalView detailsNepal Department of Passports says normal ePassport applicants do not bring a photo because staff take it during live enrollment. A photo may be required for children under 5 and newborns who cannot sit still for live capture. Submission method: Live photo capture at the ePassport Enrollment Center; an external photo may be needed for children under 5/newborns who cannot sit still for capture | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensionsNot stated on the current ePassport FAQ for the under-5/newborn external-photo exception. | Digital / uploadNo general applicant-upload pixel/file-size specification is stated on the reviewed current ePassport FAQ. | BackgroundNot stated on the reviewed current ePassport FAQ for the under-5/newborn exception | Official sources |
Sri LankaView detailsAll passport applicants, including children, must provide a digital photograph through the authorised process. The Department says printed photographs are no longer accepted. Submission method: Digital photo from an authorised studio or official Department/Regional Office | SubmissionOfficial / approved | Photo dimensionsPrinted photos are not accepted for the domestic passport process. | Digital / uploadAuthorised studio sends the digital photograph directly to the Department system. | BackgroundHandled by the authorised studio / official capture workflow | Official sources |
SingaporeView detailsICA permits resizing but says the photo must not be altered or enhanced. For online submission, 400 px wide × 514 px high is recommended; selfies are not recommended. Submission method: Digital photo for e-Services; printed photo for hardcopy routes where applicable | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions35 mm wide × 45 mm high for printed/hardcopy submission; face height 25–35 mm | Digital / uploadOnline submission: 400 px wide × 514 px high recommended; JPG/JPEG/HEIC/HEIF/PNG; maximum 8 MB | BackgroundPlain white; light grey if the applicant has white hair (printed-photo form) | Official sources |
MalaysiaView detailsApplicants look directly at the camera with eyes open and mouth closed. Spectacles and contact lenses are not permitted during the live-capture session. Submission method: Facial Live Capture at the passport division for normal applicants | SubmissionOfficial capture | Photo dimensionsChildren under 4: 35 mm wide × 50 mm high; face height 25–30 mm | Digital / uploadNormal applicant photo is captured by the passport division rather than uploaded as a prepared file. | BackgroundOfficial live capture; under-4 submitted photo uses a shadowless white background | Official sources |
IndonesiaView detailsAfter M-Paspor registration and document checks, the applicant attends for biometric capture and interview. The official service procedure includes photo and fingerprint capture. Submission method: Photo and fingerprints captured at the immigration-office appointment | SubmissionOfficial capture | Photo dimensionsNo self-supplied passport-photo size is required in the standard M-Paspor workflow reviewed. | Digital / uploadBiometric photo is captured by immigration staff. | BackgroundHandled during official capture | Official sources |
PhilippinesView detailsApplicants must appear personally. Official DFA guidance says to face the camera directly, keep a neutral expression, remove eyeglasses and prepare for on-site photo capture. Submission method: On-site digital capture during personal appearance | SubmissionOfficial capture | Photo dimensionsNo self-supplied print size is used for the normal ePassport capture process. | Digital / uploadApplicant photo, fingerprints and signature are digitally captured on-site. | BackgroundHandled during official capture | Official sources |
ThailandView detailsThe applicant applies in person. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes photo capture as part of biometric enrolment. Submission method: Official biometric photo capture during e-Passport application | SubmissionOfficial capture | Photo dimensionsNo self-supplied print size is required in the standard process described by the MFA. | Digital / uploadAuthorised personnel capture the applicant's picture and fingerprints. | BackgroundHandled during official capture | Official sources |
VietnamView detailsThe Ministry of Public Security guidance says the portrait should be recent, front-facing, about 75% face area, on a white background, with a 4:6 ratio and minimum 300 dpi. Submission method: Digital portrait uploaded for the online ordinary-passport application | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions4:6 width-to-height portrait ratio | Digital / uploadOfficial guidance: recent photo, minimum 300 dpi; the portal automatically checks image quality after upload. | BackgroundWhite | Official sources |
JapanView detailsThe photo must meet Japan MOFA passport-photo specifications. For online applications, MOFA separately publishes file-format and file-size limits for MyNaPortal and ORR Net. Submission method: Printed photo for paper routes; digital photo can be uploaded for online application | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions35 mm wide × 45 mm high; chin-to-crown 34 ± 2 mm | Digital / uploadMyNaPortal upload: JPG, up to 600 KB. ORR Net: JPG/JPEG/BMP/PNG, 20 KB–2 MB. | BackgroundFollow the MOFA passport-photo specification; no distracting background or non-compliant editing | Official sources |
South KoreaView detailsThe official online guide rejects images where the background has been removed with editing software in a way that alters the photo, and rejects artificially distorted images. Submission method: Printed biometric photo or compliant digital file for eligible online passport services | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions35 mm wide × 45 mm high; chin-to-crown 32–36 mm | Digital / uploadJPG/JPEG; maximum 500 KB; 413 px wide × 531 px high recommended (accepted width 395–431 px × height 507–550 px); 300 dpi recommended | BackgroundWhite | Official sources |
GermanyView detailsSince 1 May 2025, Germany uses a secure digital-photo process for domestic passport applications. The authority can take the photo, or an authorised provider can transmit it securely. Missions abroad may have different arrangements. Submission method: Domestic standard since 1 May 2025: photo taken at the authority or by an authorised/certified provider and transferred securely | SubmissionOfficial / approved | Photo dimensionsPrinted photos brought by applicants are generally no longer the standard domestic route. | Digital / uploadNo ordinary self-upload workflow: the digital photo is transferred through the official secure process. | BackgroundHandled by the certified biometric-photo workflow | Official sources |
FranceView detailsPhoto must be less than 6 months old and meet the official biometric standard. France requires the photo to be taken by a qualified professional or approved booth for passport/ID applications. Submission method: Photo from an authorised professional or approved booth | SubmissionApproved provider | Photo dimensions35 mm wide × 45 mm high; face height 32–36 mm | Digital / uploadUse the approved French photo workflow; the reviewed page does not publish a generic self-upload pixel size. | BackgroundPlain light colour such as light blue or light grey; white is forbidden | Official sources |
ItalyView detailsRecent colour photo, neutral expression, eyes open, sharp focus and direct frontal view. Head coverings are accepted only for religious reasons while the face remains fully visible. Submission method: ICAO-compliant printed passport photo | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions35 mm wide × 45 mm high; face should occupy about 70–80% of the photo | Digital / uploadNo universal self-upload pixel/file-size rule is stated on the reviewed MFA photo-guideline page. | BackgroundWhite with uniform lighting | Official sources |
SpainView detailsPhoto must be front-facing, high-resolution and printed on good-quality photographic paper, with the facial oval clearly visible. Submission method: Recent printed colour photograph presented during passport issuance | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions26 mm wide × 32 mm high | Digital / uploadNo universal applicant-upload pixel/file-size requirement is stated on the reviewed Interior Ministry page. | BackgroundUniform plain white | Official sources |
NetherlandsView detailsPhoto must be a true likeness, no more than 6 months old and unaltered by computer software. Submission method: Compliant printed passport/ID photograph | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions35 mm wide × 45 mm high; age 11+: chin-to-crown 26–30 mm; face width 16–20 mm | Digital / uploadNo general self-upload pixel specification is stated on the reviewed government photo-standard page. | BackgroundPlain light grey, light blue or white | Official sources |
IrelandView detailsDigital photo must not be digitally enhanced or changed and must not contain compression artefacts or distortion. Submission method: Digital photo for online application; printed photos for paper route | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensionsPaper: minimum 35 mm wide × 45 mm high and maximum 38 mm wide × 50 mm high | Digital / uploadJPEG; at least 715 px wide × 951 px high; maximum 9 MB; must not be a scanned photo | BackgroundPlain light grey, white or cream with sufficient contrast | Official sources |
TurkeyView detailsNVI says passport applicants of every age need a biometric photo. The accepted photo is 50 mm wide × 60 mm high, taken within the last 6 months, front-facing with the face fully visible. Submission method: One recent biometric photo is required for passport applications | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions50 mm wide × 60 mm high | Digital / uploadThe reviewed NVI passport FAQ does not publish a general applicant-upload pixel/file-size specification. | BackgroundWhite, patternless background | Official sources |
BrazilView detailsBrazil Federal Police says children under 5 must bring a recent 5 cm wide × 7 cm high white-background photo. Other applicants are generally photographed during the in-person service. Submission method: Federal Police generally captures the applicant during service; children under 5 must bring a recent printed photo | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensionsChildren under 5: recent 5 cm wide × 7 cm high printed photo | Digital / uploadFor the standard service, most applicants are photographed during the appointment rather than uploading a prepared file. | BackgroundWhite for the under-5 supplied photo | Official sources |
MexicoView detailsThe linked SRE page covers passport processing from abroad and says consular staff capture the applicant’s photograph and other biometrics. Domestic or other local workflows should be checked on the exact SRE office/service used. Submission method: Reviewed SRE consular passport route abroad: biometric photograph is captured by consular staff | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensionsNo self-supplied photo dimension is required for the reviewed consular route. | Digital / uploadThe photograph is captured as part of the biometric appointment in the reviewed consular route. | BackgroundHandled during official capture in the reviewed consular route | Official sources |
South AfricaView detailsSouth Africa's DHA says passport applications are made in person. Two compliant colour photographs are required unless the application is lodged at an office where ID images are captured digitally, so the exact photo process depends on the application location. Submission method: Route-dependent: digital live capture at equipped Home Affairs or participating bank offices; other offices and overseas routes may require printed photos | SubmissionRoute-dependent | Photo dimensionsNo supplied photo at offices where ID images are captured digitally; otherwise 2 colour photographs meeting DHA specifications | Digital / uploadNo general self-upload pixel/file-size specification; equipped offices capture the applicant's image and biometrics | BackgroundHandled during live capture, or follow DHA passport/ID photo specifications when printed photos are required | Official sources |
NigeriaView detailsHair must not cover the face or ears; use proper lighting and avoid masks/headphones or other items that obstruct the photo. The official portal provides an image-compliance checker. Submission method: Digital image checked against Nigeria Immigration Service passport-photo requirements | SubmissionApplicant-supplied | Photo dimensions600 px wide × 800 px high | Digital / uploadLess than 2 MB | BackgroundWhite | Official sources |
Three things to keep in mind
- Print size and digital upload rules are different. A millimetre size is not an official pixel requirement unless the authority publishes one.
- Submission method matters. If live capture or an approved provider is required, follow that process rather than preparing a replacement image yourself.
- Passport and visa photo rules are separate. Visa, residence-permit and national-ID photos can use different specifications.
Need to prepare your own passport photo?
If the official rule allows a self-prepared image, use the Passport Photo Maker for supported sizes or custom dimensions. For step-by-step help with preparing the image, read the Passport Photo Maker Guide. Otherwise, follow the authority's required capture or provider workflow.