What are the requirements for passport photos
To be accepted passport (or visa) photos must be of a standard size and format.
On this page, we will describe the standards and requirements requested and expected by the services issuing official documents.
The rules for accepting passport photos are strict and must be strictly observed, otherwise your photos could be refused by the competent authorities. Today, services issuing passports are more vigilant about the quality of photos and the effective respect of many criteria.
To be compliant, your passport or identity photo must be:
- clear and in focus
- recent, less than 6 months
- be taken against a plain light-coloured background
- have a plain expression and mouth closed
- …
The standard size of a passport photo is 35 millimeters wide and 45 millimeters high. The size of the face should measure between 32 to 36 millimeters (approximately 70 to 80% of the photo), from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (excluding the hair). The photo must not be overexposed or underexposed.
The digital photo that you are going to send us must be be in clear contrast to the background, without any shadows on your face or behind you. A color photo is strongly recommended be taken against a plain light-coloured background (light blue, light gray). White background is prohibited.
The head should not be covered except for religious or medical reasons. For veiled women, the face must be uncovered.
In your photo you must be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera. You must have a plain expression and your mouth closed and have your eyes open and visible.
If you wear glasses, you don’t have to put them on. On the other hand, if you decide to wear them, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflection. The glasses must not be tinted or colored.
These requirements are relatively easy to meet and call upon common sense.
Passport photos: summary of the standards to be respected
What | Obligations |
|---|---|
Quality | Your photo must be clear and in focus. |
Format | Your photo must be 35mm wide by 45mm high (3.5cm X 4.5cm). |
Lighting, contrast and color | Your photo must neither be overexposed nor underexposed. Your photo must be in clear contrast to the background, without any shadows on your face or behind you. Your photo must be in color. |
Background | Your photo must be taken against a plain light-coloured background. No white background. |
Head | The head should not be covered except for religious or medical reasons. For veiled women, the face must be uncovered. You must be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera. |
Expression | You must have a plain expression and your mouth closed. |
Eyes | Your eyes have to be open and visible. |
Glasses | If you wear glasses, you don’t have to put them on. On the other hand, if you decide to wear them, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflection. The glasses must not be tinted or colored. |