Did you know that 1 in 5 passport photo applications are rejected? It is a frustrating setup when it is a hindrance to your wish to travel the world.
Many people donât know country-specific passport photo requirements, which leads to rejection. In this article, we will walk you through country-specific passport photo requirements so that you get your passport photo approved on the first try.
United States Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 2 inches 2 inches (51mm 51mm).
Background: Plain white or off-white.
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open.
Clothing: No uniforms; normal clothes, no headgear unless for religious reasons.
Glasses: Not allowed unless medically necessary (you must bring a doctor's note).
Head Position: Head in the center and straight forward, eyes directed into the camera.
Additional: No shadows, glare, or reflections.
United Kingdom Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 45mm * 35mm
Background: Light grey or cream
Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open
Clothing: No hats or sunglasses, except for religious reasons
Glasses: Not allowed unless medically necessary
Head Position: The whole face is visible, with no part of the head concealed
Additional: The photo must be in color and clear, with no image manipulation.
Canada Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 50mm * 70mm
Background: White or light-colored
Expression: Neutral, with mouth closed and eyes open
Clothing: No uniform; no headgear, unless religious (not over face)
Glasses: No glasses, except for sickness (must be recorded)
Head Position: Straight and looking forward
Additional: No shadows or glares; photo must have been taken in the last 6 months.
Australia Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 35mm * 45mm
Background: Plain white or light-colored
Expression: Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed
Clothing: No sunglasses or hats, except for religious purposes
Glasses: Allowed, but no glare, reflection, or tint
Head Position: Level and centered face, with the head facing the camera
Additional: The photo should be in focus and clear, with no obstruction or shadows.
India Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 51mm * 51mm
Background: Light or white
Expression: Closed mouth and open eyes with neutral expression
Clothing: No headgear (except religious); no white apparel
Glasses: Not allowed unless for health reasons
Head Position: The face should be in the middle and face the camera, eyes forward
Additional: The photo should be colored and clear, with no shadows or reflections.
Germany Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 35mm * 45mm
Background: White or light-colored
Expression: Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed
Clothing: No headwear except for religious reasons; no uniforms
Glasses: Not allowed, except for medical reasons
Head Position: The head should be in the middle, facing the camera, without tilting or turning
Additional: The photo must be recent, with no glare or reflection.
France Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 35mm * 45mm
Background: Plain white
Expression: Neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed
Clothing: No headgear except for religious purposes
Glasses: Glasses are not allowed, except for health reasons
Head Position: Head in the center and facing the camera directly
Additional: The photo should be clear, with no shadows, reflections, or alterations.
Japan Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 40mm * 50mm
Background: White or light gray
Expression: Neutral, with eyes opened and mouth closed
Clothing: No hats or uniforms; regular clothing
Glasses: Glasses allowed, but no glare or shine
Head Position: The face should be directly facing the camera, in the middle
Additional: The photo should be recent, clear, and not shadowed.
China Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 33mm * 48mm
Background: White or light-colored background
Expression: Neutral face, eyes open, mouth closed
Clothing: No headwear except for religious purposes
Glasses: Glasses are not allowed except for medical purposes
Head Position: The head should be facing forward directly, no tilting
Additional: The photo should be clear and free of shadows.
Mexico Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 45 mm * 35 mm
Background: Off-white or white
Expression: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
Clothing: No hats, no uniforms
Glasses: No glasses unless medically necessary
Head Position: Face centered and fully visible
Additional: The photo should be clear and up-to-date (within the last 6 months).
Brazil Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 35 mm * 45 mm
Background: Light-colored, preferably white
Expression: Neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed
Clothing: No headgear or uniforms, except for religious reasons
Glasses: Not allowed except on medical grounds
Head Position: Head in the center, facing forward
Additional: The photo should be clear, with no shadows and no reflections.
South Africa Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 35mm * 45mm
Background: White or light color background
Expression: Neutral, eyes open, and mouth closed
Clothing: No uniforms or headgear except for religious reasons
Glasses: Glasses are allowed, but there should be no reflections or glare
Head Position: Face in the center and facing directly towards the camera
Additional: Recent photograph, in color, without editing.
Spain Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 32mm * 26mm
Background: White or light-colored background, plain
Expression: Unsmiling, eyes must be open, mouth closed
Clothing: No uniforms, no hats (except religious)
Glasses: Glasses are okay, but no shine or glaze
Head Position: Face in the center and directly facing the camera
Additional: Recent photo, in color, with no shadows or editing.
Italy Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 40mm * 45mm
Background: White or light-colored background, plain
Expression: Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, no smile
Clothing: No uniforms or hats (unless for religious purposes)
Glasses: Glasses are okay, but no reflections or glare
Head Position: The face should be centered and in the middle of the camera
Additional: The image must be recent, in color, and not computer-enhanced.
Turkey Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 50mm * 60mm
Background: Light-colored or white background
Expression: Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed
Clothing: No uniforms or hats (unless for religious purposes)
Glasses: Glasses allowed, but no glare or reflections
Head Position: In the center and looking directly at the camera
Additional: Recent, colored, and no digital manipulation allowed.
Thailand Passport Photo Requirements
Size: 35mm * 45mm
Background: White plain background
Expression: Neutral face, eyes open, mouth shut
Clothing: No uniforms or headwear (unless for religious reasons)
Glasses: Glasses allowed, but no glare or reflections
Head Position: Face centered, eyes directed into the camera
Additional: Recent color photograph, unedited and unchanged digitally.
Basic Passport Photo Requirements
Even though the requirements for passport photos vary from country to country, here are some basic requirements for passport photos :
Standard Size: The most common size of the passport photo is 51mm (2 inches 2 inches).
Standard Dimensions: A square aspect ratio is generally required for the passport photo in general.
Quality: The Passport photo should be clear and in focus. Graininess or pixelation isnât allowed.
Recent Picture: Your passport photo should have been taken within the last six months
Background: A Solid white or light-colored background is required for the passport photo in general.
Lighting: Your passport photo should be well-lit with no shadows on your face or background.
Facial Expression: There should be no expression, i.e, no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Your mouth should be closed & eyes should be open.
Head Position: Your head should be directly facing the camera with eyes aligned horizontally. Your face needs to be fully visible, and your hair shouldnât restrict your face.
Framing: Your head should occupy about 70-80% of the photoâs height.
Clothing: Wear everyday clothing that doesnât blend with the background color.
Glasses: Generally, wearing glasses is not allowed in passport photos.
Accessories: You shouldnât wear headphones, jewelry, or any other accessory that hides your face.
These are some basic requirements for passport photos. It is always a good idea to check the country-specific requirements for passport photos before applying.
Hope your photo is accepted without any delay. Happy Travelling.
FAQs
What are the requirements for the passport photo?
The basic requirements for passport photos are size: 2*2 inches, plain white or off-white background, natural lighting with no shadow on the face, head in the center, face forward, eyes open, and no expression.
What is the best color to wear for passport photos?
The best colors to wear for passport photos are dark colors, which donât blend with the light-colored background.
What kind of photo is required for a passport?
A recently clicked & high-quality photo is required for a passport.
Can I smile with my teeth in a passport photo?
No, you cannot smile with your teeth in a passport photo.
Can I wear makeup for a passport photo?
Yes, you can wear minimal and natural-looking makeup for a passport photo.
Which color photo is required for the passport?
A colored photo is required for the passport. Black & white pictures are not accepted.
Is it OK to edit the passport photo?
No, it is not OK to edit the passport photo.
