- The rules most countries share
- Size and head height
- Background
- Digital photos for online applications
- Always check the official page
- The requirements almost every country shares
- Sizes and head size by country
- Digital photos for online applications
- Glasses, hats and head coverings
- Why photos get rejected
- A simple way to take it at home
The rules most countries share
Almost every country asks for a recent, sharp, front-facing colour photo with a plain background, a neutral expression, both eyes open and no shadows on the face. Hats and head coverings are normally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and then the full face must still be visible.
Size and head height
The photo size differs by country, for example 2 × 2 inch (US), 35 × 45 mm (UK, Australia, much of Europe) or 50 × 70 mm (Canada). The head, from chin to crown, usually has to fill about 70 to 80 percent of the frame. See all sizes in cm, inches and pixels.
Background
Most countries want plain white, off-white or light grey with no pattern or shadow. Details by country are in the background colour guide.
Digital photos for online applications
Online systems usually want a JPG with a minimum number of pixels and a maximum file size. Make the photo with the passport photo maker and reduce the file with the 200KB tool if needed.
Always check the official page
Rules change and each office has its own checks. PicFitter crops and sizes your photo but cannot guarantee acceptance, so confirm on your government site.
The requirements almost every country shares
- Recent photo: usually taken within the last 6 months.
- Plain background: white, off-white or light grey, with no shadows or patterns.
- Face forward: head straight, both eyes open and visible, mouth closed.
- Neutral expression: no big smile, no raised eyebrows.
- Even lighting: no shadows on the face and no red eyes.
- No filters or retouching: the photo must look like you.
- Sharp and in focus: not blurry, pixelated or printed on a home printer with visible dots.
Sizes and head size by country
| Country | Photo size | Head size |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | Head 1 to 1⅜ in (25 to 35 mm) |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | Head 29 to 34 mm |
| Canada | 50 × 70 mm | Face 31 to 36 mm, chin to crown |
| Australia | 35 × 45 mm | Head 32 to 36 mm |
| India | 51 × 51 mm | Face about 70 to 80 percent of frame |
| Schengen visa | 35 × 45 mm | Face 70 to 80 percent of the photo |
Rules change, so confirm on the official government website before you print or upload.
Digital photos for online applications
Many offices now let you upload a digital photo. They usually ask for a JPG, a minimum number of pixels and a maximum file size. For example, the US asks for a square image between 600 and 1200 pixels per side and a file no larger than about 240KB, and the UK online service asks for at least 600×750 pixels. Check the current numbers on the official page, then use our passport photo maker to crop to the right shape and the compressor to meet the size limit.
Glasses, hats and head coverings
Glasses are usually not allowed because they cause glare, although some countries accept them with a medical note. Hats are not allowed. Religious or medical head coverings are generally accepted if the full face from chin to forehead is visible and the covering does not cast shadows, and some offices ask for a signed statement. Read the rules for your country; see our guide on glasses in passport photos.
Why photos get rejected
- Shadows on the face or the wall behind you.
- A background that is not plain, or is the wrong colour for the country.
- Head too small or too large in the frame.
- Smiling widely, or the mouth open.
- Photo too dark, too bright or blurry.
- A copy of an old photo or a photo of a photo.
A simple way to take it at home
Stand about a metre from a plain light wall, face a window so the light is even, and ask someone to take the photo at eye level with the phone held straight. Then crop it with the maker for your country. Our guide on how to take a passport photo at home has more tips, and printing at home explains the print sheet.
Questions
What are the basic passport photo requirements?
A recent, sharp, front-facing photo with a neutral expression, a plain light background, even lighting and no filters. Exact size and head size depend on the country.
Can I take my own passport photo?
Yes, in most countries, as long as it meets the official rules. Use daylight, a plain wall and a steady camera, and avoid selfies taken at arm length because they distort the face.
What size is a passport photo?
It depends on the country: 2×2 inches for the US and India, 35×45 mm for the UK, Australia and Schengen, and 50×70 mm for Canada.
Can I smile in a passport photo?
A neutral expression with the mouth closed is the safest choice. Some countries accept a slight natural smile, but a big smile can cause rejection.
Does PicFitter guarantee my photo will be accepted?
No. It helps you crop and size the photo, but each government office makes the final decision, so always check the official rules.