Home Passport Requirements The Most Important Passport Photo Requirements

The Most Important Passport Photo Requirements

The Most Important Passport Photo Requirements

The Most Important Passport Photo Requirements

If you are planning to travel internationally, the most essential document you need is your passport. Having a valid passport is a basic requirement for every traveler. It is a document that you must carry with you for identification purposes. If you need to obtain a new passport or renew your existing one, one crucial factor you must focus on is your passport photo.

The passport photo serves to verify your identity and helps the authorities differentiate you from other passport holders. It is a critical element of your passport application process. In this article, we will review the most important passport photo requirements that you need to be aware of.

The Basics of Passport Photos

A passport photo is a type of headshot that displays a person’s face as well as a portion of their shoulders. The picture is typically taken when applying for a passport, and it must meet specific criteria set by the government. To qualify for a passport, the photo must meet these requirements so that it can be used for identification purposes globally.

The International Standards for Passport Photos

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is the regulatory agency that sets the global standards for passport photos. Its guidelines are used worldwide to ensure that passport photos meet the required standards for travel purposes. The ICAO guidelines indicate that the passport photo must meet the following requirements:

Size: The photo must measure 2 inches by 2 inches or 51mm by 51mm (in other words, a square photo format).

Color: The photograph must be in color, featuring natural skin tones and eye color, for example.

Background: The background should be a plain, white or off-white background, without a pattern or texture. It is essential to ensure that there are no shadows on the person’s face or on the background, so the picture should be taken in bright and uniform lighting.

Head position: The person’s head should be facing forward with no tilting, with the head covering around 50% of the photo should show the person’s face.

Facial expression: The person must have a neutral facial expression, with both eyes open, and the mouth should be closed.

Clothing: Wearing uniforms, hats, and glasses should be avoided. Even clear frames are not permitted, and sunglasses must be removed. Religious headwear is allowed as long as it does not obscure any facial features.

Quality: The photo must be in focus, with no marks, stains or creases. It must also be printed using quality photographic paper with a matte or semi-matte finish.

Digital Passport Photos

In recent years, advanced technology has made it possible to process passports using digital passports photos. The digital format makes the entire passport application process more efficient and convenient than before. Now, you can take a digital photo from any device such as a smartphone, tablet, or digital camera. However, you must make sure that the photo meets the ICAO requirements mentioned above.

The US Passport Photo Requirements

In the United States, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs manages passports. Therefore, if you are applying for an American passport, you must adhere to the photo requirements specified by the department. The U.S. passport photo specifications are as follows:

Size: 2 x 2 inches or 51 x 51 mm.

Color: in color with natural skin tones.

Background: a plain white or off-white background is required, and there should be no shadows on the picture.

Head position and size: the head position must be straight, and it should cover about 50% of the picture.

Facial Expression: a neutral facial expression with both eyes open, and the mouth must be closed. You are not allowed to make any funny faces.

Clothing: during the photo sessions, applicants should avoid wearing hats or headgear, unless for religious beliefs. Additionally, glasses or sunglasses are not allowed.

Quality: the photo should be clear, in focus and high resolution with no blemishes or damage.

These are the most basic requirements for U.S. passport photos. However, there are other considerations if you are taking a photo of a baby or a child’s passport photo. In this instance, you must take the following into consideration:

Size: for a baby, the photo should be 2 x 2 inches or 51 x 51 mm.

Color: the photo must be in color and should depict a natural skin tone.

Head position and size: the baby’s head should face forward and cover around 50% of the photo.

Facial expression: the baby or child should not have any facial expressions.

The process of taking a passport photo of a child or baby requires additional attention as it may be difficult to capture the right shot. It’s recommended that you take the photo when the child’s head falls within a white or light background without any patterns.

Passport Photo Tips

Here are some tips to help you take the perfect passport photo:

Wear plain clothing.

If you’re taking a photo at home, make sure the room is well-lit and that you have a white or off-white background.

Do not wear sunglasses or a hat.

It is crucial to keep neutral facial expressions and maintain a straight posture.

If you wear contact lenses, avoid wearing them for the photo.

Avoid using the flash on your camera.

Remember to have a natural skin tone and eye color.

In conclusion, when applying for a passport, the photo is a crucial factor that cannot be ignored. The most important passport photo requirements are those that meet the global standards for identification purposes. It is vital to ensure that the photo meets the size, color, background, head position, facial expression, clothing, and quality standard. Remember, the passport photo is the first impression that the authorities will have of you, so make it count. By adhering to these requirements and tips, you can be sure that you’ll take a perfect passport photo.


There are a wide variety of passport photo requirements. The most basic passport photo requirements are that the passport photos should:

Size: 2×2 inches

Include the person’s full face from a front view;The subject’s eyes should be open;

The expression should be neutral, or natural, with a closed mouth;

There should be a plain white or off-white background;

The photo should present the person from their shoulders to the top of their hair;

The contrast should be normal;

Shadows should not exist, whether cast by the background or the person being photographed;

The person should not be wearing sunglasses;

The face must not be obstructed from view.

There are two exceptions granted to the last two of these passport photo requirements. An individual will be allowed to wear prescription eyeglasses, althout they may be required to submit evidence that their eyeglasses are prescription. In order to expedite the passport approval process, however, it may simply be easier to not wear the eyeglasses in the first place.

The exception to the passport photo requirements demanding an unobstructed appearance of a person’s face and shoulders may be granted if the person for whom the passport is being issued wears religious garments on a daily basis that would cover these parts of the body. However, if the religious garb is not worn daily, then person will be required to wear everyday street attire.

Passport photos should be printed on thin, photo-quality print paper.