Applying for a passport can feel like navigating a maze of regulations, and getting the photo right is a crucial step. One of the most common questions people ask is, “What Size Is Passport Photo?”. Don’t let photo specifications delay your application. This guide provides a clear and comprehensive overview of passport photo sizes, ensuring your application process is as smooth as possible.
Understanding the Dimensions for Printed Passport Photos
When submitting a paper passport application, you’ll need two identical printed photographs. These photos aren’t just any snapshots; they adhere to strict size guidelines to be accepted. The standard size for UK passport photos, widely used in photo booths across the UK, is 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide.
To put this in perspective:
- Height: 45mm (approximately 1.77 inches)
- Width: 35mm (approximately 1.38 inches)
It’s vital that your photos are not cut down from larger images. The entire photo must be the specified size, not a cropped portion. If you are using a photo booth outside of the UK, always double-check that it can produce photos with these exact dimensions (45mm x 35mm).
Image Size Within the Photo
Beyond the overall photo size, there are also specifications for the size of your face within the photograph. The image of you, measured from the crown of your head to your chin, must be between 29mm and 34mm high. This ensures that your face is appropriately sized and positioned within the frame.
Quality and Material of Printed Photos
The size is not the only factor; the quality of your printed photos is equally important. To be acceptable, your passport photos must be:
- Professionally Printed: Photos should be printed to a high standard, similar to those from a photo shop or high-quality photo booth.
- Clear and Focused: The image must be sharp and in focus, not blurry or pixelated.
- Colour and Paper: Printed in colour on plain white photographic paper with a borderless edge.
- Condition: Free from creases, tears, and any markings on either side (unless officially countersigned).
- Unmodified: Photos must not be altered by computer software to change your appearance.
What Your Passport Photo Needs to Show
The content of your passport photo is strictly regulated to ensure clear identification. Your photo must:
- Close-up: Show a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders.
- Solo Subject: Contain only you, with no other people or objects visible.
- Background: Be taken against a plain cream or light grey background to provide good contrast.
- Contrast: Ensure you are in clear contrast to the background.
- No Red Eye: Avoid the red-eye effect, which can be caused by camera flash.
In terms of your appearance in the photo, you must:
- Face Forward: Be facing directly towards the camera.
- Straight On: Look straight at the camera lens.
- Expression: Have a plain expression with your mouth closed.
- Eyes Open: Ensure your eyes are open and clearly visible, with no hair obstructing them.
- No Head Coverings: Avoid head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Face Clear: Have nothing covering your face.
- No Shadows: Ensure there are no shadows on your face or in the background behind you.
Regarding glasses, it’s best to remove them if possible. If you must wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted, and you must ensure your eyes are not obscured by frames, glare, reflections, or shadows.
Specific Rules for Babies and Children’s Passport Photos
Taking passport photos of babies and young children requires some flexibility. Here are the specific guidelines:
- Solo in Photo: Children must be pictured alone; no parents or other individuals should be in the frame. Babies should not be holding toys or dummies.
- Under 6s: Children under six years old do not need to look directly at the camera or have a plain expression.
- Under 1s: Babies under one year old are not required to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, provided your hand is not visible in the photo.
Submitting Your Printed Photos
Finally, when you send your passport application, remember these points for submitting your photos:
- Separate Photos: Ensure the two photos are separate from each other.
- Loose Photos: Leave the photos loose; do not attach them to the application form.
By adhering to these guidelines regarding “what size is passport photo” and all other specifications, you can significantly reduce the risk of delays and ensure your passport application progresses smoothly.
