Applying for a passport requires meticulous attention to detail, and one seemingly small but crucial aspect is the passport photo size. Submitting photos that don’t meet the precise specifications can lead to delays or even rejection of your application. Whether you’re applying online or using a paper form, understanding the required dimensions is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about passport photo sizes to ensure your application process is smooth and successful.
Understanding Passport Photo Dimensions: Key Measurements
The standard size for a passport photo is universally recognized and meticulously defined. For printed photos, you will need to provide two identical photographs, each adhering to specific measurements. These photos must be:
- 45 millimeters (mm) in height by 35mm in width. This is the standard dimension widely used in the United Kingdom and recognized by many countries. It’s the size you typically get from photo booths in the UK.
- Not cropped or cut down from a larger picture. The photo must be originally printed at the correct size, not resized from a bigger image.
If you are using a photo booth outside of the UK, it’s crucial to verify that it can produce photos with the 45mm x 35mm dimension to avoid any issues with your application.
Image Size within the Passport Photo
Beyond the overall photo size, the size of your image within the photo itself is also strictly regulated. Specifically:
- The image of your face, measured from the crown of your head to your chin, must be between 29mm and 34mm high. This ensures that your face occupies the correct proportion of the photo, making identification clear and straightforward.
Passport photo size dimensions showing head size from crown to chin within specified range
Detailed Requirements for Printed Passport Photos
The size is just one aspect of passport photo compliance. The quality and content of your printed photos are equally important. Here’s a breakdown of what’s required:
Quality Standards
Your passport photos must be:
- Professionally Printed: The photos must be printed to a high standard, similar to what you would expect from a photo studio or a reputable photo printing service.
- Clear and in Focus: The image should be sharp and well-defined, not blurry or out of focus.
- Color on White Paper: Photos must be in color and printed on plain white, high-quality photographic paper. Avoid using paper with a border.
- Undamaged: Photos should be free from creases, tears, or any marks on either side, unless the photo needs to be countersigned as part of the application process.
- Unmodified: The photos should not be digitally altered or enhanced using computer software.
Composition and Content
What your passport photo shows is as important as its size and quality. Your photo must:
- Close-up of Head and Shoulders: It should be a close-up shot that clearly shows your full head and upper shoulders.
- No Other People or Objects: The photo must only feature you. No toys, hands, or other people should be in the frame.
- Plain Background: The background must be a plain cream or light grey color.
- Clear Contrast: Ensure there is a clear contrast between your face and the background.
- No Red Eye: Avoid the ‘red eye’ effect, which can be caused by camera flash.
When you are being photographed, you must:
- Face Forward: Look directly at the camera, facing straight on.
- Neutral Expression: Maintain a plain expression with your mouth closed. Smiling or frowning is not permitted.
- Eyes Open and Visible: Your eyes must be open and clearly visible, with no hair obscuring them.
- No Head Covering: Head coverings are not allowed unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Face Uncovered: Nothing should cover your face, ensuring it is fully visible.
- No Shadows: There should be no shadows on your face or in the background behind you.
Regarding glasses, it’s generally recommended to remove them for your passport photo unless you must wear them for medical reasons. If glasses are necessary, they must not be sunglasses or tinted, and they should not obscure your eyes due to frames, glare, reflections, or shadows.
Example of correct passport photo composition and requirements
Passport Photos for Babies and Children: Size Adaptations
While the size requirements remain the same for passport photos of babies and children, some rules are relaxed to accommodate the challenges of photographing young individuals.
- Children Alone in Photo: Children must be pictured alone in their passport photo.
- Babies – No Toys or Dummies: Babies should not be holding toys or using dummies in the photo.
- Relaxed Expression and Gaze for Young Children: Children under 6 years old do not need to look directly at the camera or have a plain expression.
- Eyes Open Not Required for Infants: Babies under one year old are not required to have their eyes open. You can support a baby’s head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.
Submitting Your Printed Photos
When you submit your passport application using a paper form, ensure your photos are correctly prepared for submission:
- Separated Photos: Keep the two photos separate from each other.
- Loose Photos: Do not attach or staple the photos to your application form. They should be submitted loose within the application package.
Understanding “What Size Of Passport Photo” is just the starting point. Adhering to all the guidelines regarding size, quality, and composition will ensure your passport application proceeds without unnecessary delays. By paying close attention to these details, you can avoid common photo-related issues and get one step closer to your travel plans.
