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Passport & Visa Photo Requirements

Official biometric photo specifications for 15+ countries. Updated 2025. Or skip the research — we know every requirement by heart.

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Country Requirements

Photo Specifications by Country

Every country has specific requirements. Getting these wrong is the most common reason for passport photo rejection. The table below reflects 2025 standards.

CountrySizeBackgroundHead SizeExpressionGlassesRecency
🇦🇪 UAE Emirates ID4×6 cmPure white70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇬🇧 United Kingdom35×45 mmCream/white70–80%NeutralPermitted (no tint)1 month
🇮🇪 Ireland35×45 mmWhite/off-white70–80%NeutralNot recommended6 months
🇺🇸 USA2×2 in (51×51mm)White/off-white50–69%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇨🇦 Canada50×70 mmWhite/plain31–36mm faceNeutralNot permitted6 months
🇦🇺 Australia35×45 mmWhite/off-white32–36mm faceNeutralNot permitted6 months
🇮🇳 India35×45 mmWhite70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇵🇰 Pakistan35×45 mmWhite70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇵🇭 Philippines35×45 mmWhite70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇩🇪 Schengen/EU35×45 mmWhite/off-white70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia4×6 cmWhite70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇯🇵 Japan45×45 mmWhite/off-white70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇨🇳 China33×48 mmWhite/light blue70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇧🇩 Bangladesh35×45 mmWhite70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
🇫🇷 France35×45 mmWhite/off-white70–80%NeutralNot permitted6 months
⚠️ Important: These specifications are for guidance. Requirements can change — always verify with the specific embassy or government website before your application. Or book with VisaPic and we guarantee compliance.

Top 8 Reasons Photos Get Rejected

These are the most common compliance failures — any one of these will result in your passport application being delayed or rejected.

😶
Eyes not fully open or looking away from camera
👓
Glasses reflecting light or tinted lenses
📏
Incorrect head size — too small or too large in frame
🎨
Wrong background colour — shadows, patterns or off-white
😮
Mouth open or showing teeth (many countries)
📸
Poor lighting — uneven, harsh shadows, or low resolution
🔄
Photo too old — most countries require photos taken within 6 months
🧢
Headwear worn (unless for religious reasons, with face fully visible)

Universal Rules — Apply to Almost All Countries

Regardless of your destination country, these rules apply almost universally to biometric passport photos.

✓Plain, light-coloured background — no patterns, shadows or gradients
✓Eyes open, clearly visible, looking directly at camera
✓Neutral expression — mouth closed for most countries
✓Full face visible — no hair obscuring facial features
✓Taken within the last 6 months (some allow up to 12 months)
✓High resolution — min 600 DPI for printed photos
✓No headwear (unless for documented religious reasons)
✓No glasses in most countries since 2022 biometric updates
✓Correct size and format as specified by the issuing country

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are glasses allowed in passport photos?
For most countries, including UK, USA, Canada, EU/Schengen, and UAE, glasses are no longer permitted in passport photos since the widespread adoption of biometric facial recognition. Contact lens wearers are fine — only frames are prohibited.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
A natural, closed-mouth expression is required for most countries. A very slight natural smile is acceptable for some countries (like Australia and Canada) but a wide, open-mouth smile is never acceptable in biometric passport photos.
Can I wear hijab or other religious head covering?
Yes — religious head coverings are permitted for most countries provided the full face is clearly visible from forehead to chin and ear-to-ear. The face must not be obscured or in shadow. We can guide you on positioning.
How recent does my photo need to be?
Most countries require photos taken within the last 6 months. Some allow up to 12 months. If you've significantly changed your appearance (hair, weight, surgery), even a recent photo might be questioned. Use a current photo to be safe.
Does VisaPic know requirements for my country?
Almost certainly yes. With 20+ years experience and 50+ countries covered, we know the specifications for every major passport and visa photo requirement. Just tell us your country when you book.
What if requirements change after I've had my photo taken?
Our 100% Acceptance Guarantee covers you. If your photo is rejected for any compliance reason — including unexpected specification changes — we retake and reprint for free.