Complete Guide to Passport Photo Requirements
Passport photo rejections are more common than most people expect— and they can delay visa and passport applications by weeks. This guide covers every requirement you need to know, country by country, so your photos are accepted the first time.
Why Passport Photos Get Rejected
Government agencies that process passport applications have strict automated and manual review systems for photos. A rejection doesn't mean your photo looks bad—it means a specific technical requirement was not met. Understanding what reviewers look for helps you avoid the most common pitfalls.
The US Department of State reports that the most common reasons for passport photo rejection are: incorrect head size, unacceptable background, glasses, shadows on the face or background, and photos that are too old (over 6 months). Many of these are easily preventable when you know what to look for.
Top 10 Most Common Rejection Reasons
- 1. Face too small or too large within the frame
- 2. Background not plain white or off-white
- 3. Shadows on the face or background
- 4. Wearing glasses (now banned in most countries)
- 5. Head tilted, turned, or not centered
- 6. Eyes closed, squinting, or not looking at camera
- 7. Wearing a hat or head covering (unless for religious reasons)
- 8. Photo is blurry, pixelated, or overexposed
- 9. Expression is not neutral (smiling, frowning)
- 10. Photo is more than 6 months old
Requirements by Country
🇺🇸 United States
Dimensions
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head Size
1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown
Background
Plain white or off-white, no patterns or gradients
Expression
Neutral expression, both eyes fully open
Glasses
Not permitted since 2016
Age Requirement
Taken within the last 6 months
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Dimensions
35 × 45 mm
Head Size
29–34 mm from chin to top of head (not hair)
Background
Cream or light grey. White is not acceptable.
Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed
Glasses
Not permitted
Age Requirement
Taken within the last month
🇪🇺 European Union / Schengen
Dimensions
35 × 45 mm
Head Size
32–36 mm from chin to crown
Background
Light grey or white, uniform and plain
Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
Glasses
Not permitted (ICAO standard)
Age Requirement
Taken within the last 6 months
🇨🇦 Canada
Dimensions
50 × 70 mm (2 × 2¾ inches)
Head Size
31–36 mm from chin to crown of head
Background
Plain white background only
Expression
Neutral expression, looking straight at camera
Glasses
Not permitted
Age Requirement
Taken within the last 6 months
🇦🇺 Australia
Dimensions
35 × 45 mm
Head Size
32–36 mm from chin to crown
Background
Plain light grey or white
Expression
Neutral expression, both eyes open and visible
Glasses
Not recommended; may cause rejection
Age Requirement
Taken within the last 6 months
🇮🇳 India
Dimensions
51 × 51 mm or 35 × 45 mm (depending on document)
Head Size
Face should occupy 70–80% of the frame
Background
Plain white background
Expression
Neutral expression, eyes looking directly at camera
Glasses
Not permitted for Indian passports (as of 2020)
Age Requirement
Taken within the last 6 months
Taking Your Own Passport Photo at Home
Professional photography studios charge $15–25 per passport photo session. With a smartphone and these guidelines, you can take compliant photos at home for free and use ImageHub's passport photo maker to format them to the correct size for any country.
Set up against a plain wall
Stand 1–2 meters away from a white or light-colored wall. Distance from the wall prevents your shadow from falling on the background—one of the most common rejection causes.
Use natural light from the front
Face a window during daylight for soft, even, shadow-free lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows and overexposed areas. Avoid photographing with your back to a window.
Hold the camera at eye level
Shooting from above or below creates distortion that can cause rejection. Use a tripod, stack books on a table, or ask someone to hold the phone at exactly eye height.
Wear appropriate clothing
Wear dark, non-white clothing so your shoulders contrast with the white background. Avoid clothing with patterns, slogans, or busy designs. No uniforms.
Take multiple shots
Take 10–15 shots to choose from. Even small variations in head position or expression make a difference. Review at 100% zoom before cropping—blurry photos are a common rejection reason.
Quick Reference: Standard Sizes
| Country / Document | Size | Background |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | White |
| UK | 35 × 45 mm | Cream/light grey |
| EU / Schengen | 35 × 45 mm | White/light grey |
| Canada | 50 × 70 mm | White |
| Australia | 35 × 45 mm | White/light grey |
| India | 51 × 51 mm | White |
Note: Requirements change. Always verify with the official government or embassy website before submitting critical documents.