Algeria Passport Photo Size & Requirements (Official 35×45 mm Guide 2026)

Official requirements and online tool to create a compliant Algeria passport photo. Size: 35×45 mm (35×45 mm).

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By Sarah Chen, Passport Compliance Specialist · Updated March 2026

Algeria passport applications require a specific photo that meets official government standards. Whether you're applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or updating your travel documents, having a compliant photo is essential for a successful application.

When applying for an Algeria passport, your photograph is evaluated by Algeria consular authorities who verify compliance with official biometric requirements. In many countries, applications are additionally processed through accredited third-party centers such as VFS Global or BLS International. Even minor deviations — such as an incorrect background shade or a head that is fractionally too large — can result in an immediate rejection.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Algeria passport photo requirements, including the exact size specifications, background requirements, what to wear, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

Algeria Passport Photo Requirements Summary

Photo Size

35×45 mm

Document Type

Passport

Algeria

Complete Algeria Passport Photo Requirements

To ensure your Algeria passport photo is accepted without delays, follow these official requirements precisely. Even minor deviations can result in photo rejection.

Official Algeria Passport Photo Size (35×45 mm)

The Algeria passport photo must be exactly 35×45 mm (35×45 mm). This is a critical requirement — photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be automatically rejected.

35×45 mm Algeria passport photo size example with correct dimensions and background
Official 35×45 mm Algeria passport photo example showing correct framing and proportions.
Official Algeria Passport Photo Size35×45 mm (35×45 mm)
ResolutionMinimum 300 DPI (dots per inch) for print quality
FormatColor photo (no black and white or sepia)
Head SizeHead should occupy 70–80% of the photo height

Algeria Passport Photo Background Requirements

The background is one of the most common reasons for photo rejection. Your Algeria passport photo must have a plain, uniform background with no shadows, patterns, or other people visible.

  • Background must be plain white or light-colored (light gray or cream may be acceptable)
  • No shadows on the background or your face
  • No patterns, textures, or decorations
  • No other people or objects visible in the background
  • Uniform color throughout with no gradients
  • Even lighting with no harsh shadows or bright spots

Face and Expression Requirements

Your face must be clearly visible and positioned correctly in the frame:

  • Face the camera directly with your head straight (no tilting)
  • Neutral expression with your mouth closed (no smiling, frowning, or unusual expressions)
  • Eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Look directly at the camera lens
  • Head should be centered in the frame
  • Shoulders should be visible in the photo
  • Head size should be between 70–80% of the photo height

What to Wear for Algeria Passport Photos

Your clothing should contrast with the background and follow these guidelines:

  • Wear regular, everyday clothing (no uniforms or camouflage patterns)
  • Clothing should contrast with the background (avoid white clothing on white background)
  • No head coverings unless worn daily for religious purposes
  • If wearing a head covering for religious reasons, your face must be fully visible from chin to forehead
  • Head covering should not cast shadows on your face
  • Avoid clothing with busy patterns or logos

Glasses and Accessories

Glasses are generally allowed, but there are specific requirements:

  • Glasses are allowed if there's no glare or reflection
  • Your eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses
  • No tinted lenses (clear lenses only)
  • Frames should not cover any part of your eyes
  • Removal of glasses is recommended for best results

Photo Quality Requirements

The photo quality must meet professional standards:

  • High resolution: minimum 300 DPI for printing
  • Sharp focus with no blur or pixelation
  • Color photo (no black and white, sepia, or filters)
  • Recent photo (taken within the last 6 months)
  • No digital alterations, filters, or retouching
  • Proper exposure with no overexposed or underexposed areas
  • Good color balance and natural skin tones

Tip

Our online tool automatically sizes your photo to exactly 35×45 mm (35×45 mm) and ensures all requirements are met. Just upload your photo and select the Algeria passport preset.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Take a Algeria Passport Photo

Taking a compliant Algeria passport photo at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Step 1: Set Up Your Background

Find a plain white or light-colored wall with no decorations. If you don't have one, hang a plain white sheet behind you.

  • Use a plain white wall or hang a white sheet
  • Ensure no shadows are cast on the background
  • Remove any objects or decorations from view
  • Make sure the background is well-lit and uniform

Step 2: Set Up Proper Lighting

Good lighting is crucial for a quality Algeria passport photo. Use natural light from a window or set up soft, even lighting.

  • Use natural light from a window if available
  • Avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates shadows
  • Ensure your face is evenly lit with no dark spots
  • Avoid using flash directly, as it can create harsh shadows

Step 3: Position Yourself Correctly

Stand or sit about 3–4 feet away from the background to avoid shadows.

  • Stand 3–4 feet away from the background
  • Face the camera directly with your head straight
  • Keep your shoulders square to the camera
  • Look directly at the camera lens

Step 4: Take the Photo

Use a smartphone or digital camera. Maintain a neutral expression with eyes open.

  • Use a smartphone or digital camera (not a webcam)
  • Take the photo at eye level or slightly above
  • Have a neutral expression with your mouth closed
  • Take multiple photos to choose the best one

Step 5: Edit and Format Your Photo

Use our online tool to crop to the exact size and ensure compliance with all Algeria passport photo requirements.

  • Upload your photo to our online tool
  • Select the Algeria passport preset
  • Our tool will automatically crop to 35×45 mm (35×45 mm)
  • Background will be corrected to meet requirements
  • Download your compliant photo ready for submission

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many Algeria passport photo applications are rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Learn what to watch out for to get your photo accepted on the first attempt.

  • Wrong photo size: Photos that don't match 35×45 mm / 35×45 mm will be rejected
  • Incorrect background: Shadows, patterns, or non-uniform backgrounds are common rejection reasons
  • Wrong expression: Smiling, frowning, or unusual expressions are not allowed
  • Poor photo quality: Blurry, pixelated, or low-resolution photos will be rejected
  • Glare on glasses: Ensure no reflection obscures your eyes
  • Photo too old: Photos taken more than 6 months ago will be rejected
  • Digital alterations: Filters, retouching, or other digital modifications are not allowed
  • Wrong head size: Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photo height
  • Head covering issues: If wearing a head covering, your face must be fully visible
  • Wrong clothing: Uniforms or clothing matching the background can cause rejection

Tip

Using our online tool eliminates most of these mistakes. We automatically ensure your photo meets all size, background, and quality requirements for Algeria passport applications.

Create Your Algeria Passport Photo Online

Our online Algeria passport photo maker is the easiest and most reliable way to create a compliant photo. Simply upload your photo, and our tool will automatically ensure it meets all official requirements.

  • Exact sizing: Crops your photo to exactly 35×45 mm (35×45 mm)
  • Background correction: Fixes background, removes shadows and patterns
  • Head positioning: Ensures proper head size (70–80% of photo height)
  • Quality optimization: Exports at 300 DPI for professional print quality
  • Instant preview: See your compliant photo before downloading
  • Multiple formats: Digital version for online submission or print-ready version

Create Your Algeria Passport Photo Now

Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with Algeria requirements in seconds

Start Creating Your Photo

Free to try • Pay only for HD download

Printing Your Algeria Passport Photo

Once you've created your compliant Algeria passport photo, you'll need to print it if submitting a physical application. Here are your printing options:

Option 1: Print at Home

  • Use high-quality photo paper (not regular printer paper)
  • Print at 300 DPI for best quality
  • Use the exact dimensions: 35×45 mm (35×45 mm)
  • Cut the photo precisely with no white borders

Option 2: Print at Local Services

  • Photo studios: Professional printing with guaranteed quality
  • Pharmacies: Many pharmacies offer photo printing services
  • Office supply stores: Stores like Staples or Office Depot
  • Online services: Upload and have it printed and delivered

Option 3: Digital Submission

Many Algeria passport applications now accept digital photos:

  • Use the digital version downloaded from our tool
  • Ensure the file size meets the application requirements
  • Use the correct file format (usually JPEG or PNG)
  • Verify the photo dimensions match the requirements

Digital vs Printed Algeria Passport Photo Requirements

Depending on how you submit your Algeria passport application, you may need either a printed photo or a digital file — or both. The underlying specifications are identical, but the format requirements differ.

Digital Submission

  • File format: JPEG (preferred) or PNG
  • Minimum resolution: 300 DPI
  • Dimensions: 35×45 mm at 300 DPI
  • File size: check your specific portal's limit (most portals accept a few hundred KB)
  • Color mode: sRGB (no CMYK)
  • No compression artifacts or visible pixelation

Printed Copy

  • Physical size: 35×45 mm (35×45 mm)
  • Printed at minimum 300 DPI
  • Use glossy or matte photo paper (not office paper)
  • No creases, cuts, or damage to the print
  • Ink must be smudge-proof and fully dry
  • No borders or white margins unless specified

Tip

Our tool exports your Algeria passport photo in both a high-resolution digital file and a print-ready layout. Download both at once to be ready for any submission method.

Algeria Passport Photo Price

Creating a Algeria passport photo using our online tool is significantly more affordable than visiting a photo studio:

Photo Studio

  • Typically $10–20 per set
  • Requires travel to studio
  • May need to wait for appointment
  • Limited retake options

Our Online Tool

  • Much more affordable
  • Create from home instantly
  • Unlimited retakes
  • Instant download
  • Guaranteed compliance

Algeria Passport Photo for Babies and Infants

Babies and infants also need compliant Algeria passport photos for travel documents. While the photo specifications remain the same as for adults, there are special allowances to make photographing young children easier.

  • The photo must be the same size as adult photos: 35×45 mm
  • The baby must be alone in the frame — no hands, arms, or other people visible
  • Eyes should be open if possible; very young infants may have partially closed eyes
  • Mouth should be closed or in a natural resting position
  • No pacifiers, toys, or accessories visible in the photo
  • Background must meet the same Algeria passport requirements as adult photos
  • For car-seat or pram photos, remove any visible straps or restraints from the frame
  • Have a second person help position the baby if needed, but keep all adult hands out of shot

Tip

Use our online tool to crop and format baby photos to the exact 35×45 mm specification — it works just as well for infant photos as for adults.

Common Reasons Algeria Passport Photos Get Rejected

Understanding why Algeria passport photos get rejected helps you avoid costly delays. Here are the most frequent rejection causes specific to Algeria applications:

  1. Digital filters, retouching, or other image alterations have been detected
  2. Head size falls outside the permitted range — both too small and too large are rejected
  3. Head covering used without valid religious grounds, or face not fully visible
  4. Clothing color blends into the background, obscuring the outline of the head
  5. Background not plain white — Algerian consular offices strictly require a uniform white background
  6. Photo more than 6 months old; Algeria's immigration authorities enforce a 6-month recency rule

Our tool performs automatic compliance checks against Algeria photo standards before you download, dramatically reducing the chance of rejection.

Is Algeria Passport Photo the Same as Schengen Visa Photo?

Algeria passport photos follow Algeria's own national or regional requirements (35×45 mm) and differ from the Schengen standard (35×45 mm, gray/blue background). Always check which specification applies to each individual passport application — do not reuse the same photo for Schengen and Algeria applications without confirming compatibility first.

If you need a Schengen visa photo, see our dedicated guide: Schengen Visa Photo Requirements.

Where Can I Get a Algeria Passport Photo?

There are several options for obtaining a Algeria passport photo:

Option 1: Online Photo Maker (Recommended)

  • Create from home using your smartphone or camera
  • Automatic compliance with all Algeria requirements
  • Instant download of digital and print-ready photos
  • Much more affordable than photo studios
  • Unlimited retakes until you're satisfied

Option 2: Photo Studios

  • Professional photographers ensure compliance
  • Typically cost $10–20 per set
  • Physical photos provided immediately

Option 3: Photo Booths and Kiosks

  • Found in airports, train stations, and shopping centers
  • Quick and convenient — usually $5–10 per set
  • May not always meet all country-specific requirements

Tip

For the best combination of convenience, affordability, and guaranteed compliance, use our online Algeria passport photo maker.

Common Questions About Algeria Passport Photos

What is the official Algeria passport photo size?

The official Algeria passport photo size is 35×45 mm. The photo must be in full color, printed at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI on photo-quality paper or submitted digitally in JPEG format. Using incorrect dimensions is the single most common reason for application rejection.

Can I smile in a Algeria passport photo?

No. Algeria passport requirements mandate a neutral expression with the mouth closed. Your eyes must be open and looking directly into the camera. Even a subtle smile can be flagged by modern biometric scanning systems and lead to rejection.

Can I wear glasses in my Algeria passport photo?

Glasses are generally permitted in Algeria passport photos provided there is no glare on the lenses, the frames do not cover any part of the eyes, and the lenses are not tinted. To eliminate any risk of rejection, removing glasses before taking the photo is always the safest choice.

How recent must my Algeria passport photo be?

Your Algeria passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Authorities may reject older photos because they may no longer accurately represent your current appearance. Always use a freshly taken photo when submitting a new or renewal application.

Can I take a Algeria passport photo at home?

Yes — a compliant Algeria passport photo can be taken at home using a smartphone or digital camera. Use a plain wall as a background, ensure soft, even lighting, and photograph yourself at eye level. Then use our online tool to crop, resize, and format the image to the exact 35×45 mm specification within seconds.

What size are Algeria passport photos and what background is required?

Algeria passport and visa photos must be 35×45 mm with a plain white background. The face must be centered, fully frontal, eyes open, and expression neutral. Algerian consulates apply strict quality checks — any shadow on the background or face will result in rejection.

Related Visa Photo Guides

Browse photo requirements for neighboring countries and related documents:

Other Algeria Documents

Updated March 2026 · Information based on official Algeria passport photo guidelines.

Photo specifications follow the ICAO Document 9303 biometric standard. Provided by 2x2passportphoto.com. Always verify requirements with the official Algeria embassy or consulate before submitting your application.