General Passport Photo

Create compliant passport photos online for any country. General requirements, common sizes, and specifications for passport and visa applications worldwide.

Passport photos are standardized photographs required for passport applications, visa applications, and other official documents. While requirements vary by country, all passport photos must be recent, clear, and meet specific size and quality standards.

Common Passport Photo Sizes

Passport photo sizes vary by country. Here are the most common formats:

2×2 inchesUsed in US, India, and some other countries (51×51mm, 600×600 px at 300 DPI)
35×45mmUsed in most European countries, UK, Schengen area (413×531 px at 300 DPI)
50×70mmUsed in Canada (590×827 px at 300 DPI)
Other sizesSome countries use other sizes like 40×50mm, 40×60mm, or 45×57mm
2x2 inch passport photo example
2×2 inch (51×51 mm)
35x45 mm passport photo example
35×45 mm
50x70 mm Canadian passport photo example
50×70 mm

General Passport Photo Requirements

While specific requirements vary by country, general passport photos typically must meet these standards:

ResolutionMinimum 300 DPI for print quality
FormatColor photo (JPEG or JPG format)
BackgroundPlain background (white, light gray, or light blue depending on country)
Face PositionCentered, facing forward, eyes open and clearly visible
ExpressionNeutral expression, mouth closed
Photo QualityClear, sharp, no shadows or glare, good lighting

Tip

Important: Always check your specific country's requirements before taking your passport photo. Requirements can vary significantly between countries, especially regarding background color, head size, and whether glasses are allowed.

Create Your Passport Photo Online

Our online tool makes it easy to create a compliant passport photo for any country. Simply upload your photo, select your country and document type, and we'll automatically:

  • Crop to the exact size required for your country
  • Ensure proper resolution (300 DPI minimum)
  • Set the correct background color for your country
  • Ensure proper head size and positioning
  • Adjust for optimal quality and compliance
  • Export in print-ready format

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Upload your photo and we'll format it to meet your country's requirements

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What Not to Wear in Passport Photos

To ensure your passport photo is accepted, avoid:

  • Head coverings (unless for religious purposes and your face is fully visible)
  • Uniforms (unless required for religious dress)
  • Tinted glasses or glasses that obscure your eyes (check country requirements)
  • Hats, caps, or other headwear that covers your face
  • Headphones or wireless hands-free devices
  • Anything that obscures your face or creates shadows

General Passport Photo FAQs

What is a passport photo?

A passport photo is a standardized photograph that meets specific government requirements for use in passport applications and other official documents. The size and requirements vary by country, but all must be recent, clear, and show your face clearly against a plain background.

What are the most common passport photo sizes?

The most common passport photo sizes are: 2×2 inches (51×51mm) used in the US and some other countries, 35×45mm used in many European countries, and 50×70mm used in Canada. Check your country's specific requirements before taking your photo.

Can I create a passport photo online?

Yes! You can create a compliant passport photo online using our tool. Upload your photo, select your country and document type, and we'll automatically format it to meet all requirements including size, background, and head positioning.

What background color is required for passport photos?

Background requirements vary by country. Most countries require a plain white or off-white background, but some (like Schengen visa countries) require light gray or light blue. Always check your country's specific requirements.

What is the head size requirement for passport photos?

Head size requirements vary by country, but generally your head (from chin to top) should be between 25-36mm depending on the photo format. For 2×2 photos, it's typically 25-35mm. For 35×45mm photos, it's typically 32-36mm.

Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?

This depends on your country's requirements. Some countries allow glasses if there's no glare, while others require glasses to be removed. Some countries allow glasses only if medically necessary. Always check your country's specific requirements.

How recent must my passport photo be?

Passport photos must typically be taken within the last 6 months, though some countries may require them to be more recent (e.g., within 30 days for US applications). The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance.