UK Passport Photo Requirements
Official photo requirements for United Kingdom passport applications. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your photo is accepted. Photo must be taken within the last month (stricter than most countries)
35×45 mm Photo Size Requirements
The required 35×45 mm photo size must measure exactly 35mm wide by 45mm high with proper head positioning and background color.
Official Photo Size
The photo must be exactly 1.8×1.4 (approx). This is a critical requirement—photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be rejected.
| Inches | 1.8×1.4 (approx) |
| Millimeters | 45×35 |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 531×413 px |
Tip
Background & Lighting
Background: Plain white or light gray. UK passport photos use a light gray or cream background, which differs from the white background used in the US.
- No shadows on the background or your face
- No patterns, textures, or decorations
- No other people or objects visible
- Uniform color throughout
- Even lighting with no harsh shadows
Face & Head Size Rules
Head size: 29-34mm from chin to top of head. Your face must be positioned correctly in the frame.
- Face the camera directly (no tilting)
- Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Head centered in the frame
- Shoulders visible in the photo
What You Can Wear (Glasses, Head Coverings)
Understanding what accessories and clothing are allowed:
- Glasses: Not allowed (must be removed unless medically necessary)
- Clothing: Regular clothing
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes
- Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face
- Your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
Photo Quality Requirements
Sharp focus, high resolution (300 DPI), color photo
- Sharp focus with no blur
- High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for printing)
- No filters or digital alterations
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
Common Rejection Reasons
Photos that don't meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Common issues specific to United Kingdom passport applications:
- Wrong photo size (not 1.8×1.4 (approx))
- Incorrect background (not plain white or light gray)
- Wrong head size (not 29-34mm from chin to top of head)
- Poor photo quality (blurry or pixelated)
- Wrong expression (Neutral expression (no smiling))
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo too old (taken more than 6 months ago)
- Digital alterations or filters
- Glasses visible (usually must be removed)
- Wrong size (not 45×35mm)
- Photo too old (must be within last month)
- Wrong background
Local Notes for United Kingdom
- UK passport photos use a light gray or cream background
- Professional photo services are recommended
- Digital photos must meet specific quality standards
- Photo must be taken within the last month (stricter than most countries)
- Rectangular format (45mm wide × 35mm high)
- Glasses generally not allowed
- No head coverings unless for religious purposes
- Eyes must be open and clearly visible
Printing Tips for United Kingdom
- Print at 300 DPI for professional quality
- Use photo paper, not regular printer paper
- Verify all requirements are met before printing
Create a United Kingdom Passport Photo Online
Use our tool to create a compliant passport photo. We'll automatically:
- Crop to exactly 1.8×1.4 (approx)
- Fix background to plain white or light gray
- Ensure proper head size (29-34mm from chin to top of head)
- Align face correctly
- Export at 300 DPI for print quality
Create Your Passport Photo
Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with United Kingdom requirements
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
UK Passport Photo Requirements FAQs
What size is a UK passport photo?
UK passport photos are 45mm wide × 35mm high (rectangular format, not square).
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
Generally no, glasses must be removed unless medically necessary and you have a medical certificate.
How recent must a UK passport photo be?
UK passport photos must be taken within the last month, which is stricter than most countries.
What background color is required?
The background must be plain white or light gray with no shadows or patterns.