Israel Biometric Photo Size
51×51 mm (2×2 inch), ICAO 9303
How should a Israel passport photo look?
The Israeli biometric standard is 51×51 mm (2×2 inch) on a white or light blue background. The most unusual rule is recency: only 3 months: far shorter than the global norm. Glasses are banned unless medical, with a signed doctor's note required.
Photo Size
51×51 mm (2×2 inch)
Head Ratio
70%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm
Background Color
White / Light Blue
Standard
ICAO 9303
Requirements & Notes
Israeli photos accept white or light blue background. Follows ICAO standards.
The body that sets the spec
The standard is published by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA: gov.il). At PIBA bureaus, citizens applying for the biometric Darkon do not need to bring a printed photo; capture is performed free of charge at the service station. Foreigners submit their own visa photos.
Workflow after the shoot
The frame is sent to PhotoID Studio and the Israel preset is selected; the app aligns the face, cleans the background to pure white, and exports 51×51 mm at 300 DPI. Prints are laid out on 10×15 cm paper.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of the white backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8 aperture, a softbox at 45° with a reflector on the opposite side. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression". For medical glasses with a doctor's note, capture so the eyes remain clearly visible; a kippah, headscarf or religious head covering is accepted as long as it does not cover the face.
Reasons for rejection at PIBA and consulates
• A frame older than three months from the capture date: shorter than the global norm and often missed. • Non-medical glasses; medical glasses without a signed doctor's note. • A backdrop other than white or light blue: grey or coloured. • A kippah or headscarf covering the line of the face. • A smile, visible teeth, or any non-neutral expression. • Glasses glare; tinted or sunglass lenses. • Wrong format: a 35×45 mm print or any size other than 51×51 mm.
For studios in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa
Israeli studios see steady traffic from tourist visas, work permits and diaspora passport renewals; the free biometric capture at PIBA bureaus reduces the domestic passport line, but foreigners and consulate routes keep studios busy. The PhotoID Studio Israel preset keeps the 51×51 mm format locked.
Used For
- Passport
- ID card (Teudat Zehut)
- Visa
Similar Sizes
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Frequently asked questions
- Why is the validity window so short for an Israeli photo?
The standard requires the frame to be no older than three months: far shorter than the global norm. Older frames are frequently rejected at PIBA and consulates.
- Can the photo be taken with glasses?
Only on medical grounds and only with a signed doctor's note. Ordinary glasses, tinted or sunglass lenses are rejected.
- Why is photo capture free at PIBA bureaus?
For biometric Darkon applications, PIBA captures the photo on-site at the service station, so citizens do not need to bring a printed photo.
Author: Murat Duru
Founder of PhotoID Studio: biometric photo software
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