How should a Philippines visa photo look?
The Philippines' unique trait: domestic ePassport applicants do not bring a studio frame. DFA captures the photo on-site at the passport office. Only overseas/embassy applicants and foreigner visa applicants bring a 35×45 mm white-background print. Jewellery, plunging necklines and unkempt afro/frizzy hair are rejection grounds.
The body that sets the spec
The standard is published by the DFA Office of Consular Affairs. Domestic applicants are captured on-site at the DFA office; overseas/embassy and foreigner visa applicants submit a 35×45 mm white-background print. Head height 32-36 mm; validity six months. Glasses are banned.
Workflow after the shoot
For the overseas/embassy flow the frame goes to PhotoID Studio and the Philippines preset is selected; the app aligns the face, cleans the background to pure white and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI. Switching to a Schengen or China format from the same frame is a one-click move.
Capture setup and direction
For overseas/embassy customers 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. Jewellery is removed, the neckline is closed and hair is arranged neatly.
Reasons for rejection at DFA
• Jewellery (earrings, necklaces) or a plunging neckline. • Afro/frizzy hair not arranged neatly: the frame is rejected. • Non-white backdrop or visible shadow. • Glasses (banned). • A frame older than six months. • A studio print for a domestic applicant (DFA captures on-site). • A smile, visible teeth, or an open mouth.
For studios in the Philippines
Because domestic passports are captured at the DFA office, studios concentrate on overseas/embassy customers and foreigner visa flow. The PhotoID Studio Philippines preset locks the 35×45 mm white background.
Frequently asked questions
Do I bring a studio print for a Philippine ePassport?
Domestic applicants do not. DFA captures on-site at the passport office. Overseas/embassy flow requires a 35×45 mm print.
What if the hair is afro or frizzy?
It must be arranged neatly. Unkempt texture is rejected by DFA. A clean, organised appearance is required.
Can I keep jewellery on?
No. DFA lists earrings, necklaces and plunging necklines as rejection grounds.
Similar Sizes
Related guides
Passport Photo
ICAO 9303 standard, country sizes and the mistakes that get photos rejected
Passport Photo Software
AI-powered passport, visa and ID photos in seconds: Mac & Windows, fully offline
Passport Photo Requirements
Size, background, head height, glasses and expression: what every authority checks
Passport Photo Size
US 2×2 in, Europe 35×45 mm: every dimension in one chart