Passport Photo: Sizes, Requirements & Rules
ICAO 9303 standard, country sizes and the mistakes that get photos rejected
Author: Murat Duru
Founder of PhotoID Studio: biometric photo software
ICAO 9303
Global standard
2×2 in
US passport size
35×45 mm
Most of Europe
A passport photo is a biometric portrait that follows the international ICAO 9303 standard: the face is framed at a fixed ratio, the background is plain and the expression is neutral. Sizes differ by country: the US uses 2×2 in (51×51 mm), while most of Europe uses 35×45 mm. This guide covers the exact requirements, the size for every major country, and why photos get rejected.
Passport photo requirements (general ICAO rules)
| Head size | 50–69% of photo height (varies by country) |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white or light grey, no shadows |
| Resolution | At least 300 DPI for print |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and visible |
| Gaze | Looking straight at the camera, head not tilted |
| Colour | Colour photo (black & white not accepted) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Standard | ICAO 9303 |
Always confirm the current rule with the official authority of your country before applying.
Passport photo size by country
There is no single passport photo size: 35×45 mm is common in Europe, but the US and others differ. The most-searched standards:
| Country | Size | Head size | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | 50–69% | White |
| Schengen / EU | 35 × 45 mm | 70–80% | White / light grey |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | 64–76% | Light grey / cream |
| Turkey | 50 × 60 mm | 55–75% | White |
| China | 33 × 48 mm | 58–69% | White |
| India | 35×45 mm · 51×51 mm (visa/OCI) | 50–69% | White |
See verified specs for 130+ countries on the country templates page.
Background, lighting and expression
Three rules hold almost everywhere: a plain light background, even shadow-free lighting, and a neutral expression. White is the safest background; some countries also allow a light grey tone.
Light should fall evenly on both sides of the face, with no glare on glasses and no shadow behind the head. Eyes must be open and clearly visible, mouth closed, and you should look straight into the camera without tilting your head.
- Background: plain white or light grey, no shadows
- Lighting: even on both sides of the face, no glare
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes fully open
- Pose: head straight, shoulders square, facing the camera
- Glasses: prescription glasses only if there is no glare; no sunglasses
- Head coverings: religious head coverings are allowed if the full face is visible
Why passport photos get rejected: the 5 most common reasons
1. Wrong head size: the face is too small or too large in the frame. The single most common rejection reason.
2. Wrong background: cream, grey or coloured when plain white is required (or shadows on the wall).
3. Eye line off: eyes not at the required height; hard to spot by eye, caught at submission.
4. Wrong dimensions: using 35×45 mm where a 2×2 in photo is required.
5. Head tilt: even a slight angle is rejected by many passport offices.
Measured correctly, all five are avoidable. For studios, PhotoID Studio checks every one of them before export.
For photographers and studios: compliant passport photos in seconds
PhotoID Studio is a desktop app built for photo studios to produce passport photos in seconds, without rejections. AI detects the face, measures head ratio and eye line, corrects tilt, and removes the background in one click.
Every export is validated against ICAO 9303, 130+ country templates are preloaded, and it builds print layouts (10×15, 13×18, A4) at 300 DPI. Everything runs offline: client photos never leave the computer, so you are GDPR-covered. See the full workflow on the passport photo software page.
Frequently asked questions
- What size is a passport photo?
It depends on the country. The US uses 2×2 in (51×51 mm), most of Europe (Schengen) uses 35×45 mm, and Turkey uses 50×60 mm.
- What background colour should a passport photo have?
Plain white is the safest and is required in most countries. Some, such as the UK, also accept a light grey or cream tone. Shadows and patterns are never allowed.
- Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?
Most authorities prefer no glasses. Prescription glasses may be accepted if there is no glare and the eyes are fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed.
- Can I smile in a passport photo?
No. A biometric passport photo requires a neutral expression with the mouth closed and eyes open.
- How recent must a passport photo be?
As a rule, it should be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
- Is a black and white passport photo accepted?
No. Passport photos must be in colour.
Produce compliant passport photos in seconds
PhotoID Studio detects the face, removes the background, crops to size and validates ICAO 9303 automatically. Try it free for 1 month: no credit card required.