Passport Photo Requirements: The Complete Checklist
Size, background, head height, glasses and expression: what every authority checks
Author: Murat Duru
Founder of PhotoID Studio: biometric photo software
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ICAO 9303
Base standard
50–69%
Typical head height
6 months
Max photo age
Passport photo requirements come from the international ICAO 9303 standard, then each country adds its own size and background rules. Get any one of them wrong and the application is rejected. This guide is a complete, accurate checklist: covering size, background, head height, lighting, glasses, head coverings and expression: with the differences between the US, Schengen and the UK.
Universal passport photo requirements
| Size | Country-specific (US 2×2 in · EU 35×45 mm) |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white or light grey, no shadows or patterns |
| Head height | 50–80% of the photo, depending on country |
| Resolution | At least 300 DPI for print |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Gaze & pose | Facing the camera, head straight, shoulders square |
| Glasses | Prescription only, no glare; no sunglasses |
| Head coverings | Religious only, full face visible |
| Colour | Colour photo, accurate skin tones |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
This is the common baseline; always confirm your country’s exact rule before applying.
How requirements differ by country
The biggest differences are size, head height and background. Three of the most common standards:
| Country | Size | Head height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | 50–69% (25–35 mm) | White |
| Schengen / EU | 35 × 45 mm | 70–80% | White / light grey |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | 64–76% (29–34 mm) | Light grey / cream |
| Turkey | 50 × 60 mm | 55–75% | White |
Verified specs for 130+ countries are on the country templates page.
Glasses, head coverings and expression
Glasses: Most authorities now prefer photos without glasses. Prescription glasses may be accepted only if there is no glare and the eyes are fully visible; tinted lenses and sunglasses are never allowed.
Head coverings: Religious head coverings are permitted, but the full face: forehead, chin and both cheeks: must be visible and free of shadow.
Expression: A neutral expression is required. The mouth must be closed and both eyes open and looking at the camera; smiling is not accepted.
Photo quality and lighting
The photo must be sharp, correctly exposed and in natural colour. Lighting should be even on both sides of the face, with no harsh shadows behind the head and no glare on the skin or glasses. Avoid heavy retouching: over-edited skin can itself cause rejection. For print, aim for at least 300 DPI so the photo stays crisp at the required size.
The most common rejection reasons
Knowing why photos fail is the fastest way to pass first time:
- Head too small or too large in the frame (wrong head height)
- Background not plain white, or shadows on the wall
- Smiling or mouth open
- Head tilted, or eyes closed / partly closed
- Glare on glasses, or shadows across the face
- Photo older than 6 months or not matching current appearance
- Low resolution, blur, or excessive retouching
For photographers and studios: meet every requirement automatically
PhotoID Studio checks each of these requirements before you export. AI measures head height and eye line, corrects tilt, replaces the background with the exact required colour, and locks the correct dimensions from 130+ country templates. Every export is validated against ICAO 9303, and it all runs offline. See how it works on the passport photo software page.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the basic passport photo requirements?
A colour photo with a plain light background, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, head straight, taken within the last 6 months at the country-specific size and at least 300 DPI for print.
- What is the head height requirement in a passport photo?
It varies by country: roughly 50–69% of the photo in the US and 70–80% in the Schengen area. The head must fall within the marked guidelines for that standard.
- Can I wear glasses for a passport photo?
Prescription glasses may be accepted only without glare and with the eyes fully visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed, and most authorities recommend removing glasses entirely.
- Are head coverings allowed?
Religious head coverings are allowed as long as the entire face is visible and unshadowed.
- How old can a passport photo be?
It must reflect your current appearance and generally be taken within the last 6 months.
Meet every passport photo requirement, first time
PhotoID Studio validates head size, eye line, background and dimensions before export. Try it free for 1 month: no credit card required.