Passport Photo Size by Country
US 2×2 in, Europe 35×45 mm: every dimension in one chart
Author: Murat Duru
Founder of PhotoID Studio: biometric photo software
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2×2 in
United States
35×45 mm
Schengen / EU & UK
50×60 mm
Turkey
There is no single passport photo size. The United States uses 2×2 in (51×51 mm), most of Europe uses 35×45 mm, and countries like Turkey (50×60 mm) and China (33×48 mm) use their own. Using the wrong size is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected. This chart lists the size, head height and background for every major country.
Passport photo size chart
Dimensions, head height and background colour for the most-requested countries. Tap a country for the full specification.
| Country | Photo size | Head height | 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 |
| Germany | 35 × 45 mm | ~70% | Light grey / white |
| 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 |
| Canada | 50×70 mm · 35×45 mm (visa) | 44–51% | White |
Verified dimensions for 130+ countries are on the country templates page.
Why passport photo size varies between countries
Although most countries follow the same ICAO 9303 biometric standard, each sets its own print size and head-height range. The US standardised on a square 2×2 inch photo, while the ICAO-recommended 35×45 mm became the norm across Europe. The biometric proportions (eye line, head ratio) are similar, but the paper dimensions are not: which is why a photo cut for one country usually cannot be reused for another.
Head height matters as much as the size
The overall photo size is only half the requirement: the head height within that frame is checked just as strictly. In the US the head should fill about 50–69% of the photo; in the Schengen area it is higher, 70–80%. A correctly sized photo with the head too small or too large is still rejected, so both values must match the country requirements.
For photographers and studios: lock the right size in one click
PhotoID Studio loads the correct dimensions and head ratio for 130+ countries automatically: pick a template and the photo is cropped to the exact size, no manual measuring. It then builds a print layout on 10×15, A4 or custom paper with cut lines at 300 DPI. See the full workflow on the passport photo software page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the standard passport photo size?
There is no global standard. The US uses 2×2 in (51×51 mm), most of Europe uses 35×45 mm, and Turkey uses 50×60 mm.
- What is the US passport photo size?
The US passport and visa photo size is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), square, with a white background. See the US specification.
- What is the Schengen visa photo size?
Schengen visa photos are 35×45 mm with a white or light grey background. See the Schengen specification.
- Can I use the same photo size for every country?
No. Print dimensions and head-height ranges differ by country, so a photo sized for one country usually has to be re-cropped for another.
Crop to the exact country size in one click
PhotoID Studio loads the correct size and head ratio for 130+ countries automatically. Try it free for 1 month: no credit card required.