Passport photo requirements vary by country, and a photo that is correct for one country will often be rejected by another. Differences span size, head positioning, background color, expression, and even whether glasses are allowed. This guide summarises the major requirements and explains how to use FormFix’s Passport Size Photo tool to produce a compliant image.
Common dimensions
Most countries specify photo size in millimeters, with head height (from chin to crown) as the critical measurement. The table below covers the most common destinations.
| Country / Region | Photo Size | Head Height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) | 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm) | White | Not allowed |
| United Kingdom | 35×45 mm | 29–34 mm | Light grey / cream | Not allowed |
| India | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) | — | White | Not allowed |
| European Union (Schengen) | 35×45 mm | 32–36 mm | Light grey / white | Not allowed |
| Canada | 50×70 mm | 31–36 mm (chin to crown) | White / light grey | Not allowed |
| Australia | 35×45 mm | 32–36 mm | White / light grey | Not allowed (medical exemption) |
| Singapore | 35×45 mm | 25–35 mm | White | Not allowed |
| UAE | 43×55 mm | — | White | Not allowed |
| China | 33×48 mm | 28–33 mm | White | Not allowed |
| Japan | 35×45 mm | 32–36 mm | White / light grey | Allowed (no reflection) |
Requirements change — always confirm with the issuing authority before submitting.
General rules that apply almost everywhere
Regardless of country, the following conventions are universal:
- Recent photo — usually taken within the last 6 months.
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile, eyes open and visible.
- Facing forward — head centered, looking straight at the camera.
- Even lighting — no shadows on the face or background.
- No head covering — except for religious or medical reasons, with face fully visible from chin to forehead.
- No glasses — most countries now ban glasses entirely, including prescription ones, to avoid reflections and obstructions.
- Plain clothing — avoid uniforms and clothing that matches the background.
How to take the photo
- Lighting: Stand facing a window with diffuse daylight, or use two soft lights at 45° to either side. Avoid direct sun and on-camera flash.
- Background: Use a plain white or off-white wall. Stand at least 30 cm away from it to minimise shadow.
- Distance: Have the camera about 1.5 m away, lens at eye level. Use portrait orientation.
- Framing: Include head, shoulders, and a small amount of space above the head. The head should occupy roughly 70–80% of the frame vertically.
- Capture: Use the highest resolution your camera offers. Phone cameras are fine; avoid wide-angle lenses that distort facial proportions.
Cropping to specification
Once you have a good source photo, use the Passport Size Photo tool to crop and size it. The tool lets you select a country preset (US, UK, India, EU, and more) and produces an image at the exact dimensions required. Cropping happens client-side via OffscreenCanvas, with high-quality resampling, so the result is sharp and accurate.
Common rejection reasons
- Wrong size (off by even 1 mm is enough for some authorities).
- Head too small or too large relative to the frame.
- Shadow visible on the background behind the head.
- Smile or asymmetric expression.
- Hair covering eyebrows or eyes.
- Glasses with reflections or thick frames.
- Photo older than 6 months.
For official / strict applications
Some applications — US visas, certain embassies — require even stricter adherence. The Official Passport Photo Maker tool enforces 35×45 mm with strict head-height ratios and produces a print-ready image. After producing the photo, you can also use the Passport Photo Compressor to bring it under the 20–30 KB upload limit many portals enforce.
Final checks before submitting
- Confirm the photo size matches the country’s requirement exactly.
- Verify head height falls within the specified range.
- Check that the background is uniform and free of shadows.
- Ensure no glasses, no smile, eyes open.
- Confirm the file is in the required format (usually JPEG) and under the size limit.