Passport Photo Requirements by Country: The Complete Guide for 2026

Why Passport Photo Requirements Matter

Passport applications are rejected for photo reasons more than any other single cause. A photo that is 1 mm outside the face-height requirement, shot against the wrong shade of white, or showing a shadow on the background can result in delays of weeks, reprinting costs, or missed travel dates.

Universal Rules (Apply Everywhere)

• Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months (some countries say 3 months)
• Facing forward — full face, looking directly at the camera
• Neutral expression — mouth closed, natural expression (not smiling in most countries)
• Eyes open and visible — no glasses in most countries
• No head coverings — except for religious reasons
• White or off-white background — most countries; some specify light grey or light blue
• No shadows — on the face or background
• No digital alterations to appearance

Country-by-Country Requirements

🇺🇸 United States

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
Face size	1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head
Background	White or off-white
Glasses	Not permitted (since 2016)
Recency	Within 6 months

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	45×35 mm
Face size	29–34 mm (chin to crown)
Background	Cream or light grey
Glasses	Not permitted
Recency	Within 1 month

🇪🇺 Schengen Area / EU

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	35×45 mm
Face size	32–36 mm (chin to top of head)
Background	Light grey or white
Glasses	Not permitted (EU standard since 2021)

🇨🇦 Canada

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	50×70 mm
Face size	31–36 mm (chin to crown)
Background	White
Glasses	Not permitted

🇦🇺 Australia

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	45×35 mm
Face size	32–36 mm (chin to crown)
Background	White or light cream
Expression	Neutral or natural smile (unique among major countries)

🇮🇳 India

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	51×51 mm (2×2 inches)
Face coverage	Must cover 70–80% of the frame
Background	White
Recency	Within 3 months

🇧🇷 Brazil

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	3×4 cm (30×40 mm) — note: different from ICAO standard
Background	White

🇳🇬 Nigeria

Requirement	Specification
Photo size	2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
Background	White (pure)

How to Take a Compliant Passport Photo at Home

1. Natural light. Stand near a window on a cloudy day. Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows.
2. Plain background. Tape a white A3 sheet of paper to a wall. Make sure it is smooth and well-lit.
3. Camera at eye level. Do not shoot from below or above.
4. Remove glasses. Most countries do not allow them.
5. Neutral expression. Relax your face. Closed mouth, looking directly at the lens.
6. Upload to ID Photo Maker. It detects your face, crops to the correct size, adjusts the background, and checks compliance automatically.

Using Brush ID Photo Maker

ID Photo Maker includes preset support for 100+ countries with their specific photo dimensions, face height requirements, background colour, and output DPI for printing. Upload any photo, select your country, and the tool produces a compliant print-ready output in seconds.