Passport Photo Requirements by Country
Every country has specific rules for passport photos — dimensions, background colour, face size, glasses policy, and more. Select your country below for complete, up-to-date requirements and a direct link to create your compliant photo for free.
United States
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Plain white backgroundUnited Kingdom
35 × 45 mm
Cream or light greyIndia
51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches)
Plain white backgroundCanada
50 × 70 mm
White or light greyAustralia
35 × 45 mm
Plain white backgroundEU / Schengen
35 × 45 mm
White or light greyChina
33 × 48 mm (passport) / 35 × 45 mm (visa)
Plain white backgroundJapan
35 × 45 mm
White or light greyUAE / Emirates ID
35 × 45 mm
Plain white backgroundBrazil
50 × 70 mm (5 × 7 cm)
Plain white backgroundGermany
35 × 45 mm
Light grey backgroundFrance
35 × 45 mm
Light grey (white forbidden)South Korea
35 × 45 mm
Plain white backgroundPhilippines
35 × 45 mm
Plain white backgroundNigeria
35 × 45 mm
Plain white backgroundMexico
35 × 45 mm
Plain white backgroundPakistan
35 × 45 mm
Plain white backgroundBangladesh
40 × 50 mm (MRP prints)
Plain white backgroundQuick Reference: Photo Sizes at a Glance
| Country | Size (mm) | Background | Glasses | Recency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 51 × 51 | White | No | 6 months |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 | Cream/grey | No | 1 month |
| India | 51 × 51 | White | No | 6 months |
| Canada | 50 × 70 | White/grey | No | 6 months |
| Australia | 35 × 45 | White | No | 6 months |
| EU / Schengen | 35 × 45 | White/grey | No | 6 months |
| China (passport) | 33 × 48 | White | No | 6 months |
| Japan | 35 × 45 | White/grey | No | 6 months |
| UAE | 35 × 45 | White | No | 6 months |
| Brazil | 50 × 70 | White | No | 6 months |
| Germany | 35 × 45 | Light grey | If no glare | Recent |
| France | 35 × 45 | Light grey | If no glare | 6 months |
| South Korea | 35 × 45 | White | If no glare | 6 months |
| Philippines | 35 × 45 | White | No | 6 months |
| Nigeria | 35 × 45 | White | No | 6 months |
| Mexico | 35 × 45 | White | No | 30 days |
| Pakistan | 35 × 45 | White | If no glare | 6 months |
| Bangladesh | 40 × 50 | White | No | 3 months |
Why Do Passport Photo Requirements Differ by Country?
Most countries base their passport photo specifications on the ICAO Doc 9303 biometric standard, which defines requirements for machine-readable travel documents. However, individual countries adapt these guidelines based on their border control systems, document formats, and printing processes. That's why the UK uses a rectangular 35×45 mm format while the US uses a 2×2 inch square, and why the UK mandates a cream/grey background while Australia insists on pure white.
The move away from glasses in passport photos happened globally between 2015–2020, as facial recognition systems struggled with the reflections and obstructions that glasses introduce. Today, almost every country prohibits glasses in biometric passport photos.
Helpful Guides
How to Take a Passport Photo at Home
Equipment, lighting, background, framing, and common mistakes to avoid.
Passport Photo Printing Guide
Paper types, printer settings, pharmacy options, and how to print at the right scale.
How to Take a Baby Passport Photo at Home
Age-specific rules, the lying-flat and car-seat techniques, and what officials accept.
10 Passport Photo Rejection Reasons
The most common reasons photos fail and the concrete fix for each one.
Glasses, Head Coverings and Attire
What you can wear in a passport photo, country by country.
Digital Passport Photo Requirements
Pixel dimensions, file sizes, and upload rules for online applications.
Create your passport photo for free
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