UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official requirements from His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO). Last reviewed March 2026.

Photo Dimensions

UK passport photos must measure exactly 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall. This rectangular format is shared with most European and Commonwealth countries and follows the ICAO biometric photo standard. The photo must be taken with you facing the camera directly and must be clear, in focus, and in colour.

The photo must be printed on plain white photographic paper with a smooth finish. Matt or textured paper finishes are not acceptable. The print must be undamaged — no creases, marks, holes, or pen marks on the back.

Face and Head Size Requirements

Within the 35×45 mm frame, your face — measured from the bottom of your chin to the crown of your head (not including hair) — must measure between 29 mm and 34 mm. This represents approximately 70–80% of the total photo height, which is stricter than the US requirement.

Your face must be centred in the frame with an equal amount of space above the head and below the chin. The HMPO automated checking system measures face proportion precisely, so photos with faces slightly too small or too large will be automatically rejected.

Background Requirements

The UK has a specific and often misunderstood background requirement: the background must be plain cream or light grey. Unlike the US, a pure white background is not standard and may be flagged by HMPO's automated photo-checking system. The background must be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible.

For people with very light skin or very light hair, ensuring sufficient contrast against the cream/grey background is important. Shooting against a slightly off-white or very pale grey wall or card typically produces the best results.

Expression and Pose

You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and visible. Looking directly at the camera is mandatory. The HMPO guidance explicitly states no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Babies and toddlers are exempt from the neutral expression requirement and are allowed to have their mouth slightly open.

Your head must be held straight — not tilted, turned, or leaning. Both ears should be equally visible when possible. Your hair should not obscure your face or eyes.

Glasses Policy

Since 2018, glasses of any kind are not permitted in UK passport photos. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. The only exception is when wearing glasses is a medical necessity — in which case a signed statement from a doctor must accompany the passport application. This change was made to align with ICAO biometric standards used at border control.

Head Coverings

Head coverings are only permitted if worn for religious or medical reasons. The full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. The covering must not cast shadows on the face. Fashion head coverings, hats, and head bands are not allowed.

Photo Recency and Quality

The photo must have been taken within the last month for a new application. For renewals, the HMPO checks that the photo represents your current appearance. The photo must be in colour (black and white photos are not accepted), properly exposed (not too light or dark), and free of red-eye.

Digital Photo Requirements

For online passport applications, digital photos must meet these requirements:

• Format: JPEG
• Minimum dimensions: 600 × 750 pixels (maintaining 35:45 ratio)
• Maximum file size: 6 MB
• Aspect ratio: 35:45 (approximately 7:9)
• Color: sRGB, not CMYK

Complete Specifications Table

Common Rejection Reasons

• Background too white (should be cream or light grey)
• Shadows visible on the background behind the subject
• Face proportion outside the 29–34 mm requirement
• Wearing glasses
• Smiling or non-neutral expression
• Photo taken more than 1 month ago
• Red-eye visible
• Hair covering the face or eyes
• Photo is blurry, over-exposed, or under-exposed

Tips for Taking a UK Passport Photo at Home

The key to a successful UK passport photo at home is the background. Avoid stark white walls — use a very slightly off-white wall, or tape a sheet of light grey card behind you. Stand at least 1 metre away from the background so shadows don't fall on it.

Shoot in diffused daylight near a window, but avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows. Have someone take the photo at eye level rather than using a selfie. After shooting, use PassportLayout.online to position your face correctly at 29–34 mm height within the 35×45 mm frame.

Frequently Asked Questions