Passport photo requirements are set by each issuing authority and enforced by the receiving officer. Sizes, background colors, and head proportions differ between countries, and using the wrong one gets the application returned. This reference covers the countries where the differences matter most.
Photo size is 2 by 2 inches (51 by 51 millimeters). The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. This is 50 to 69 percent of the total photo height.
Background must be plain white or off-white. No shadows on the background or on the face. Nothing behind the subject should be visible.
Photo must be in color. Black and white is not accepted. Photo must be taken within the last six months.
The US State Department publishes a photo quality checklist that includes a printable template for verifying head size. If you are unsure about the proportions, use the template.
Photo size is 35 by 45 millimeters. The head must be between 29 and 34 millimeters from chin to crown. This is a tighter proportion than the US.
Background must be plain light grey or cream. Pure white is accepted but the official guidance prefers a light grey because it separates better from light hair.
The photo must be taken within the last month for a first passport application, and within the last three months for a renewal.
Photo size is 35 by 45 millimeters, matching the UK. The head must fill 70 to 80 percent of the frame.
Background must be light, and most consulates prefer a light grey over pure white. Some countries within the Schengen area require a specific shade.
The photo must be recent, no older than six months. Glasses are not allowed in most Schengen countries as of 2024.
Photo size is 2 by 2 inches (51 by 51 millimeters), matching the US format. This is used for both passport and visa applications.
Background must be white or very light. The Passport Seva portal accepts white backgrounds with no visible pattern.
The photo must be recent and front-facing with no shadows. Glasses are allowed in most cases as long as there is no glare.
Photo size is 33 by 48 millimeters with a very specific head proportion. The head must be 28 to 33 millimeters from chin to crown.
Background must be white for the standard passport and blue for some visa types. Check the specific application.
The photo must be taken within the last six months and cannot be a digital manipulation of an existing photo.
Start with any clear, front-facing, well-lit photo. The background in the source does not matter because it is being replaced.
Process the photo in Remova with White output for most countries, or Light Grey for the UK and some EU countries. The tool replaces the background.
Crop the result to the exact dimensions for your country. Use the resize tool in the editor to set the pixel dimensions precisely.
Verify the head proportion. The editor does not check this automatically, so measure and adjust the crop manually if needed.
Print at 300 DPI on matte paper unless the specific requirement says gloss.
Yes if the lighting is even and the resolution is high enough. Phone cameras distort facial features at close range, so the photo should be taken by another person at a distance of at least one meter.
Depends on the country. The US allows digital submission for renewals. Most countries require a physical print for first applications and interviews.
The background replacement handles this. Take the photo wherever, and the tool removes whatever is behind you. Just make sure there is contrast between you and the background in the original.
Not in the US, UK, or most of the EU as of 2024. India still allows them. Check your specific country's current requirements because this rule has been changing.