Photograph requirements

Poor quality photographs are the main reason we have to reject passport applications. Bring these photo guidelines with you to your photographer to ensure that your photo complies fully with the requirements.

Passport photo checklist

Include 4 identical photos, no more than 6 months old with the passport application
Make sure they meet our requirements (see below)
Get the witness for your application to write the form number (found on Section 9 of the application) on the back of two of your four photos. They must also sign and stamp the back of those two photos.

Remember...

If you don’t make sure the witness signs, writes the form number and stamps on the back of two photos, you’ll have to submit a new application form and photos.

Passport photo do's and don't's

Pose

Do centre your head in the photo
Do look directly at the camera
No hair across your face or eyes as eyes must be clearly visible
The background must be plain and light coloured
Do make sure your facial features are clearly visible, from the bottom of your chin to the crown of your head
Don’t tilt your head up/down or left/right

Expression

Do keep your facial expressions neutral (no raised eyebrows, frowns)
Do keep both eyes open and your mouth closed
Don’t smile

Glasses, head covers and clothing

Do wear your glasses (if you normally wear them) but make sure there’s no reflection on the lenses and the frames don’t obscure your eyes
Don’t wear sunglasses or glasses with tinted lenses, unless they’re prescription
Don’t wear a head covering unless it’s for religious reasons
Don’t wear a hair band.
Don’t wear a uniform, civil or military (e.g. showing epaulettes, insignia)

Passport photo requirements

Size

The photos should show a close up of your face and the top of your shoulders so that your face takes up between 70% and 80% of the frame

Minimum: 35mm x 45mm
Maximum: 38mm x 50mm

Lighting and focus

Photos must be in sharp focus and correctly exposed
Shadows from the head must not appear in the background
Good colour balance and natural skin tones are essential
‘Red eye’ in photographs is not acceptable
A clear contrast is needed between facial features and background

Photo quality

Photos must be printed on photo-quality paper at a high resolution
There should be no ink marks or creases
Digital enhancements or changes are not acceptable
The reverse of the photos must be white and unglazed
Black and white photos are recommended as they’re digitally printed onto the passport in black and white. But we also accept colour photos.