Passport Photo Requirements — What to Verify Before You Apply
Passport and visa photo rules vary by country, application type, and year. This guide is a practical checklist — not legal advice. Always read the official instructions from your issuing authority before you submit a photo. Our Passport Photo tool can crop to common templates on your device (no upload).
Size templates in NeedAnyTool Image Tools
The Passport Photo tool includes three crop presets (exported at 300 DPI). These match widely used print dimensions — they are starting points, not a guarantee of acceptance:
- US template: 2×2 inches (600×600 px at 300 DPI) — the US State Department cites 2×2 in (51×51 mm) photos; head-size rules are published on travel.state.gov
- EU / UK template: 35×45 mm (413×531 px at 300 DPI) — common for many European passports and visas
- India template: 3.5×4.5 cm (413×531 px at 300 DPI) — verify current digital-upload specs on the official portal you apply through
Background, expression, and attire (check your authority)
Most agencies ask for a plain light background, a neutral expression, and a full-face view. Shadow, filters, uniforms, or busy backgrounds are commonly rejected — but the exact list is defined by your government, not by this page.
- Background: often plain white or off-white; some countries allow light blue or grey
- Glasses: rules differ and change — confirm current policy (e.g. US passport guidance has restricted non-medical glasses)
- Head coverings: often permitted for religious reasons when the face is fully visible from bottom of chin to top of head
- Recency: many applications require a photo taken within the last six months
Taking a photo at home
Stand in even, front-facing light against a plain wall. Have someone photograph you at eye level, then upload to the Passport Photo tool to crop to a template. Review the output against your government checklist before printing or uploading.