Tips for a photo that gets accepted
- Stand in front of a plain white or very light wall with even light and no shadows.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral face and your mouth closed.
- Take off glasses. Head covering is allowed for religious reasons in most countries, but your face must be fully visible from the chin to the forehead.
- Ask someone else to take the photo from about 1.5 metres away, at eye level. Selfies distort the face.
- Use a recent photo, usually taken in the last 6 months.
Printing
The print sheet is 10 × 15 cm (4 × 6 in), the standard photo print size. Print it at 100% at any photo shop or on photo paper, then cut along the grey lines.
Sizes and rules change and differ by country and by office. Always check the current photo rules of the embassy or the website where you apply. For fees, see our passport renewal fees calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a passport photo?
Most countries use 35 × 45 mm. The United States uses 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Some Gulf offices ask for 4 × 6 cm or 4.3 × 5.5 cm. Check the rule for your application.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The photo is cropped and saved in your browser on your own device.
Can it change the background to white?
No. Take the photo in front of a plain white or light wall. You can make it a little brighter with the brightness slider.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.