Passport Photo Size Requirements by Country (2026)
Guide · Image Tools
Every country sets its own passport photo rules — size, background color, and how much of the frame your head should fill. Getting it wrong is one of the most common reasons a passport or visa application gets bounced back.
Size requirements by country
| Country | Photo size | Head height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) | 1 – 1⅜ in (25–35 mm) | White or off-white |
| United Kingdom | 35 x 45 mm | 29–34 mm (chin to crown) | Light grey or cream |
| Schengen / EU | 35 x 45 mm | 32–36 mm | Light, plain background |
| Canada | 50 x 70 mm | 31–36 mm | White |
| Australia | 35 x 45 mm | 32–36 mm | White or light grey |
| India | 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 in) | 25–35 mm | White |
Requirements change periodically — always confirm the current rule on your country's official passport agency website before submitting an application.
Rules that apply almost everywhere
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- No glasses with glare, and in most countries no glasses at all now
- No shadows on the face or background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Full face, front view, head not tilted
How to get a compliant photo without a studio visit
- Take a plain, well-lit photo against a light wall — natural daylight from a window works well and avoids harsh shadows.
- Use the Passport & ID Photo Maker to crop to your country's exact dimensions, with alignment guides for head position and size.
- Export at print resolution and lay multiple copies onto a standard 4x6 print sheet if you want physical copies from a pharmacy or print shop, or download the single photo for an online application.