May 29, 2026 · Bangladesh
Bangladeshi Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – DIP MRP & ePassport Rules
The Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) in Bangladesh issues the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and the newer ePassport with biometric chip. This guide covers the official photo specifications, the difference between MRP and ePassport, child passport requirements, and the Bangladesh National Identity Card (NID) photo rules.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully open, taken within 6 months. Bangladesh MRP since 2010; ePassport rollout since 2020.
MRP and ePassport: Same Photo Requirements
Bangladesh's ePassport rollout is ongoing — both MRP and ePassport have the same ICAO photo requirements: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses. The ePassport adds a biometric chip but does not change the printed photo specification.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Bangladeshi passport applications — both MRP and ePassport — issued by the Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP).
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard).
- Background: Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. DIP follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric passport photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted for religious or medical reasons provided the full face from forehead to chin is completely visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
MRP vs ePassport: What Changed?
Bangladesh introduced its Machine Readable Passport (MRP) in 2010 to replace the manual passport system. The MRP uses a machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the data page but does not contain a biometric chip.
The ePassport rollout began in 2020. The ePassport adds a contactless RFID chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303. The chip enables the passport to be verified at automated e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers.
The printed photo specification is the same for both documents: 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within 6 months.
Child Passport (Under 18 Years)
Bangladeshi children under 18 require their own passport. The photo specifications are the same as for adults:
- 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, both eyes open, no glasses.
- The child's full face must be clearly visible and centred.
- No parent, guardian, or caregiver may appear in the frame.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child at the DIP office and provide the required consent and identity documentation. Confirm current requirements with your local DIP office or Bangladeshi embassy.
Bangladesh NID (National Identity Card) Photo Requirements
The Bangladesh National Identity Card (NID) is issued by the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) to citizens aged 18 and above. The NID uses the same ICAO photo specifications as the passport: 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses.
NID biometric enrolment — including the facial photograph and fingerprints — is typically captured on-site at BEC enrolment centres. You cannot substitute a printed 35×45mm photo for NID enrolment. The passport photo requirements in this guide apply specifically to the passport issued by the Department of Immigration and Passports.
Bangladeshi Passport and NID Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Chip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRP (Machine Readable Passport) | 35×45mm | White | No | No | Issued since 2010 |
| ePassport (biometric chip) | 35×45mm | White | No | Yes | Rollout since 2020 |
| Child Passport (under 18) | 35×45mm | White | No | Yes/MRP | Parental consent required |
| NID (National Identity Card) | 35×45mm (ICAO) | White | No | N/A | Capture at BEC enrolment centre |
Always verify current requirements with the Department of Immigration and Passports (dip.gov.bd) or your nearest Bangladeshi Embassy or High Commission.
Common Rejection Reasons for Bangladeshi Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not exempt from the ICAO requirement.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background. Avoid off-white, cream, light grey, or coloured backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall. Use even front lighting to eliminate all shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application or renewal date.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Maintain a relaxed neutral expression with both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
Digital filters or beauty retouching applied
Submit the photo without any digital filters, skin smoothing, or appearance alterations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Bangladeshi passport photo?
Bangladeshi passport photos must be 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard). The face must be centred, fully visible from chin to crown, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
Can I wear glasses in a Bangladeshi passport photo?
No. The Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) requires photos without glasses, following the ICAO biometric standard. Remove all eyewear — including prescription glasses — before the photo is taken.
What is the difference between the Bangladeshi MRP and ePassport?
Bangladesh introduced its Machine Readable Passport (MRP) in 2010. The ePassport rollout began in 2020 and adds a biometric chip storing facial data and fingerprints. Both documents use the same ICAO photo specifications: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses.
What are the Bangladesh NID photo requirements?
The Bangladesh NID uses the same ICAO photo specs as the passport: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses. However, NID biometric enrolment — including the facial photo — is captured on-site at Bangladesh Election Commission enrolment centres.
What are the Bangladeshi child passport photo requirements?
Children under 18 need the same ICAO photo specs: 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses. No parent or guardian may be visible in the frame. A parent or guardian must provide consent documentation.
Can Bangladeshi citizens abroad apply for a passport?
Yes. Bangladeshi citizens abroad can apply for or renew their passport at the nearest Bangladeshi Embassy or High Commission. Photo requirements are the same. Confirm whether biometric data is captured on-site or a printed photo is required.
Always verify current requirements with the Department of Immigration and Passports (dip.gov.bd) or your nearest Bangladeshi Embassy or High Commission. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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