May 29, 2026 · Israel
Israeli Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) Rules
The Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) issues the Israeli passport and biometric Teudat Zehut national ID card using ICAO biometric standards. This guide covers the official photo specifications for both documents, the Israel Biometric Database Law, and the photo requirements for Israeli visa applications including the B/1 and A/2 visa categories.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white or light background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully visible, taken within 6 months. Israel Biometric Database Law: facial image and fingerprints stored centrally since 2013. The same specifications apply to the biometric Teudat Zehut (national ID card).
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Israeli passport applications and renewals at Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) population registry offices within Israel and at the Israeli Embassy in Berlin and other Israeli diplomatic missions abroad.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard).
- Background: Plain white or very light (off-white). No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly lit.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. Misrad HaPnim 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 only for religious or medical reasons (e.g. kippah, hijab, tichel), provided the full face from chin to forehead is fully visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
Israeli Biometric Passport and Teudat Zehut (National ID Card)
Israel issues a biometric passport containing a contactless chip with facial image and fingerprint data stored in line with ICAO Doc 9303. The biometric Teudat Zehut (national identity card) uses the same 35×45mm ICAO photo specifications as the passport.
For biometric document applications, the facial image and fingerprints are enrolled in person at a Ministry of Interior population registry office (Misrad HaPnim). Applicants must attend in person for the biometric enrolment — the biometric data cannot be submitted remotely. Confirm the current appointment process with the relevant Misrad HaPnim office or the Israeli Embassy if applying from abroad.
Israel Biometric Database Law (Since 2013)
The Israel Biometric Database Law (enacted 2009, implemented from 2013) established a centralised national biometric database administered by the Ministry of Interior. Israeli citizens applying for a biometric passport or biometric Teudat Zehut have their facial image and fingerprints stored centrally. Enrolment has been mandatory for new biometric document applications since the law's full implementation. The biometric data is used for document verification and border control purposes.
Israeli Visa Application Photo Requirements
Foreign nationals applying for an Israeli visa — including the B/1 tourist and business visa and the A/2 aliyah (immigration) visa — must submit the same 35×45mm ICAO-standard photo. For applications submitted from Germany:
- Israeli Embassy in Berlin (the primary Israeli diplomatic mission in Germany).
- Same 35×45mm white or light background ICAO photo required for all visa types.
- Photo taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Printed on glossy or semi-matte photographic paper.
For aliyah (A/2) visa applications, the Jewish Agency for Israel may also be involved in the initial processing. Confirm the exact document requirements with the relevant office before attending your appointment.
Israeli Documents: Photo Requirement Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇱 Israeli Biometric Passport | 35×45mm | White / light | No | Misrad HaPnim, ICAO chip |
| 🪪 Teudat Zehut (Biometric ID) | 35×45mm | White / light | No | National ID, biometric DB |
| 🛂 B/1 Tourist / Business Visa | 35×45mm | White / light | No | Israeli Embassy / Consulate |
| ✈️ A/2 Aliyah Visa | 35×45mm | White / light | No | Jewish Agency / Embassy |
Always verify current requirements with the Ministry of Interior (gov.il) or your nearest Israeli Embassy.
Common Rejection Reasons for Israeli 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 or light
Use a uniformly white or very light background. Avoid coloured, patterned, or textured 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 date.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Maintain a relaxed neutral expression with both eyes fully open and looking directly 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 an Israeli passport photo?
Israeli passport photos must be 35×45mm (width × height), following the ICAO biometric standard. The face must be centred, fully visible from chin to crown, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
What background colour is required for an Israeli passport photo?
The background must be plain white or very light (off-white), uniformly lit with no shadows on the background or behind the head. The Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) follows the ICAO standard for background colour.
Are glasses allowed in Israeli passport photos?
No. The Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) requires passport photos without glasses, following the ICAO biometric standard. All eyewear — including prescription glasses — must be removed before the photo is taken.
What is the Israel Biometric Database Law?
The Israel Biometric Database Law (2009, implemented from 2013) established a centralised national biometric database. Israeli citizens applying for a biometric passport or biometric national ID (Teudat Zehut) have their facial image and fingerprints stored centrally by the Ministry of Interior.
Is the Teudat Zehut (Israeli national ID) photo the same as the passport photo?
The biometric Teudat Zehut uses the same 35×45mm ICAO photo specifications as the Israeli biometric passport — white or light background, neutral expression, no glasses. For biometric document applications, both facial image and fingerprints are enrolled at a Ministry of Interior population registry office.
What are the photo requirements for an Israeli visa?
Israeli visa applications (including B/1 tourist/business visas and A/2 aliyah visas) require the same 35×45mm ICAO photo: white or light background, neutral expression, no glasses, face fully visible. For applications submitted from Germany, contact the Israeli Embassy in Berlin.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — Ministry of Interior Israel (gov.il) or your nearest Israeli Embassy. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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