May 29, 2026 · How-To
Passport Photo Compliance Checklist: 15 Points to Check Before Submitting
A rejected passport photo costs time and, in some cases, forces you to reschedule an appointment. Most rejections are caused by a small number of predictable issues: wrong size, glasses, shadows, head position, or a photo that is more than six months old. This 15-point checklist covers every requirement in the ICAO biometric standard and helps you verify compliance before you submit.
Non-ICAO countries — use country-specific size
This checklist uses ICAO 35×45mm as the baseline. If you are applying in a country that uses a different format, substitute that country's required size: US 51×51mm, Canada 50×70mm, UK 45×35mm, Greece 40×60mm, UAE 40×60mm. All other checklist points apply regardless of country.
The 15-Point Compliance Checklist
- 1
Size: 35×45mm (or country-specific)
The standard ICAO size is 35mm wide × 45mm tall. Check whether your destination country uses a non-ICAO format before printing or uploading.
- 2
Resolution: 600 DPI minimum for print, 300 DPI for digital portals
For printing, the file must contain at least 600 DPI at the output size (827×1063 pixels for 35×45mm). For digital submission, most portals require at least 300 DPI equivalent — typically 600×800 pixels minimum. Always verify the portal's stated minimum.
- 3
File format: JPEG, sRGB colour space
Save as JPEG in the sRGB colour space. PNG and TIFF are not accepted by most portals. HEIC must be converted before upload. CMYK JPEG files will produce incorrect colours after portal processing.
- 4
Background: plain white or light grey, no patterns
The background must be a single, uniform colour — white or light grey for most countries, white only for Singapore, USA, Japan, and South Korea. No patterns, textures, gradients, furniture, or objects should be visible.
- 5
No shadows on face or background
Both the face and the background must be shadow-free. Stand at least 50 cm from any wall or backdrop. Use diffused lighting from two sides to eliminate directional shadows. Any visible shadow on the background is grounds for rejection.
- 6
Face centred and straight — no tilt
The face must be centred horizontally and vertically in the frame. The head must be upright — no rotation, no tilt to either side, and no looking up or down. Even a slight tilt can cause automatic rejection in biometric systems.
- 7
Head covers full frame vertically (chin to crown)
The top of the head (including natural hair) should be visible near the top of the frame, and the chin should appear near the bottom. Do not crop so tightly that hair or the chin is cut off.
- 8
Face occupies 70–80% of frame height
For a 45mm-tall ICAO photo, the head height from chin to crown should be 32–36mm. Photos where the face is too small or too large in the frame are rejected by automated and manual checks alike.
- 9
Neutral expression, mouth closed
The ICAO standard requires a neutral expression — no smile, no frown, no raised eyebrows. The mouth must be closed. The face must be relaxed. A slight natural expression is acceptable, but teeth must not be visible.
- 10
Eyes open, clearly visible, looking at the camera
Both eyes must be fully open, looking directly at the lens. Half-closed eyes, looking sideways, or closed eyes are all grounds for rejection. Red-eye must be corrected without altering other facial features.
- 11
No glasses (ICAO 2015 rule)
Glasses of any type — prescription, reading, tinted, or sunglasses — are not permitted in biometric passport photos under the ICAO 2015 standard. This rule applies in the UK, US, EU, Australia, Canada, and most other countries. Transparent contact lenses are permitted; coloured contacts are not.
- 12
Head covering: only for documented religious reasons
Fashion hats, baseball caps, and non-religious headwear are never permitted. Religious head coverings — hijab, turban, kippah, niqab — are permitted only if worn for religious or medical reasons and do not obscure the face. The full face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible.
- 13
No filters or digital alterations
Smoothing, beauty filters, colour alteration, blemish removal, and skin tone adjustments are prohibited. The face must appear as it does in natural, even lighting. Background removal using an AI tool is permitted, but the subject's face and hair must remain unaltered.
- 14
Taken within the last 6 months
The photo must reflect your current appearance and be taken within 6 months of the application date. A photo from a previous passport or visa — even if you look the same — may be rejected if it cannot be verified as recent.
- 15
Printed on photo paper at 300 DPI minimum (if physical copy required)
If a physical photo is required, it must be printed on glossy or semi-glossy photo paper. Inkjet printing on plain paper is not accepted. Print at a minimum of 300 DPI — 600 DPI is preferred. The print must be clear, without visible ink patterns, banding, or colour casts.
How to Use This Checklist
Work through each point before you submit a photo — either at a counter, via a portal, or to a professional print lab. The checklist is designed to be used in order: size and resolution issues (points 1–3) must be correct before you verify the remaining visual requirements.
For digital submissions, open the photo at 100% zoom and check points 4–13 visually. For printed submissions, hold the print against a ruler to verify the exact dimensions and check the printed quality under good light before attending your appointment.
If you used a smartphone or home camera, pay particular attention to points 5 (shadows), 8 (face size), and 9 (expression) — these are the three most frequent rejection causes for self-taken photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What resolution does a passport photo need to be?
For print: minimum 600 DPI at the physical output size (35×45mm for ICAO) — approximately 827×1063 pixels. For digital submission portals: check the portal requirement, commonly 600×800 pixels minimum.
Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?
No. The ICAO 2015 standard prohibits glasses in biometric passport photos. This applies to the UK, US, EU, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, and most other countries. Transparent prescription contact lenses are permitted; coloured contact lenses are not.
What percentage of the photo should the face occupy?
The face (chin to crown of head) should occupy 70–80% of the frame height in a standard ICAO photo. For a 45mm-tall photo, the head height should be 32–36mm from chin to crown.
How recent does a passport photo need to be?
Most countries require a photo taken within the last 6 months. Some authorities (UK online renewal) require a photo taken within the last month. Always check the current requirement for your specific application.
Are shadows allowed in a passport photo?
No. Shadows on the face or background are a common rejection reason. Lighting must be even and shadow-free. Stand at least 50 cm from any wall or backdrop.
What is the correct file format for a passport photo?
JPEG in the sRGB colour space. PNG and TIFF are typically not accepted. HEIC (iPhone default) must be converted to JPEG before upload. File size between 200 KB and 10 MB depending on the portal.
Get a Compliant Biometric Passport Photo
All 15 checklist points handled automatically. ICAO-standard, white background, sRGB JPEG. Free preview. No subscription.
Get Your Compliant Passport Photo — From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99