May 29, 2026 · Country Guide
Russian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Загранпаспорт & Internal Passport
Russia issues two types of passport with different photo requirements. The international passport (Загранпаспорт) follows the ICAO 35×45mm biometric standard. The internal passport (Паспорт гражданина РФ) uses a related but conventionally described differently-formatted photo. This guide explains both, along with biometric rules, issuing authorities, and common rejection reasons.
Important: Russia has two passport types with different photo requirements
The internal Russian passport (Паспорт гражданина РФ) is used for domestic identification and domestic travel within Russia. Russian regulations conventionally describe its photo as 45×35mm (height first). The international passport (Загранпаспорт) is the travel document used internationally and follows the ICAO 35×45mm standard. Confirm exact current requirements for the internal passport with your local МВД or МФЦ at the time of application.
Загранпаспорт (International Passport) – Photo Requirements
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall — the ICAO biometric standard.
- Face coverage: The face (chin to crown) must occupy 70–80% of the total frame height, centred horizontally.
- Background: White or light grey, plain and uniformly lit. No patterns, shadows, or gradients.
- Expression: Neutral, relaxed. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open, looking directly into the lens.
- Glasses: Not permitted — Russia follows the ICAO biometric standard prohibiting all eyewear in international passport photos.
- Recency: Photo must have been taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour photograph only.
- Print quality: Glossy or semi-gloss photo paper, minimum 300 DPI. No digital retouching, filters, or skin smoothing.
Паспорт гражданина РФ (Internal Passport) – Photo Requirements
The internal passport (Паспорт гражданина РФ) is issued by the МВД (Ministry of Internal Affairs) through local passport offices (паспортные столы) and МФЦ (Multifunctional Centres for Government Services). It serves as the primary identity document for Russian citizens within Russia.
The internal passport photo requirements are similar to those for the Загранпаспорт, with a white or very light grey background, neutral expression, and no glasses. Russian regulations have conventionally described the internal passport photo dimensions as 45×35mm (height × width). In practice, the actual dimensions are the same portrait rectangle as the ICAO format. Always confirm the exact current specification with your local МВД, МФЦ, or Госуслуги portal at the time of application, as administrative requirements can be updated.
Biometric Загранпаспорт (since 2006)
Russia introduced biometric international passports (биометрический загранпаспорт) in 2006. The biometric Загранпаспорт contains an RFID chip that stores the holder's facial image and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303. The chip enables automated border control at Russian airports (Пограничный контроль) and at e-gate lanes internationally.
The biometric Загранпаспорт is issued by the ГУВМ МВД (Главное управление по вопросам миграции — Main Directorate for Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs). Applications can be submitted through ГУВМ МВД offices, МФЦ (Multifunctional Centres), or the Госуслуги (Gosuslugi) online portal. The standard validity is 10 years for adults.
For Russian citizens abroad, Загранпаспорт applications are handled at Russian embassies and consulates. Processing times and accepted submission formats vary by location — contact the consulate directly to confirm requirements.
Russian Passport Photo Formats Compared
| Document | Size | Face | Background | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Загранпаспорт (biometric international passport) | 35×45mm | Face 70–80% of frame | White or light grey | ГУВМ МВД |
| Паспорт гражданина РФ (internal passport) | 35×45mm (described as 45×35mm in some regulations) | Face 70–80% of frame | White or very light grey | МВД / МФЦ |
| Schengen visa (RU citizens abroad) | 35×45mm ICAO | 32–36mm | White or off-white | EU consulate |
Always verify current requirements with the official authority. Internal passport photo dimensions are subject to administrative updates.
Common Rejection Reasons
Glasses visible in the photo
Remove all glasses before taking the photo. Applies to both the Загранпаспорт and the internal passport.
Background not white or light grey
Use a plain white or very light grey background only. Coloured, patterned, or dark backgrounds are not accepted.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application date.
Face too small or too large
The face must occupy 70–80% of the frame height. Adjust framing and recrop if necessary.
Shadows on face or background
Use two light sources and stand at least 1 metre from the background to eliminate shadows.
Digital retouching or filters applied
Submit a natural photo. Skin smoothing, colour corrections, and beauty filters are not permitted.
Wrong photo dimensions for document type
Confirm the exact required dimensions with the issuing authority before submitting. The Загранпаспорт uses 35×45mm (ICAO); the internal passport has historically used dimensions described as 45×35mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Russian Загранпаспорт (international passport) photo?
The Russian international passport (Загранпаспорт) requires a 35×45mm photo — the ICAO biometric standard. The face (chin to crown) should occupy 70–80% of the frame height. A white or light grey background is accepted.
What size is a photo for the Russian internal passport (Паспорт гражданина РФ)?
The Russian internal passport (Паспорт гражданина РФ) photo is conventionally described in Russian regulations as 45×35mm (height × width). In practice, the dimensions are the same portrait rectangle. Confirm the exact current specification with your local МВД or МФЦ at the time of application.
Are glasses allowed in a Russian passport photo?
No. Russia follows the ICAO biometric standard for the Загранпаспорт, which prohibits glasses. The internal passport (Паспорт гражданина РФ) also prohibits glasses in passport photos under current МВД requirements.
Can the background be light grey for a Russian passport photo?
For the Russian Загранпаспорт, a white or light grey background is generally accepted, in line with broader ICAO practice. For the internal passport, МВД requirements specify a white or very light grey background. Confirm current requirements with your local МВД or МФЦ.
Who issues the Russian Загранпаспорт and who issues the internal passport?
The Russian international passport (Загранпаспорт) is issued by the ГУВМ МВД (Main Directorate for Migration Affairs). The internal passport (Паспорт гражданина РФ) is issued by the МВД through local passport offices (паспортные столы) and МФЦ (multifunctional centres).
When did Russia introduce biometric international passports?
Russia introduced biometric international passports (биометрический загранпаспорт) in 2006. The biometric Загранпаспорт contains an RFID chip storing the holder's facial image and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — ГУВМ МВД (мвд.рф) for the Загранпаспорт, or your local МВД / МФЦ for the internal passport. Requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only.
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