May 29, 2026 · South Africa
South African Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Department of Home Affairs Rules
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issues the South African passport and Smart ID card using ICAO biometric standards. This guide covers the official photo specifications for the ePassport, the important difference between the passport photo and the Smart ID card on-site capture, Temporary Travel Document requirements, and South African visa photo rules.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white or off-white background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully visible, taken within 6 months. South African biometric ePassport issued since 2010. Smart ID card replaced the green ID book from 2013 — photo captured on-site at DHA.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all South African passport applications and renewals submitted at DHA offices within South Africa and at South African embassies and consulates abroad.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard).
- Background: Plain white or off-white (light cream). 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. DHA 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, provided the full face from chin to crown is fully visible with no shadows on the face.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
South African ePassport: Biometric Chip Since 2010
South Africa introduced its biometric ePassport in 2010. The document contains a contactless chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303. The chip enables automated verification at e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers.
The photo must be printed on glossy or semi-matte photographic paper at a resolution of at least 600 DPI. DHA offices may also capture the biometric photo on-site at the appointment. Confirm the current process with your local DHA office before attending.
Smart ID Card vs Passport Photo: Different Processes
The Smart ID card — which replaced the old green ID book from 2013 — uses biometric data captured on-site at a DHA Home Affairs office using the department's own biometric equipment. You do not bring a printed photo for a Smart ID card application. For a passport application, you bring printed 35×45mm photos. Always confirm the current procedure with your local DHA office.
Temporary Travel Document (TTD)
A Temporary Travel Document (TTD) is issued by DHA for South African citizens who need to travel urgently and cannot wait for a standard passport to be issued or renewed. The TTD uses the same 35×45mm ICAO photo requirements as the standard passport — white or off-white background, no glasses, neutral expression.
Contact your nearest DHA office or South African embassy to enquire about TTD eligibility and the supporting documentation required.
South African Visa Application Photos
Foreign nationals applying for a South African visa — whether a visitor's visa, business visa, or study visa — must submit the same 35×45mm ICAO-standard photo. Applications are typically submitted through the South African Embassy in Berlin or VFS Global application centres in Germany.
- Same size and background requirements as the passport photo (35×45mm, white or off-white).
- No glasses, neutral expression, both eyes open.
- Taken within 6 months of the visa application date.
- Printed on glossy or semi-matte photographic paper.
South African Documents: Photo Requirement Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇿🇦 SA Passport (ePassport) | 35×45mm | White / off-white | No | Since 2010 |
| 🪪 Smart ID Card | On-site capture | DHA controlled | No | Since 2013 |
| 🛂 Temporary Travel Document (TTD) | 35×45mm | White / off-white | No | For urgent travel |
| 🌍 South African Visa photo | 35×45mm | White / off-white | No | VFS / Embassy |
Always verify current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs South Africa (dha.gov.za) or your nearest South African Embassy.
Common Rejection Reasons for South African Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription and reading glasses are not exempt from the ICAO requirement.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall. Use even front lighting to eliminate all shadows.
Background not plain white or off-white
Use a uniformly white or off-white (light cream) background. Avoid coloured, patterned, or textured backgrounds.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your DHA application or renewal 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 a South African passport photo?
South African 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 a South African passport photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white (light cream), uniformly lit with no shadows on the background or behind the head. Confirm the current requirement with your local Department of Home Affairs (DHA) office.
Are glasses allowed in South African passport photos?
No. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires passport photos without glasses, following the ICAO biometric standard. All types of eyewear — including prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses — must be removed before the photo.
What is the difference between a South African passport photo and a Smart ID card photo?
For the Smart ID card, your photograph is captured on-site at a DHA Home Affairs office using the department's own biometric equipment — you do not bring a printed photo. For a passport application, you bring printed 35×45mm photos. Always confirm the current process with your local DHA office.
How recent must a South African passport photo be?
South African passport photos must have been taken within 6 months of the application date and must accurately reflect your current appearance. Some DHA offices may apply a shorter window — confirm when booking your appointment.
Are there special passport photo rules for children in South Africa?
Children's passport photos follow the same DHA 35×45mm specifications as adult photos. For babies, eyes do not need to be fully open, but the face must be clearly visible and centred. No parent's hands or other people may appear in the frame. No toys or accessories. A plain white or off-white background is required.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — Department of Home Affairs South Africa (dha.gov.za) or your nearest South African Embassy or Consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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