May 29, 2026 · Turkey
Turkish Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – UAVT Biometric Passport Rules
Turkey issues biometric passports through the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVIGM / Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü). The Turkish passport photo format — 50×60mm — is larger than the ICAO 35×45mm standard used across Europe and is the same size used for the Turkish National Identity Card. This guide covers all photo requirements, the four Turkish passport types, e-Devlet digital submission, and the different format required for Schengen visa applications.
Turkish passport photo is NOT the ICAO 35×45mm standard
Turkish passports and ID cards require a 50×60mm photo — larger than the ICAO standard of 35×45mm used by Germany, Switzerland, France, and most other countries. Do not use a 35×45mm European photo for Turkish passport or ID card applications. For Schengen visa applications at EU embassies, Turkish citizens must use a separate 35×45mm ICAO photo.
Quick summary
50×60mm (W×H), white background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully open and visible, taken within 6 months. Applies to all four Turkish passport types (burgundy, grey, green, black) and Turkish ID card (Kimlik kartı). Schengen visa: use 35×45mm instead.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Turkish passport applications at the Nüfus Müdürlüğü (civil registry office), police departments, and Turkish diplomatic missions abroad.
- Size: 50mm wide × 60mm tall. This format is used for both the Turkish passport (pasaport) and the Turkish National Identity Card (Kimlik kartı / Nüfus cüzdanı).
- Background: Plain white. No patterns, colours, shadows, or gradients.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. All eyewear must be removed before the photo is taken.
- 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 reasons (başörtüsü headscarf allowed) provided the full face from chin to forehead is clearly visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters, skin smoothing, or alterations to your natural appearance.
The Four Types of Turkish Passport
Turkey issues four different passport types, each with a distinct colour:
- Burgundy (bordo) — Ordinary Passport: Issued to all Turkish citizens for personal travel. The standard passport available to all eligible applicants.
- Grey (gri) — Special Passport: Issued to certain categories of public servants, retirees from certain government roles, and their dependants. Provides certain visa facilitation agreements.
- Green (yeşil) — Service Passport: Issued to specific public officials travelling on duty. Not for personal travel.
- Black (siyah) — Diplomatic Passport: Issued to diplomats, senior government officials, and their families.
Photo requirements are identical for all four types: 50×60mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses.
e-Devlet (e-Government) Digital Services
Turkey's e-Devlet portal (turkiye.gov.tr) offers a growing range of digital government services. For passport and ID card applications, biometric data including the photo is typically captured on-site at the Nüfus Müdürlüğü or at a designated police station. However, the e-Devlet portal may allow you to initiate or schedule your appointment online. Always confirm the current photo submission procedure with the relevant office before your appointment, as digital photo upload options may vary by location and document type.
Schengen Visa Photo: Use 35×45mm — Not 50×60mm
When Turkish citizens apply for a Schengen visa at a European embassy, consulate, or visa application centre (such as VFS Global or TLScontact), they must provide a standard ICAO 35×45mm photo — not the Turkish passport's 50×60mm format. Keep both sizes available: 50×60mm for Turkish documents and 35×45mm for EU visa applications.
Turkish Document Photo Requirements Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇷 Turkish Passport (bordo/burgundy) | 50×60mm | White | No | Ordinary citizen |
| 🇹🇷 Turkish Passport (gri/grey) | 50×60mm | White | No | Special passport |
| 🇹🇷 Turkish Passport (yeşil/green) | 50×60mm | White | No | Service passport |
| 🇹🇷 Turkish Passport (siyah/black) | 50×60mm | White | No | Diplomatic |
| 🪪 Turkish ID Card (Kimlik kartı) | 50×60mm | White | No | Same as passport |
| 🌍 Schengen Visa (EU embassies) | 35×45mm | White/off-white | No | Different format! |
Always verify current requirements with the Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (nvi.gov.tr) or the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons for Turkish Passport Photos
Wrong photo size (35×45mm instead of 50×60mm)
Use the 50×60mm format for Turkish passport and ID card applications. European 35×45mm photos are the wrong size for Turkish documents.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background. Cream, off-white, or light grey backgrounds are not acceptable for Turkish documents.
Glasses visible in the photo
Remove all glasses before the photo. All eyewear is prohibited in Turkish passport photos.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand well away from the background and use even front lighting to eliminate shadows from both the face and background.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application date. The photo must reflect your current appearance.
Using Turkish passport format for Schengen visa
EU embassies and visa centres require a 35×45mm ICAO photo, not the Turkish 50×60mm passport photo. Bring the correct size for visa applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Turkish passport photo?
Turkish passport photos must be 50mm wide × 60mm tall. This is larger than the ICAO standard of 35×45mm used by most European countries. The same 50×60mm size applies to the Turkish National Identity Card (Kimlik kartı). When applying for a Schengen visa, Turkish citizens must use the standard ICAO 35×45mm format required by EU embassies.
What are the four types of Turkish passport?
Turkey issues four types of passport: the burgundy (bordo) ordinary passport for regular citizens; the grey (gri) special passport for certain civil servants; the green (yeşil) service passport for specific public officials; and the black (siyah) diplomatic passport for diplomats. Photo requirements — 50×60mm, white background — are identical for all four types.
Can I submit a Turkish passport photo via e-Devlet?
Turkey's e-Devlet portal (turkiye.gov.tr) offers digital government services. For passport and ID applications, photo capture is often performed on-site at the Nüfus Müdürlüğü or police department. Check the e-Devlet portal for the latest online photo upload options for your specific document type.
What background colour is required for a Turkish passport photo?
The background must be plain white. Coloured, patterned, or shadowed backgrounds are not accepted. The same white background requirement applies to the Turkish National Identity Card (Kimlik kartı).
Do Turkish citizens need a different photo size for a Schengen visa?
Yes. When applying for a Schengen visa at a European embassy or consulate, Turkish citizens must provide a standard ICAO 35×45mm photo — not the 50×60mm Turkish passport format.
Can I wear a headscarf in a Turkish passport photo?
Yes. Turkish regulations permit religious head coverings such as a headscarf (başörtüsü) in passport and ID card photos, provided that the full face from chin to forehead is clearly visible.
Always verify current requirements with the Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü (nvi.gov.tr) or the nearest Turkish consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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