Visa and Passport Photo Requirements

Applying for a new passport or visa can easily become a tedious, time-consuming, and expensive process if the wrong type of photograph is submitted in the passport or visa application process. To help avoid passport photo mishaps, follow this guide to make sure your passport or visa photo requirements are met when submitting your travel documents.

Read here for our travel visa guides before booking your next trip!

Posing for Passport Photos

• Face the camera directly with a neutral expression.
• Keep your head straight, eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible.
• Save creative or exaggerated poses for social media; maintain a professional demeanor.
• Avoid angled shots, big grins, silly faces, or pouts.
• Ensure the photo is recent, and taken within the past 3 months.

Photo Composition and Lighting

• Make sure to use a white background and wear non-white clothing.
• Ensure the photo is clear, in color, and accurately depicts skin tones with no shadows.
• Remove jewelry, glasses, accessories, or adornments.
• Scarves or head coverings are permitted for religious or medical reasons, but they must not obscure facial features.

What to Wear (and What Not to Wear)

• Choose clothing worn in daily life; avoid uniforms or attire resembling a uniform.
• Do not wear camouflage clothing.
• Avoid hats or head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons.
• Submit a signed statement for religious head coverings or a doctor’s statement for medical head coverings.
• Full facial visibility is essential with head coverings.
• Do not wear headphones or earpieces.
• Jewelry is allowed, but it must not hide your face.
• Permanent tattoos are acceptable, but eyeglasses must be removed for the photo.

Medical Considerations:

• If medical reasons prevent removing glasses, make sure to submit a signed note from your doctor.

Passport Photo Resolution, Print Size, and Quality

1. High Resolution:

• Submit a high-resolution photo that is clear, crisp, and free from blurriness, graininess, or pixelation.

2. Correct Size:

• Dimensions: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
• Ensure the head is positioned between 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

3. Paper Quality:

• Print the photo on matte or glossy photo-quality paper for optimal results.

4. No Digital Alterations:

• Avoid digitally changing the photo; submit it in its original form.

5. Photo Integrity:

• Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

By following these guidelines, you will ensure a flawless passport photo that meets all requirements across most passport and travel visa agencies, saving you time and potential rejections in the passport or visa application process.

Already Have a Photo?

If you already have a recent photo that can be used for your visa or passport application, click here to use this passport photo tool by the US State Department to crop your photo to the right size. Make sure to read through the guide above and that every requirement is checked off the list before cropping your recent photo into a passport photo.