The core rules at a glance
- Recent: most countries want a photo taken in the last 6 months that shows how you look now.
- Full face, straight on: look directly at the camera, head not tilted or turned, shoulders square.
- Neutral expression: mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible.
- Plain light background: even, without shadows, patterns or objects. The colour depends on the country.
- Even lighting: no shadows on the face or behind you, no reflections or red eyes.
- Sharp and unedited: in focus, true colours, no filters or beauty effects.
Head size and position
ICAO guidance puts the face (chin to crown) at roughly 70–80 % of the photo height. Countries turn this into millimetre ranges:
| Photo size | Head height | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 35 × 45 mm | 32–36 mm | Schengen visas and many others |
| 35 × 45 mm (UK) | 29–34 mm | UK passport |
| 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm) | US passport and visa |
| 50 × 70 mm | 31–36 mm | Canadian passport |
The tool crops your photo to the range for the document you choose. See all formats on ICAO photo size.
Background colour by country
ICAO asks for a plain, light, uniform background. Countries are more specific: the US and the UAE ask for white, the UK asks for plain cream or light grey. We use the background colour set for the document you pick, and replace a busy room behind you automatically.
Glasses and head coverings
Glasses must not hide the eyes or reflect light, and tinted lenses are not allowed. Some countries go further: the US no longer accepts glasses in passport and visa photos, and several others recommend taking them off. Taking them off is always the safer choice.
Hats are not allowed. Head coverings worn for religious or medical reasons are generally accepted if the full face, from chin to forehead, stays visible – check the rules of your country.
Babies and children
The same rules apply, with some flexibility for babies: many countries accept a baby’s eyes not being fully open and a not-quite-neutral expression. No other person, hand or toy may be visible in the photo.
Sources · ICAO Doc 9303, Part 3 · U.S. Department of State: passport photos · GOV.UK: photos for passports