Passport Photo Size Requirements by Country
Getting your passport or visa photo wrong is one of the most common reasons for application rejection. Each country has specific requirements for photo size, background color, and head position. This guide covers the most common passport photo sizes and how to create them online for free.
Common Passport Photo Sizes
United States Passport (2 × 2 inches / 51 × 51 mm)
The US requires a 2×2 inch photo with a white or off-white background. The head should be between 1 and 1-3/8 inches from chin to crown. Smiling is optional but a neutral expression is recommended.
United Kingdom Passport (35 × 45 mm)
UK passport photos are 35mm wide by 45mm tall. The background must be plain light gray or cream. The face should be clearly visible with both eyes open. No shadows on the face or background are allowed.
European Union Passport (35 × 45 mm)
EU member states follow the ICAO standard of 35×45mm. Requirements vary slightly by country but generally require a white background and neutral expression. The EU is moving toward digital biometric photos stored on chip.
China Visa (33 × 48 mm)
Chinese visa photos are 33mm wide by 48mm tall. A white background is required. The head should take up about two-thirds of the photo. No glasses with tinted lenses are allowed.
India Passport (35 × 45 mm)
India follows the 35×45mm standard with a white background. Both ears should be visible. The photo must be no older than 6 months.
How to Create Passport Photos Online
With our free online passport photo maker, you can create compliant passport photos in seconds:
- Upload a recent photo of yourself
- Select your country and document type
- Choose the background color (white, blue, gray)
- Click "Create Passport Photo"
- Download and print
All processing happens in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device.
File Size Requirements
Many online application portals also require the photo file to be under a specific size. Common limits include 50KB, 100KB, and 200KB. If your passport photo is too large, use our tools to compress it:
Tips for a Successful Passport Photo
- Use good, even lighting — no shadows on your face
- Wear plain clothing that contrasts with the background
- Look directly at the camera with both eyes open
- Keep a neutral expression (no smiling in some countries)
- Remove glasses if possible, or ensure no glare
- Make sure the photo is sharp and not pixelated
Background Colors by Country
- White: US, UK, India, China, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore
- Blue: Some EU countries and Middle Eastern nations
- Gray: UK, some EU countries