Passport & Visa Photo Size Standards Guide
Official passport and visa photo dimensions in millimeters, inches, and pixels for US, UK, Schengen EU, Canada, India, Australia, and China.
Jurisdiction & Resolution Specs
Official Biometric & Compliance Specifications
About this tool
How to use it
- Select your target passport country or visa authority from the dropdown, or click a quick country button (US, UK, Schengen EU, Canada, India, Australia, China, Japan).
- Choose your print or digital resolution DPI (300 DPI for standard photo prints, 600 DPI for high-resolution government upload portals).
- Review the exact physical dimensions (millimeters and inches), digital pixel canvas size, and required head-to-frame ratio.
- Verify your photo against the official background color, eyeglasses restrictions, facial expression rules, and 4×6-inch print sheet layout.
Why it matters
Incorrect photo dimensions, wrong background tint, and improper head sizing account for over 25% of all passport and visa application rejections globally. National standards vary drastically: the US requires 2×2 inches on white, the UK mandates 35×45 mm on light grey (rejecting pure white), Canada enforces 50×70 mm, and China requires 33×48 mm. This guide delivers verified official agency specifications to ensure first-time application acceptance.
When to use it
Use this reference before taking DIY passport photos, preparing digital files for online visa portals (ESTA, UK Visas & Immigration, Schengen ETIAS, India OCI), or creating a multi-photo print sheet on standard 4×6 inch photo paper at a pharmacy kiosk.
Good to know
Always print on glossy or matte photographic paper without border margins. Digital files must be exported as standard JPEGs without digital retouching, filters, or AI skin smoothing.
Common questions
Can I wear eyeglasses in a US or Australian passport photo?
No. The US Department of State and the Australian Passport Office strictly prohibit eyeglasses in passport photos, even with clear prescription lenses, to avoid glare and biometric eye-mapping errors. Only signed medical necessity exemptions are accepted.
Why does the UK reject white background passport photos?
HM Passport Office (HMPO) requires a plain light grey or cream background so that light-coloured clothing and fair hair remain distinctly visible with sharp contrast. Pure white backgrounds cause edge bleed and automatic scanning rejection.
How many 2x2 passport photos fit on a 4x6 print?
A standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) photo print accommodates up to 6 US-standard 2×2 inch photos arranged in 2 rows of 3. For 35×45 mm (UK/Schengen) photos, a single 4×6 sheet can fit up to 8 individual photos.
What is the head height requirement for passport photos?
For US passports, your head from chin to the top of hair must measure between 1.0 and 1.375 inches (25 to 35 mm), occupying 50% to 69% of the frame. For Schengen and UK photos, the head must measure 29 to 36 mm (70% to 80% of total height).
Can I take my own passport photo at home with a smartphone?
Yes, provided you stand 4 to 6 feet away from the camera in front of a flat, shadow-free background with uniform natural front lighting. Use this tool's pixel specifications to crop your photo to the exact required pixel dimensions at 300 DPI.