Photo Requirements Guide

A quick guide to creating photos that match common passport and visa requirements. PhotoPass ID handles formatting automatically, but knowing what makes a valid photo helps you take a better original.

📸 How to Take a Good Photo

Stand in front of a plain white or light-coloured wall
Use natural daylight — face a window if possible
Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression
Keep your mouth closed, no smiling
Remove glasses, hats, and headscarves (unless religious)
Keep hair away from your face
Ensure no shadows on your face or background
Hold the camera at eye level

❌ Common Rejection Reasons

Wrong photo dimensions or aspect ratio
Shadows on face or background
Glasses glare or reflections
Background not white/light enough
Face not centred in the frame
Expression not neutral (smiling, frowning)
Photo too dark or overexposed
Red-eye or heavy digital filters
Head tilted or turned to one side
Photo is blurry or low resolution

📏 Common Photo Sizes

DocumentSizeBackground
Irish Passport35×45mmWhite
UK Passport35×45mmWhite/Light grey
US Passport / Visa51×51mm (2×2")White
Schengen Visa35×45mmWhite/Light grey
Indian Passport / OCI51×51mmWhite
Chinese Visa33×48mmWhite
Canadian Passport50×70mmWhite
EU ID Card35×45mmWhite

Important Note

PhotoPass ID formats photos to match common official guidelines, but final acceptance always depends on the authority reviewing your application. Requirements may change — we recommend checking the latest guidelines from the issuing authority.

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