How to get a
passport photo right

Traveling internationally often requires the use of a passport. One often-overlooked part of the process of obtaining a passport is the passport photograph. While it seems like a small detail, passport photos have strict requirements. Not providing an acceptable passport photo could result in the rejection of your request for a new passport or passport renewal. By following the helpful tips provided below, you’ll ensure your passport photo doesn’t get your application denied.

Photo basics: Passport pictures requirement

Let’s start with the basics. To make sure your passport photo meets all requirements:

1. Submit a color photo of yourself, taken in the last six months.
2. Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
3. Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
4. Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
5. Use a plain white or off-white background.

Advice on acceptable passport photos

Those guidelines provide a basic idea of what is required for an acceptable passport photo. Below are some helpful tips you should follow when taking your passport photo. Adhering to all of these tips will ensure your photograph meets the required standards, so you won’t run into any issues with your application.

What is a passport-quality photo?

• Submit a high-resolution photo. Blurry, grainy, or pixelated photos will be rejected.

• Digital photos should have a resolution of at least 300 pixels per inch (PPI) and be 600 x 600 pixels in size.

• Passport photo size must be 2 x 2 inches, with the size of your head being between 1 - 1 ⅓ inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
• Photo can be printed on either matte or glossy paper.
• Photo cannot be digitally altered (no filters or effects may be used).
• Photo cannot be damaged in any way.

Passport photo facial pose

• Your facial expression must be neutral or show your natural smile.
• Both of your eyes must be open and clearly visible.
• You must face the camera directly with your face in full view.

Passport photo clothing requirements

• You cannot wear glasses of any type. If you cannot take your glasses off for medical reasons you must provide a signed note from your doctor.
• Take the photo in your everyday clothing. Photos in a uniform or camouflage attire are not acceptable.
• You cannot wear a hat or head covering of any kind unless it is for religious or medical purposes. For religious purposes, you must submit a signed statement that the head covering is part of traditional religious attire that’s worn continuously in public. For medical purposes, you must provide a signed note from your doctor.
• Any religious or medically-required head coverings cannot obscure or cast shadows on your face.
• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
• Jewelry or facial piercings are acceptable in the photograph, as long as they don’t obscure your face.

How can CIBTvisas help you get your passport

Applying for a new or renewed passport can be a complicated process. It is easy to have your passport denied because of a mistake with paperwork, or even simply not meeting the passport photo requirements. This can cause you needless stress and waste your time, especially if you need to get your passport quickly for an upcoming international trip.

CIBTvisas can guide you throughout the entire process of applying for your passport. Our team of expert immigration and visa professionals submit all of the required documentation on your behalf, greatly minimizing the length of time needed to process your passport, and ensuring all documents are correctly filled out and submitted.

Learn more about how our passport services can help you by contacting a team member today!