Every country has strictly enforced rules regarding the dimensions, head size, and background color of passport and visa photos. Failing to meet these requirements will result in your application being delayed or rejected.

Universal Photo Requirements

Regardless of the country, virtually all passport agencies enforce the following baseline rules:

• Recency: The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
• Expression: Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling.
• Glasses: Most countries (including the US, UK, and Australia) explicitly forbid glasses. If your country allows them, there must be zero glare on the lenses.
• Headwear: No hats or head coverings, unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, the full face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible.
• Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows on the face or the background.
• Quality: High resolution, printed on high-quality photographic paper, not altered by computer software (except for basic cropping/background removal).

Common Country Sizes

The "Head Size" Rule

It is not enough to just cut your photo to the right dimensions (e.g., 2x2 inches). Governments also specify exactly how much of the photo your head should fill.

For example, in a US Passport photo, the head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.