What are the passport photo requirements?
Most passport photos follow the ICAO standard: recent, plain light background, neutral face. See the US, UK and EU size rules and digital photo tips before your trip1 trip.
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The common international standard
Passport photos are built around guidelines from ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Organization), so border systems and facial recognition gates can match your face. If you are renewing a passport before a trip you have booked on trip1, get the photo right first time - a rejected photo is one of the most common causes of delays.
Almost every country asks for:
- A recent colour photo, sharp and in focus, with even lighting and no shadows
- Your full head and top of your shoulders, centred and facing forward
- A neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open and visible
- A plain, light background with no objects or other people
- No filters, beauty apps, retouching or AI edits
- No hats or head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons, with your full face visible
Key differences by country
| US | UK | EU and Schengen (typical) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) | 45 x 35 mm | 35 x 45 mm |
| Head size | 1 to 1 3/8 in (25-35 mm) chin to top of head | Face 29-34 mm | Face about 70-80% of the photo height |
| Background | White or off-white | Plain cream or light grey | Plain light, often light grey |
| Photo age | Within 6 months | Within the last month | Usually within 6 months |
| Glasses | Not allowed (medical exceptions only) | Only if medically necessary | Varies - some allow clear glasses without glare |
Within the EU, each country sets its own detailed rules. Germany, for example, stopped accepting printed photos in 2025, so your photo must now be taken digitally by a registered photographer or at the passport office.
Digital photo rules for online applications
Many countries now let you upload a digital photo when you apply or renew online.
- US online renewal: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF file, 54 KB to 10 MB, taken within the last 6 months, unedited.
- UK online application: at least 600 x 750 pixels, 50 KB to 10 MB, taken within the last month. You can use a photo booth or shop code, or have someone take it on your phone.
- EU countries: rules vary. Some accept photos taken at home by another person, others only accept photos sent digitally by an approved photographer.
At home, ask someone else to take the photo rather than using a selfie, face a window for even light and do not zoom.
Rules change often, so check the official guidance for your passport: travel.state.gov for the US, GOV.UK for the UK, or your national passport authority in the EU. Unofficial photo and application websites may charge extra for something you can do yourself.
Passport photo requirements - FAQ
Most countries want a recent colour photo of your full face, looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and eyes open, against a plain light background, with no filters or edits. US photos must be taken within the last 6 months, and UK photos within the last month.
It depends on the country. US passport photos are 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). UK printed photos and most EU and Schengen passport photos are 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. For online applications you upload a digital file instead, and each country sets its own file rules.
Usually not. For a US passport you must remove glasses unless you cannot for medical reasons, and then you include a signed doctor's note. The UK says not to wear them unless you have to, and if you do, no sunglasses or tinted lenses, and no glare or frames covering your eyes.
Do not wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage. Take off glasses, headphones and wireless earpieces, and hats or head coverings unless they are for religious or medical reasons, with your full face visible. Everyday clothes are fine.
The most common causes are glasses, shadows on your face or background, filters, beauty apps or edits, head coverings without a religious or medical reason, and a photo that is not recent. The US State Department says unacceptable photos are the number one reason passport applications are put on hold.
Often yes for online applications. The UK lets someone take it on your phone during the application, though booth or shop photos are more likely to be approved; files must be at least 600 by 750 pixels. Ask someone else to take it rather than a selfie, face a window and do not zoom.