Passport Photo Size Requirements (US, UK, India, Bangladesh)

Getting your passport photo right is critical — an incorrectly sized photo is one of the most common reasons for passport application rejection. Each country has specific requirements for both physical prints and digital uploads. This comprehensive guide covers passport photo requirements for the United States, United Kingdom, India, Bangladesh, and provides general guidelines for other countries.

Why Passport Photo Requirements Are Strict

Passport photos are used for biometric identification and are scanned by facial recognition systems at airports worldwide. Specific requirements ensure:

• Consistent identification: Photos must show your face clearly and uniformly
• Machine readability: Automated systems need specific dimensions and contrast
• International compatibility: ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) sets global standards
• Fraud prevention: Standardized photos make it harder to submit manipulated images

United States Passport Photo Requirements

Physical Print

• Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm)
• Head height: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head
• Eye height: 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches (28-35mm) from bottom of photo
• Paper: Matte or glossy photo-quality paper
• Color: Full color, not black and white

Digital Upload

• Minimum dimensions: 600×600 pixels
• Maximum dimensions: 1200×1200 pixels
• File size: 54KB to 10MB
• Format: JPEG
• Background: White or off-white
• Aspect ratio: Square (1:1)

Additional US Rules

• Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
• Full face, front view, with both ears visible
• No glasses (as of November 2016)
• Neutral expression with both eyes open
• No head coverings except for religious purposes
• Photo must be in sharp focus

Use SizeSnap's passport photo tool to resize your US passport photo to the correct dimensions.

United Kingdom Passport Photo Requirements

Physical Print

• Size: 35×45mm
• Head height: 29-34mm from chin to crown
• Background: Light grey or cream (not pure white)
• Paper: Professional photo paper

Digital Upload (Online Application)

• Minimum dimensions: 600×750 pixels
• File size: Up to 10MB
• Format: JPEG
• Background: Light grey or cream
• Aspect ratio: 7:9 (width:height)

Additional UK Rules

• Plain expression with mouth closed
• Face must be in clear focus
• No shadows on face or background
• No red-eye
• Head covering allowed only for religious reasons
• Children under 6 may have eyes closed or slight expression

India Passport Photo Requirements

Physical Print

• Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — same as US
• Head height: 25-35mm
• Face coverage: 50-70% of photo
• Background: White only
• Paper: Matte photo paper preferred

Digital Upload (Passport Seva)

• Dimensions: 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels
• File size: 10KB to 200KB
• Format: JPEG only
• Background: Plain white
• Aspect ratio: Square (1:1)

Additional India Rules

• Both ears visible (hair should not cover ears)
• No spectacles/glasses in the photo
• For Indian passport renewal, photo should be recent (within 3 months)
• No border or frame around the photo
• Face should occupy 50-70% of the photo area

For Indian passport applications, use SizeSnap to resize to 600×600 pixels at under 200KB.

Bangladesh Passport Photo Requirements

Physical Print

• Size: 45×35mm (height × width)
• Face coverage: 70-80% of the frame
• Background: White
• Paper: Photo quality paper

Digital Upload

• Dimensions: 300×300 pixels (for most government portals)
• File size: Under 100KB
• Format: JPEG
• Background: White

Bangladesh Exam Portal Photos

Bangladesh government exam portals (via teletalk.com.bd) typically require:

• 300×300 pixels, under 100KB, JPEG
• White background
• Recent photo (within 6 months)

Use SizeSnap's Bangladesh exam photo tool for automatic resizing to these specifications.

Other Countries: Quick Reference

Canada

• Print: 50×70mm
• Digital: 420×540 to 1050×1350 pixels
• Background: White or light-colored

Australia

• Print: 35×45mm
• Digital: 413×531 pixels minimum
• Background: Light, uniform color

European Union (Schengen)

• Print: 35×45mm
• ICAO standard
• Background: Light blue, grey, or white (varies by country)

Japan

• Print: 35×45mm
• Background: White
• Very strict about expression and positioning

How to Take a Passport Photo at Home

You don't need to visit a professional photographer. Follow these steps for a compliant passport photo:

Setup

1. Find a white or light-colored wall
2. Ensure even lighting — natural light from a window works well
3. Position yourself 1-1.5 meters from the wall (to avoid shadows)
4. Set your camera at eye level

Taking the Photo

1. Face the camera directly — no tilting or turning
2. Keep a neutral expression (no smiling in most countries)
3. Open both eyes and look directly at the camera
4. Ensure both ears are visible
5. Remove glasses
6. Take multiple shots and choose the best one

Processing with SizeSnap

1. Upload your best shot to SizeSnap's passport photo tool
2. The tool automatically crops and resizes to passport dimensions
3. Review the result — check that your face is properly centered
4. Download and submit with your application

Common Rejection Reasons

Passport photos are frequently rejected for these reasons:

1. Wrong dimensions: Photo doesn't match required size
2. Background issues: Not white/light enough, shadows visible
3. Lighting problems: Face not evenly lit, harsh shadows
4. Expression: Smiling, mouth open, or exaggerated expression
5. Glasses: Still wearing glasses (many countries now prohibit this)
6. Head covering: Covering forehead or face (non-religious)
7. Photo too old: Not taken within required timeframe
8. Quality issues: Blurry, pixelated, or over-compressed
9. File size: Too large or too small for digital submission
10. Wrong format: PNG or WebP instead of required JPEG

Digital vs Print: Understanding the Difference

For online applications, you need a digital file meeting specific pixel dimensions and KB limits. For in-person applications, you need physical prints meeting mm/inch specifications.

SizeSnap handles the digital requirements. For physical prints, you can print the digital file on photo paper at a photo printer or kiosk, ensuring the print dimensions match your country's requirements.

FAQ

Can I use the same photo for different countries' passports?

Generally yes, if the photo meets the strictest requirements. A 600×600 pixel, white background, JPEG photo under 200KB works for most countries. Adjust dimensions as needed.

How recent does my passport photo need to be?

Most countries require photos taken within the last 6 months. Some (like India for renewal) require within 3 months.

Can I wear makeup in my passport photo?

Yes, normal everyday makeup is fine. Avoid dramatic or costume-style makeup that significantly alters your appearance.

Can I edit my passport photo?

Minimal editing (brightness/contrast adjustment, background cleanup) is acceptable. However, altering facial features, removing blemishes, or applying filters that change your appearance is not allowed and can result in rejection.

What if my photo keeps getting rejected?

Re-take the photo following the guidelines above, paying special attention to background, lighting, and expression. Process through SizeSnap to ensure correct dimensions and file size.

Conclusion

Getting your passport photo right saves time and frustration in the application process. Each country has specific requirements, but the fundamentals are the same: clear face, neutral expression, plain background, correct dimensions. Use SizeSnap to handle the technical requirements — resizing, compression, and format conversion — so you can focus on taking a good photo.

Related tools: Resize to 100KB | Compress to 50KB | Signature Resize