Passport Photo Sizes by Country: Complete Reference Guide

Applying for a passport? One of the most common mistakes applicants make is submitting a photo that doesn't meet their country's exact specifications. Whether you're getting a US passport, UK visa, Canadian travel document, or Schengen visa, each jurisdiction has its own precise requirements for passport photo dimensions, background color, head height, and pixel resolution.

This guide covers the passport photo size requirements for 11 countries and regions, giving you everything you need to ensure your application is accepted on the first submission.

Complete Passport Photo Size Reference Table

Here's a comprehensive comparison of passport photo requirements across major countries:

Detailed Requirements by Country

United States (51 × 51 mm / 2 × 2 inches)

The US State Department requires a passport photo that is exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 millimeters). This is one of the largest standard passport photo sizes in the world.

Key specifications:

• White or off-white background (no patterns or shadows)
• Head height between 50–69% of the frame
• Color or black and white photos accepted
• Eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera
• Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
• For digital files: minimum 600 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI

The generous head size requirement makes US photos easier to achieve than many European standards. Focus on keeping the background perfectly white and ensuring even lighting across your face.

United Kingdom (35 × 45 mm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches)

UK passport photos are smaller and more rectangular than US photos. The UK Home Office has strict requirements for proportion and facial features.

Key specifications:

• Dimensions: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall
• Head height: 29–34 mm (roughly 64–76% of photo height)
• Light grey or white background
• Both eyes fully visible, looking directly at camera
• Face must take up 70–80% of the frame
• No accessories covering the face (sunglasses, hats not allowed)

UK photos are significantly stricter about facial coverage than US photos. The head must be larger relative to the frame, leaving minimal space above and around the face.

Canada (50 × 70 mm / 1.97 × 2.76 inches)

Canadian passport photos are rectangular and slightly larger than most European standards. Service and Policing Canada maintains the following requirements:

Key specifications:

• Dimensions: 50 mm wide × 70 mm tall
• Head height: 32–37 mm
• White or off-white background
• Color or black and white photos accepted
• Eyes open, neutral expression
• Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
• No tinted glasses or sunglasses

Canadian requirements are similar to US standards, with a white background and moderate head-to-frame ratio. The portrait orientation gives you more vertical space.

Schengen Visa (35 × 45 mm / 1.38 × 1.77 inches)

If you're applying for a Schengen visa to travel through Europe (covering 27 countries including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), use the Schengen standard:

Key specifications:

• Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm (same as UK/Australia)
• Head height: 32–36 mm (70–80% of frame)
• White or light grey background
• Both eyes clearly visible, neutral expression
• Face must occupy 70–80% of the photo
• Photo taken within 6 months of application

Schengen standards align with many European countries' national requirements. This is the most widely used passport photo size across the European Union.

India (51 × 51 mm / 2 × 2 inches)

India uses the same square format as the United States but with slightly different specifications on head placement and background neutrality.

Key specifications:

• Square format: 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches)
• Head height: 60–70% of frame (larger than US standard)
• Pure white background required
• No glasses or head coverings allowed
• Eyes wide open, looking directly at camera
• Neutral facial expression

Indian passport photos demand larger head placement than US photos and strictly require a pure white background with no off-white variations.

China (33 × 48 mm / 1.3 × 1.89 inches)

China's passport photo standard is one of the smallest among major nations, with specific proportions and head placement requirements.

Key specifications:

• Dimensions: 33 mm wide × 48 mm tall
• Head height: 23–28 mm
• White or light background
• Colour photos required (not black and white)
• Both eyes open, looking straight at camera
• No glasses, beard, or heavy makeup

Chinese photos have the smallest head-to-frame ratio on this list, requiring more negative space around the face. Ensure accurate cropping to these dimensions.

For a detailed walkthrough of US-specific requirements, see our complete guide to US passport photo requirements. And if you'd rather skip the photo studio, our guide on taking a passport photo at home covers everything you need.

Essential Tips for Passport Photos

Regardless of which country's standard you're following, keep these best practices in mind:

• Check requirements before shooting: Visit your government's official passport office website to confirm exact current specifications. Requirements can change.
• Use professional lighting: Soft, even lighting eliminates shadows on the face and background. Avoid harsh sunlight that creates shadows under the eyes.
• Neutral expression: Most countries require a neutral face or natural smile. Avoid exaggerated expressions or grimacing.
• Correct head positioning: Look straight at the camera with your head straight (not tilted). Keep your chin parallel to the ground.
• Plain background: Use a perfectly white or light grey background with no patterns, shadows, or distractions. Even small shadows can cause rejection.
• Recent photo: Most countries require photos taken within 6 months of application. Ensure your photo is current and recognizes your appearance.
• High resolution: For digital submissions, use at least 300 DPI (600 × 600 pixels for square formats, scaled proportionally for rectangular photos).

Final Thoughts

Passport photo requirements are surprisingly specific, but they exist for good reason: consistent photos make identity verification faster and more reliable. By understanding your country's exact dimensions, head height percentage, and background color requirements, you can ensure your photo is accepted on the first submission instead of being rejected and requiring resubmission.

Use our comparison table as a reference, and always double-check with your government's official documentation before submitting your passport application. Photo specifications occasionally change, and you want to be certain you're meeting the current requirements.

Whether you're renewing an existing passport, applying for your first one, or getting a visa to travel internationally, Passport Photo HQ makes it simple to create a compliant photo that meets your country's exact specifications.