🇫🇷 France Passport Photo Requirements (2026 Guide)

Photo Dimensions

French passport photos must be 35 mm wide x 45 mm tall (1.38 x 1.77 inches). This follows the standard European format shared with Germany, the UK, and the Schengen area. For digital applications, the resolution should be 413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI.

Background Requirements

The background must be white or light grey, plain and uniform. No patterns, shadows, or gradients are allowed. France is particularly strict about background uniformity compared to countries like the US that accept off-white.

Face and Expression

A neutral expression is required. No smiling, no open mouth. Both eyes must be fully visible and looking directly at the camera. The face must occupy 70-80% of the frame, with the head height between 32-36 mm from chin to crown. The face must be perfectly centred and evenly lit.

Glasses

Glasses are not allowed in French passport photos. All eyewear, including prescription glasses and reading glasses, must be removed. This aligns with the broader European trend toward glasses-free biometric photos.

Head Coverings

Head coverings are not allowed except for religious reasons. France has specific regulations around this. If worn for religious purposes, the full face from chin to forehead must remain clearly visible, and the covering must not cast shadows.

Photo Recency

Photos must have been taken within the last 6 months. For digital applications through the ANTS platform (Agence nationale des titres securises), the photo must be recent and reflect your current appearance.

How France Compares to the US

Common Mistakes

• Face too small in frame: France requires the face to fill 70-80% of the photo. Photos taken too far away will be rejected.
• Wearing glasses: All eyewear must be removed. This catches many applicants who are used to US rules that allow glasses.
• Wrong dimensions: Using a 2x2 inch US photo or a non-standard size. France strictly requires 35x45mm.
• Background not uniform: Even slight shadows or colour variations in the background can cause rejection.
• Photo taken at a photo booth: While French photo booths (photomatons) are designed for this, home photos often fail the strict positioning requirements.