Passport Photo Requirements by Country: 50+ Nations Compared

If you're traveling internationally or applying for a passport for another country, you may discover that requirements vary significantly from your home nation. A photo that's perfect for a US passport may be rejected for a UK passport simply due to different size specifications. This comprehensive guide compares requirements for over 50 countries, helping you understand how standards differ and what specifications matter most for your specific destination.

ICAO International Standard Overview

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established international passport photo standards in 1980 and refined them in 2010 (Document 9303). These standards serve as the baseline for most countries worldwide.

ICAO Standard Specifications:

• Size: 35 x 45 millimeters (1.4 x 1.8 inches)
• Background: White or off-white (light cream acceptable)
• Head Size: 70-80% of frame height (approximately 27-34mm)
• Eye Position: Centered horizontally, 60-69% down from top
• Expression: Neutral, direct gaze, mouth closed
• Lighting: Even, no shadows
• Photo Age: Typically within 6 months
• Glasses: Generally not permitted unless medical necessity

Most countries (approximately 85%) follow ICAO standards closely. Deviations exist for specific nations, particularly the US, China, and a few others. PhotoValid supports all major country-specific variations.

North America: US, Canada, Mexico

United States

Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51mm)

The US deviates from ICAO standards with a square format. Head size 1 to 1⅜ inches. White background required. Neutral expression, no glasses since 2016. AI detection as of January 2026. See our comprehensive US passport photo requirements 2026 guide for detailed specifications.

Canada

Size: 50 x 70mm (1.97 x 2.76 inches)

Follows ICAO standard. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and direct. No glasses. Photos must be taken within 6 months of application. Color or black & white acceptable.

Mexico

Size: 40 x 50mm (1.6 x 2 inches)

Rectangular format. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. Taken within 6 months. Recent changes align more closely with ICAO standards.

Europe: UK, Schengen, Non-Schengen

United Kingdom

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

Follows strict ICAO guidelines. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame height (27-34mm). Neutral expression, mouth closed. Eyes must be visible and unglazed. No tinted glasses. Photos taken within 6 months. HM Passport Office provides official guidance.

EU/Schengen Countries (35x45mm Standard)

The following EU and Schengen countries use ICAO 35x45mm standard:

• Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
• Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria
• Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland
• Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Cyprus, Malta
• Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein

All require white background, neutral expression, head at 70-80% of frame. Most require photos within 6 months. Glasses generally not permitted.

Ireland

Size: 45 x 35mm (rotated ICAO)

Uses rectangular format (landscape orientation) instead of portrait. Otherwise follows ICAO standards.

Asia: Major Nations

India

Size: 2 x 2 inches OR 35 x 45mm (Applicant choice)

Accepts both US format and ICAO standard. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. Photos within 6 months. Passport Seva portal provides detailed guidelines.

China

Size: 33 x 48mm (Non-standard)

Unique rectangular format different from most countries. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame height. Neutral expression, eyes open. No glasses. Photos within 3 months (stricter than most countries). Slightly larger than ICAO standard.

Japan

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

Follows ICAO closely. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression with mouth closed. No smiling. Eyes must be open and visible. No glasses. Photos within 6 months. Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides official specifications.

South Korea

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

ICAO compliant. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. Direct gaze. No glasses unless medical necessity. Photos within 6 months.

Thailand

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

Follows ICAO standard. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. No glasses. Photos within 6 months.

Vietnam

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

ICAO compliant. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. Photos within 6 months.

Philippines

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

Follows ICAO standard. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. No glasses. Photos within 6 months.

Oceania & Additional Asia-Pacific

Australia

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

Follows ICAO standard strictly. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame height (27-34mm). Neutral expression, direct gaze, mouth closed. No glasses. Color or black & white acceptable. Photos within 6 months. Department of Foreign Affairs provides detailed online guidelines.

New Zealand

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

ICAO compliant. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. No glasses unless medical. Photos within 6 months. Passports New Zealand website has comprehensive guidelines.

Singapore

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

Follows ICAO standard. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. No glasses. Photos within 6 months.

Malaysia

Size: 35 x 45mm (ICAO Standard)

ICAO compliant. White background. Head size 70-80% of frame. Neutral expression. No glasses. Photos within 6 months.

Complete Comparison Table: 50+ Countries

Country	Size (mm)	Background	Expression	Glasses Allowed
United States	51 x 51 (2x2")	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
Canada	50 x 70	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
Mexico	40 x 50	White	Neutral	No
United Kingdom	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
France	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Germany	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
Italy	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Spain	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Netherlands	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
Belgium	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Sweden	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Austria	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
Switzerland	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Ireland	45 x 35	White	Neutral	No
Poland	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Czech Republic	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
India	51x51 or 35x45	White	Neutral	No
China	33 x 48	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
Japan	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
South Korea	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Thailand	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Australia	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No
New Zealand	35 x 45	White	Neutral	No
Singapore	35 x 45	White	Neutral, closed mouth	No

Universal Tips That Work Everywhere

Regardless of which country you're applying to, these principles apply universally:

1. Always Use White Background
Every country we've reviewed accepts pure white backgrounds. When in doubt, white is always the safe choice.

2. Neutral Expression is Universal
A slight smile with lips closed is acceptable everywhere. Open mouths are universally rejected. Keep your expression natural and pleasant.

3. Glasses Are Almost Never Permitted
Nearly every country bans glasses except for medical necessity. Take your photo without glasses, even if you normally wear them.

4. Even Lighting Matters Everywhere
Every country requires even lighting with no harsh shadows. This is a universal standard for facial identification.

5. Recent Photos Are Required Universally
Most countries require photos taken within 6 months (China requires 3 months). Older photos showing different appearance will be rejected everywhere.

6. Head Size Rules Apply Everywhere
Whether your country requires 35x45mm or 51x51mm, your head should occupy 70-80% of the frame height. This is consistent across virtually all nations.

7. Direct Gaze is Universal
Look directly at the camera. No profile shots, no looking away, no tilted head. This applies everywhere.

How to Know Your Country's Specific Requirements

Before taking or submitting your passport photo, verify requirements on:

• Official government website: Your country's passport issuing authority (e.g., US State Department, UK Passport Office)
• Embassy or consulate: If applying from abroad
• PhotoValid app: Select your country and get customized requirements

Requirements can change, so always verify directly with official sources before submitting your application.