Important: UK passport photos must have been taken within the last month.
United Kingdom Passport (printed photo, paper application) photo requirements
| Printed size | 35×45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to crown (top of head, not top of hair)) | 29–34 mm |
| Background | Taken against a plain cream or light grey background; in clear contrast to the background |
| Glasses | avoid; only if you have to - no sunglasses or tinted glasses, eyes not covered by frames, glare, reflection or shadow |
| Photos needed | 2 |
Official rules to follow
- 2 identical photos
- 45 mm high by 35 mm wide; not a cut-down version of a larger picture
- Photo taken in the last month
- Printed to a professional standard on plain white photographic paper, no border, in colour
- No creases/tears; unmarked on both sides unless countersigned; unaltered by software
- Close-up of full head and upper shoulders; no other objects or people
- Facing forwards, plain expression, mouth closed, eyes open and visible, no hair in front of eyes
- No head covering unless religious or medical; nothing covering face; no shadows on face or behind; no red eye
- Children under 6 need not look at camera or have plain expression; under 1 need not have eyes open; no visible hands
- Send photos loose and separate, not attached to the form
Source: official requirements. Rules can change — always double-check before you submit.
How to make a United Kingdom Passport (printed photo, paper application) photo online
- Take a well-lit, front-facing photo against any plain wall.
- Upload it above. We find your face, crop to 35×45 mm and set the correct background.
- Check the head-size indicator, drag to fine-tune if needed, and download the digital photo or the printable 4×6 sheet.
Other passport & visa photos
- United States Passport
- United States Visa (DS-160 / DS-260 digital photo)
- United States Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery entry photo
- United States Green Card / Adjustment of Status (USCIS Form I-485)
- United Kingdom Passport (online application digital photo)
- United Kingdom Visa / immigration permission (digital photo)
- Canada Temporary Resident Visa (printed photo)
- Australia Passport
- Australia Visa (ImmiAccount online / paper)
- New Zealand Passport (online application, digital photo)
- Schengen Area (EU) Schengen short-stay visa
- Germany Reisepass / Personalausweis
- Italy Passaporto
- Spain Pasaporte / DNI
- Netherlands Passport / ID card
- Ireland Passport (paper application, printed photo)
- Ireland Passport / Passport Card (Passport Online, digital photo)
- India Passport (ICAO-compliant photo upload; printed copy where required)
- India OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India)
- China Visa (printed photo and COVA online digital photo)
- China Passport / Travel Document for Chinese citizens abroad (China Consular app / embassy)
- Japan Passport (paper application, printed photo)
- Japan Passport (online application via Mynaportal / overseas online application, uploaded studio photo)
- Japan Visa (paper application)
- South Korea Passport
- South Korea Visa (paper and e-Visa)
- Singapore Passport (digital upload via ICA e-Services)
- Malaysia Passport (printed photo, children under 4 years only)
- Vietnam e-Visa (evisa.gov.vn portrait upload)
- Indonesia Visa (e-Visa / e-VOA, evisa.imigrasi.go.id)
- Turkey Passport (and national ID card) biometric photo
- United Arab Emirates Visa / Entry Permit (ICP / GDRFA)
- Saudi Arabia Visa (tourist eVisa / KSA visa platform)
- Russia Visa (paper application at embassy/consulate/visa centre)
- South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad)
- Nigeria Passport (online application photo upload)
- Pakistan Passport (online application / renewal photo upload)
- Israel Passport (non-biometric, issued at Israeli missions abroad)
- Egypt Visa (embassy application, USA)
Frequently asked questions
What size is a United Kingdom Passport (printed photo, paper application) photo?
35×45 mm, with the head measuring 29–34 mm from chin to top of head. Background: Taken against a plain cream or light grey background; in clear contrast to the background.
Can I take my United Kingdom Passport (printed photo, paper application) photo at home?
Yes. Stand facing a window for soft, even light, keep a neutral expression and have someone take the photo from about 1.2 m (4 ft) away at eye level. Upload it above — we crop it to the exact size and replace the background automatically.
How do I print it?
Download the 4×6 inch print sheet and order a standard 4×6 (10×15 cm) print at a pharmacy or photo kiosk. Make sure it prints at 100% size (no "fit to page"), then cut out the photos along the guide lines.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Face detection and background removal run in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Will my photo be accepted?
Our tool follows the official size and position rules, but acceptance also depends on lighting, focus and expression. Always check the latest official requirements on the issuing authority's website (linked above).