South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad) Photo Maker — 35×45 mm | Free, No Upload

Important: Paper photos are only used for applications at South African missions abroad; photos are taken live at offices inside South Africa. The photo must be less than one month old.

South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad) photo requirements

Printed size	35×45 mm
Head height (chin to crown (DHA template: at least 29 mm, no more than 34 mm))	29–34 mm
Head height	70–80% of image height
Background	be taken with a light grey or plain cream-coloured background
Glasses	allowed; eyes clearly visible, no flash reflection off glasses, no dark-tinted lenses or heavy frames, frames must not cover any part of the eyes
Photos needed	2

Official rules to follow

Two identical colour photos for passports
Not more than one (1) month old
Close-up of head and top of shoulders so that the face takes up 70-80% of the photograph
Natural colour; eyes open and clearly visible; no hair across face
Facing square onto camera, not portrait style or tilted; both edges of face clearly shown
Uniform lighting; no shadows or flash reflections on face; no red-eye
Applicant alone (no chair backs, toys or other people)
Neutral expression, mouth closed; no obvious grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows
Head coverings not permitted except for religious reasons; chin to top of forehead and both face edges must be visible
Sharp focus, strong definition between face and background, professionally printed

Source: official requirements. Rules can change — always double-check before you submit.

How to make a South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad) 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

Frequently asked questions

What size is a South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad) photo?

35×45 mm, with the head measuring 29–34 mm from chin to top of head, with the head filling 70–80% of the height. Background: be taken with a light grey or plain cream-coloured background.

Can I take my South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad) 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).