What Is the Standard Passport Photo Size?
The standard passport photo size varies slightly by country, but most nations follow a format close to 35mm × 45mm or 2 inches × 2 inches (51mm × 51mm). Here’s a quick overview:
| Country / Region | Passport Photo Size (mm) | Passport Photo Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 51 × 51 mm | 2 × 2 inches |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 inches |
| India | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 inches |
| UAE / Dubai Visa | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 inches |
| Schengen Visa | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 inches |
| China Visa | 33 × 48 mm | 1.3 × 1.89 inches |
| Vietnam Visa | 40 × 60 mm | 1.57 × 2.36 inches |
| Nepal | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 inches |
Passport Photo Size Width and Height — Key Dimensions Explained
Understanding passport photo width and height is crucial before printing or uploading a digital photo. Most rejections happen because applicants use the wrong crop dimensions or incorrect head height ratios.
Key Measurements to Know:
- Head height should occupy 70–80% of the total photo height
- Eyes must appear in the upper 55–70% of the frame
- Background must be plain white or off-white (for most countries)
- Expression must be neutral, with mouth closed
US Passport Photo Size Requirements
The US passport photo size is one of the most searched formats globally.
- Dimensions: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
- Head height: 1 to 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm)
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- File format for digital submissions: JPEG (.jpg)
- File size: Under 11 MB
- Resolution: Minimum 600 DPI (dots per inch)
This same size applies to the US visa photo — whether you’re applying for a tourist visa, student visa, or immigrant visa.
Tip: For US passport and visa photos, Walgreens, CVS, and the USPS offer in-store photo printing services that automatically apply the correct crop.
UK Passport Photo Size Requirements
The UK passport photo size follows the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standard:
- Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm
- Head height: 29–34 mm (64–80% of photo height)
- Background: Light grey or cream (not pure white)
- Expression: Neutral with both eyes clearly open
- Glasses: Not permitted since 2018
India Passport Photo Size Requirements
The passport photo size in India follows government guidelines:
- Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm
- Background: White
- Print quality: High quality, glossy preferred
- Head size: Should cover 70–80% of frame
- 8 copy format: Many Indian applicants need 8 passport-size photos for various documents — these are typically printed on a standard 4R (4 × 6 inch) sheet, which fits 8 photos of 35 × 45 mm each.
Dubai & UAE Visa Photo Size Requirements
For a Dubai visa or general UAE visa, the photo requirements are:
- Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm (same as international standard)
- Background: White
- Head coverage: 70–80% of the frame
- Recency: Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- Expression: Neutral, front-facing
Schengen Visa Photo Size Requirements
Planning a trip to Europe? Here are the Schengen visa passport photo size specs:
- Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm
- Head height: 32–36 mm
- Background: Plain light, preferably white or light grey
- Photo age: No older than 6 months
- Applies to: All 27 Schengen Area countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.
China Visa Photo Size Requirements
The China visa photo size is slightly different from the global standard:
- Dimensions: 33 × 48 mm
- Head height: 28–33 mm
- Background: White
- Expression: Neutral, no smiling
- Glasses: Not allowed
Vietnam Visa Photo Size Requirements
For Vietnamese visa applications, the passport photo size required is:
- Dimensions: 40 × 60 mm (larger than most countries)
- Head height: Must cover at least 70% of total height
- Background: White
- Format: Color photograph only
Nepal Passport Photo Size Requirements
For Nepal passport and visa photos:
- Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm
- Background: White or plain light background
- Head height: 70–80% of frame
- Expression: Neutral, front-facing, eyes open
Passport Photo Size Resolution — What You Need to Know
Passport photo size resolution is critical when submitting photos digitally (online visa applications, e-passport systems, etc.).
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum resolution | 300 DPI |
| Recommended resolution | 600 DPI |
| Image format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Color mode | sRGB |
| File size | Typically under 240 KB–11 MB (varies by country) |
A low-resolution photo may appear clear on screen but will print blurry. Always scan or capture at minimum 300 DPI for printed photos and ensure your digital file meets the destination country’s upload specifications.
How to Convert a Normal Photo to Passport Size
You can convert a normal photo to passport size using free and paid tools:
- Online tools — Sites like PhotoAiD, Passport Photo Online, and Pixelied offer automatic cropping and background removal
- Mobile apps — Many apps auto-crop and adjust your selfie to the correct passport dimensions
- Photoshop / GIMP — Manual editing gives the most control; set your canvas to the exact dimensions in mm or inches at 300–600 DPI
- Walgreens / CVS — In-store kiosks handle cropping, sizing, and printing automatically
Steps to manually resize:
- Open the image in your editor
- Set the canvas size to 35 × 45 mm (or 2 × 2 inches for US)
- Adjust the crop so the head fills 70–80% of the frame
- Set resolution to at least 300 DPI
- Export as JPEG (sRGB color profile)
Printing 8 Passport Size Photos on One Sheet
A common requirement in India and South Asia is printing 8 passport size photos on a single sheet. Here’s how it works:
- Sheet size used: 4R photo paper (4 × 6 inches / 102 × 152 mm)
- Each photo size: 35 × 45 mm
- Layout: 4 columns × 2 rows = 8 photos per sheet
- Software: MS Word, Photoshop, or dedicated passport photo software can tile the images automatically
Most photo studios and print shops in India are familiar with this layout and can produce an 8-copy sheet for a nominal fee.
Passport Photo Size for JPG Format — Digital Submission Tips
When submitting a passport size photo in JPG format online:
- Use JPEG compression quality 80–100% to avoid artifacts
- Keep file size within the portal’s specified limit (commonly 50 KB–2 MB)
- Ensure sRGB color profile (not CMYK)
- Photo dimensions in pixels should translate to the correct physical size at your chosen DPI (e.g., 413 × 531 pixels = 35 × 45 mm at 300 DPI)
Common Passport Photo Rejection Reasons
Even when you know the correct passport photo size requirements, photos get rejected for avoidable reasons:
- ❌ Shadows on the face or background
- ❌ Wearing glasses (now banned in most countries)
- ❌ Head covering (except for religious reasons with documentation)
- ❌ Photo older than 6 months
- ❌ Smiling or open mouth
- ❌ Blurry, pixelated, or digitally altered image
- ❌ Wrong background color
- ❌ Head height outside acceptable range
Quick Reference: Passport Photo Size by Country
| Country / Visa | Width × Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 51 × 51 mm | Square format, white background |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey/cream background |
| India | 35 × 45 mm | White background, matte or glossy |
| UAE / Dubai Visa | 35 × 45 mm | Taken within last 6 months |
| Schengen Visa | 35 × 45 mm | Applies to all 27 EU member states |
| China Visa | 33 × 48 mm | No glasses, no smiling |
| Vietnam Visa | 40 × 60 mm | Larger format than most countries |
| Nepal | 35 × 45 mm | Standard ICAO format |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the standard passport photo size in mm? The most common international standard is 35 × 45 mm, used by the UK, India, UAE, Schengen, and many other countries. The US uses a square 51 × 51 mm format.
Q: What is the passport photo size for a US visa? US visa and US passport photos are the same size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with the head between 1 and 1⅜ inches tall.
Q: What resolution should a passport photo be? A minimum of 300 DPI for printed photos. For digital submissions, aim for 600 DPI or follow the specific portal’s pixel dimension requirements.
Q: Can I take my own passport photo at home? Yes. Use a smartphone with a good camera, a plain white wall as background, and natural or even indoor lighting. Then use an online tool or app to crop it to the correct dimensions.
Q: How many passport-size photos are needed for an Indian passport application? Typically 2 photos are required for the passport application form, but many other documents (visa applications, ID cards, etc.) request additional copies — which is why 8-copy prints are popular in India.
Final Thoughts
Getting your passport photo size right is the first step toward a smooth application process. Whether you’re applying for a US passport, a Schengen visa, or a Dubai visa, always double-check the official photo requirements of the issuing authority before submitting.
When in doubt, use a trusted in-store service (like Walgreens for US applicants) or a reliable online passport photo tool that automatically handles sizing, cropping, and background replacement to meet country-specific guidelines.
Last updated: 2026 | Always verify photo requirements on the official government or embassy website before your application.