Getting a passport or visa photo rejected is one of the most avoidable delays in the entire application process — usually because the size, background color, or head positioning was off by just a few millimeters. This guide gives you the exact dimensions for the most commonly needed countries, plus a free way to produce a compliant photo yourself.
Important: Requirements change occasionally and vary by document type (passport vs. visa vs. ID card). Always confirm the current exact specification on your country's official government passport/visa website before submitting, especially for visa applications where rules can differ from standard passport photos.
Passport Photo Size by Country
| Country | Print size | Digital / pixels | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51mm) | 600 x 600px @ 300 DPI | Plain white |
| United Kingdom | 35 x 45mm | 600 x 750px min. | Light grey / cream |
| Canada | 50 x 70mm | 420 x 590px min. | Plain white |
| Schengen / EU (most) | 35 x 45mm | 600 x 750px min. | Light grey / white |
| Australia | 35 x 45mm | 600 x 750px min. | Plain white / light |
| India | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51mm) | 600 x 600px | Plain white / light |
Head size within the frame also matters — most countries require the head (chin to crown) to fill roughly 60-75% of the photo height, typically in the 29-36mm range for the standard sizes above. Check your country's exact figure before submitting.
How to Make a Compliant Passport Photo Yourself (Free)
You don't need a photo booth for most applications. Take the photo yourself against a plain wall in even, shadow-free lighting, then process it with these free tools — everything runs in your browser, so your photo is never uploaded anywhere.
- Take the photo: face the camera directly, neutral expression, even lighting, no shadows, no glasses glare.
- Remove the background: use the free Background Remover to cut yourself out cleanly.
- Set the correct background color: use the BG Color Changer to fill it with pure white, light grey, or cream — whichever your country requires.
- Crop to the exact ratio: use the Crop tool to frame your head correctly within the required aspect ratio (e.g. square for US, or the 35:45 ratio for UK/EU).
- Resize to the exact pixel dimensions: use the Resize tool to hit the exact pixel size from the table above (e.g. 600x600px for the US).
- Compress if there's a file-size limit: many portals also cap the KB size — see our guide on compressing an image to an exact KB target if needed.
Pro Tip: Process a slightly larger version first (e.g. a well-lit headshot at full camera resolution), then crop and resize down to the exact target. Cropping and resizing down preserves sharpness — see our guide on resizing without losing quality for the full explanation.
Common Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected
- Wrong background color — pure white when grey is required, or vice versa.
- Head too big or too small in the frame — always check the exact chin-to-crown measurement for your country.
- Shadows on the face or background — caused by uneven lighting or a single overhead light source.
- Glasses glare or tinted lenses — most countries now recommend removing glasses entirely.
- Non-neutral expression — smiling, tilted head, or mouth open are usually rejected.
- Wrong file dimensions — submitting a photo that doesn't match the exact required pixel size or aspect ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size does a US passport photo need to be?
Exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm), or 600x600 pixels at 300 DPI. The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) chin to crown, on a plain white background.
What size is a UK passport photo?
35x45mm when printed, or at least 600x750 pixels digitally. Head size should be 29-34mm chin to crown, on a plain light grey or cream background — not pure white.
Can I take my own passport photo instead of going to a photo booth?
Yes, most passport authorities accept self-taken digital photos as long as they meet the exact size, background, lighting, and expression requirements. Take the photo against a plain wall in even lighting, then crop and resize it to your country's exact dimensions before submitting.
Why was my passport photo rejected?
The most common reasons are wrong background color, incorrect head size, shadows, glasses glare, a non-neutral expression, or a file that doesn't match the exact required pixel dimensions. Always double-check your country's specific requirements before submitting.
How do I make a passport photo background pure white for free?
Use a free background remover to cut your photo out from its original background, then use a background color tool to fill the transparent area with pure white (or the required color for your country). TinyPNG Now offers both tools free, entirely in your browser.
Summary: Match your country's exact mm/inch and pixel dimensions, use the correct background color, and crop/resize precisely. Always verify against your country's official government source before submitting — this guide is a starting reference, not a substitute for official requirements.