Standard passport photo dimensions
The internationally accepted standard passport photo size is 35 × 45 mm (width × height). For digital submissions, this translates to 600 × 750 pixels at 300 DPI. Most countries — including the UK, Australia, India, Canada, and the majority of EU nations — use this format.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital size | 600 × 750 px (at 300 DPI) |
| Aspect ratio | 7:9 (portrait) |
| File format | JPEG |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
Always check the specific requirements for the country you are applying to. Some countries such as the USA, Canada, and China have their own slightly different specifications.
Face position and framing rules
Getting the size right isn't enough — how your face sits within the frame is just as important. Most passport authorities share these requirements:
- Your face (top of head to chin) must occupy 70–80% of the total frame height.
- Your eyes must be open, clearly visible, and level — roughly in the top third of the photo.
- Your head must be centered in the frame — not tilted, turned, or cut off at the edges.
- Neutral facial expression — mouth closed, eyes looking straight at the camera.
- No shadows on the face or background.
Background requirements
Virtually all countries require a plain white or light grey background. The background must be uniform with no patterns, textures, or other people visible. Avoid standing in front of patterned wallpaper, curtains, or furniture.
For the best result at home, stand in front of a plain white wall in a well-lit room, ensuring the light source is in front of you (not behind) to avoid shadows.
Lighting and photo quality
- Use natural daylight or even indoor lighting — avoid harsh flash that creates shadows.
- The photo must be sharp and in focus. Blurry photos will be rejected.
- No red-eye. Most phone cameras have red-eye reduction built in.
- Print quality of 300 DPI or higher is required for printed photos.
What you must NOT wear or do
- No sunglasses or tinted glasses (unless worn for medical reasons with a doctor's note).
- No hats or head coverings, unless worn for religious reasons.
- No headphones or wireless earpieces visible.
- Avoid wearing a white shirt — it can blend into the white background.
How to make a passport photo free online
You don't need to pay a photo booth or photographer. Use the Bisnep Passport & Visa Photo Generator to crop and resize any photo to the exact 600 × 750 px specification — entirely in your browser, no upload required.
Open the tool
Go to bisnep.com/passport-photo. No account or sign-up needed.
Upload your photo
Drop your photo or click Choose Photo. Your image never leaves your device.
Select "Passport Size"
The frame will lock to the 35 × 45 mm aspect ratio. Drag and zoom to position your face correctly.
Choose background and download
Select white background and click Download. You'll get a JPEG at 600 × 750 px ready to print or submit digitally.
All photo processing happens entirely in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. Your photo is never sent to any server, stored, or seen by anyone. Safe for ID documents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a passport photo with my phone?
Yes. Modern smartphones take more than enough quality for a passport photo. Use the rear camera, good lighting, and a plain background. Then use the Passport Photo Generator to crop and resize it to spec.
How recent does a passport photo need to be?
Most countries require the photo to be taken within the last 6 months. It must accurately represent how you currently look — significant changes in appearance (new beard, weight change, etc.) should prompt a new photo.
Can I smile in a passport photo?
Most countries require a neutral expression with mouth closed. A very slight natural smile is usually acceptable, but an open-mouth smile or exaggerated expression will typically be rejected.
What if my photo is rejected?
Common rejection reasons include: shadows on the face or background, face too small or too large in the frame, red-eye, blurriness, or incorrect dimensions. Retake in good natural light against a white wall, and use our tool to ensure the exact dimensions are correct.