Passport Photo Size Requirements by Country (2026): Dimensions, Size Chart, Head Height, and Background Rules
Passport photo requirements by country for 2026, including standard passport photo dimensions by country, 2x2 vs 35x45 vs 50x70 formats, head-height rules, background color differences, European passport size patterns, and digital upload checks.
Why Passport Photo Size Matters
Getting your passport photo dimensions wrong is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected. Every country has strict specifications for photo size, and even a millimeter of deviation can result in a costly delay. Whether you are renewing a passport, applying for a visa, or preparing an ID card photo, knowing the exact size requirements is essential.
This guide covers the most commonly required passport photo sizes worldwide, including the 2x2 inch standard used by the United States, the 35x45mm format preferred across Europe and Asia, and several unique sizes required by specific countries. Just as importantly, it explains how passport photo requirements vary by country even when two countries appear to use the same outer dimensions.
It is also the right landing page for looser queries such as photo measurements, passport pic dimensions, or passport-sized photos. Those searches usually mean the user has not identified the country size yet and needs a clean chart before they can pick the right preset.
That is why simple searches like passport sizes belong here too. They usually mean the user still needs to sort the size family before moving to the exact country rule.
The same confusion shows up in German searches like Passbild Größe, Passbild Maße, Passbilder Größe, Passbilder Maße, Passfotos Grösse, or Reisepass Größe. Those searches usually mean the user needs the format family first and the country rule second, because the answer could be the familiar 35 x 45 mm biometric format, the U.S. 2x2 square, or another country-specific size entirely.
The same uncertainty appears in Spanish searches like foto tamaño pasaporte, medidas de foto para pasaporte, or medidas de foto tamaño pasaporte. Those searches usually mean the user needs the outer dimensions first and the country rule second, because the answer could be 2x2, 35 x 45 mm, 50 x 70 mm, or a smaller local ID format.
The same goes for rough shorthand like passport sized. In practice that phrase does not define one universal format. It usually means “passport-size relative to the country I need,” which is exactly why a country size guide is more useful than a one-number answer.
If your real search is passport photo size requirements by country, use this page as the sorting layer. It helps you identify the correct size family first, then jump to the country guide that defines the biometric crop, background, and upload rules for the exact document route you need.
That is also the direct answer to phrases like passport photo requirements by country 2026, passport photo requirements vary by country, standard passport photo dimensions by country, and passport photo background color by country. Those searches are not asking for one universal number. They are asking for the country map first, then the exact rule set.
The same is true for questions like are all passports the same size, do passport photo rules vary by country, or default passport photo size. There is no single worldwide passport-photo default. The closest thing to a “standard” is that a few format families repeat often, but the correct answer still depends on the country, document type, and whether the route is print-first or upload-first.
That also answers another common search pattern: international passport photo standards 2026. There is no one global passport-photo standard that settles every application. What exists instead is a small set of repeated size families, then a country-specific rule set on top of each family.
People also mix in smaller or looser size terms like 3x4, picture 3x4, 1.5 x 2, 1.5x2, 1.5x1.5, 5x5 picture size, 4x6 cm in inches, or formato 3:4. Those can be real photo or print formats, but they are not universal passport defaults. Some belong to local ID-photo workflows, some belong to generic print sizes, and some describe only a ratio without telling you the real document rule.
Quick Reference
If you are unsure which size you need, select your country in Passlens and the correct dimensions will be applied automatically. No manual measuring required.
Passport Photo Size Comparison Table
Below is a comprehensive comparison of the most common passport and ID photo sizes used around the world. Dimensions are listed in both millimeters and inches for convenience.
If your question is what size is a passport photo in cm, the answer depends on the country. The most common answers are roughly 5.1 × 5.1 cm for the U.S. 2x2 format, 3.5 × 4.5 cm for many European and visa routes, and 5.0 × 7.0 cm for Canada.
| Size (mm) | Size (inches) | Countries Using This Size |
|---|---|---|
| 51 x 51 mm | 2 x 2 in | United States, India, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia |
| 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | United Kingdom, EU countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Russia |
| 50 x 70 mm | 1.97 x 2.76 in | Canada |
| 26 x 32 mm | 1.02 x 1.26 in | Spain (DNI national ID) |
| 40 x 50 mm | 1.57 x 1.97 in | Hong Kong, China |
| 50 x 60 mm | 1.97 x 2.36 in | Turkey |
| 35 x 35 mm | 1.38 x 1.38 in | Nigeria, Ghana |
| 33 x 48 mm | 1.30 x 1.89 in | Italy (ID card) |
Note that some countries use different sizes for passports versus national ID cards or visa applications. Always check the specific requirements for the document you are applying for.
That is why a 3x4 photo can be right for one local ID workflow and wrong for a passport. It is also why a phrase like 4x6 cm in inches only gives you a rough conversion, about 1.57 × 2.36 inches, rather than a real passport answer. The size only becomes useful after you know the document class.
If your search is really Europe passport photo size or European passport photo size, the practical answer is usually 35 x 45 mm. But even that is only the first layer. France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the UK all sit near that same format family while still applying different background, digital-upload, or authority-specific rules.
That is why queries like dimensions for passport size photo, dimension passport size photo, or European passport photo dimensions usually belong on a country guide after this one. The outer measurements are useful, but the country-specific biometric crop is what decides whether the final photo actually works.
How passport photo requirements vary by country
A common mistake is treating passport photos as a single universal standard. In reality, passport photo requirements vary by country in at least four important ways: the outer size, the head-height target, the background colour, and the digital-upload rules. That means two countries can both use 35 x 45 mm and still reject the same image for completely different reasons.
| Country | Outer size | What differs most |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 x 2 in / 51 x 51 mm | Square crop, white background, strict 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 upload range |
| United Kingdom | 35 x 45 mm | Light grey or cream background, digital HMPO workflow |
| France | 35 x 45 mm | White background banned, blue-grey or light grey preferred |
| Germany | 35 x 45 mm | Light-grey preference, strict adult face height, digital-only authority workflow |
| Ireland | 35 x 45 mm | Passport Online digital checks, white/grey/cream background accepted |
| Singapore | Passport crop plus portal file rules | Preferred 400 x 514 digital upload target with broad format support |
That is why the safest workflow is to start from the exact country guide rather than a generic size chart. Use the broad chart to orient yourself, then move to the specific guide for the route you actually need: United States, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Singapore are all good examples of why “same size” does not mean “same rule”.
US Passport Photo: 2x2 Inches (51x51mm)
The United States requires a 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photo for passport applications. This square format is also used for US visa applications, Green Card photos, and Diversity Visa Lottery entries. The head must measure between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Digital file: 600 x 600 pixels minimum for online submissions
- Print resolution: 300 DPI or higher on photo-quality paper
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Head size: 50% to 69% of the total image height
- File format: JPEG for digital submissions, maximum 240 KB
US Online Renewal
Since 2023, the US Department of State accepts online passport renewal with a digital photo upload. Your image must be between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, in JPEG format, and no larger than 240 KB. Passlens can export in the exact format needed.
UK and EU Passport Photo: 35x45mm
The 35 x 45 mm format is the most widely used passport photo size in the world. It is the standard for the United Kingdom, all European Union member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries. Despite sharing the same physical dimensions, each country may have slightly different rules for head positioning and background color.
| Country | Photo size | Adult head-height target | Background direction | Best next guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 35 x 45 mm | 29-34 mm | Light grey or cream | UK passport photo guide |
| France | 35 x 45 mm | 32-36 mm | Light grey or blue-grey, not white | France passport photo guide |
| Germany | 35 x 45 mm | 32-36 mm | Plain background, preferably light grey | Germany passport photo guide |
| Ireland | 35 x 45 mm | 32-36 mm | White, light grey, or cream | Ireland passport photo guide |
| South Korea | 35 x 45 mm | Country-specific biometric crop | Plain light background with strict facial visibility | South Korea passport photo guide |
Pay special attention to the background color requirement, which varies by country even within the EU. France specifically bans pure white backgrounds, Germany prefers a plain light-grey background, Ireland accepts white/grey/cream, and the UK usually works best with a light grey or cream backdrop. The safest route is to open the country guide before you assume that one 35 x 45 mm crop works everywhere.
Passport photo head size requirements by country
Searches for passport photo head size requirements by country usually happen after someone already knows the outer dimensions. That is the right instinct: the outer frame is only one part of a compliant passport photo. The real rejection risk often comes from the biometric crop inside the frame, especially face height, eye line, and the amount of space above the head.
| Country | Outer frame | Head / face-height guidance | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 x 2 in / 51 x 51 mm | Face height should be 50% to 69% of total image height | The U.S. route is square, so head size is checked differently from most 35 x 45 mm passport workflows. |
| United Kingdom | 35 x 45 mm | 29-34 mm from chin to crown | A UK photo can fail even when the outer size is right if the face is too small or too large for HMPO. |
| France | 35 x 45 mm | 32-36 mm from chin to crown | France pairs the biometric crop with a no-white background rule, so both framing and backdrop matter. |
| Germany | 35 x 45 mm | 32-36 mm from chin to crown | Germany keeps a tight adult biometric crop and now combines it with a digital-only authority workflow. |
| Ireland | 35 x 45 mm | About 32-36 mm from chin to crown | Passport Online checks the digital framing, so a print-looking photo can still fail online. |
| Canada | 50 x 70 mm | 31-36 mm from chin to crown | The frame is larger than most countries, so using a standard 35 x 45 mm crop will not work. |
The practical takeaway is simple: if you are matching a country by size alone, you are still missing the part that often causes rejection. Open the specific country guide and confirm the head-height target, background rule, and digital workflow together. Start with the U.S. guide, France, Germany, Ireland, or Singapore depending on the route you need.
If you are looking for the most typical passport photo size worldwide, the closest answer is still 35 x 45 mm. But that “typical” label is only useful when it pushes you to the next question: which country-specific crop, background, and digital-upload rules sit inside that frame for the document you actually need?
Canadian Passport Photo: 50x70mm
Canada uses a distinctive 50 x 70 mm passport photo, one of the larger standard sizes. The face must measure between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown. Canadian photos are unique in that they require a guarantor's signature on the back of one copy, and two identical photos must be submitted.
- Photo dimensions must be exactly 50mm wide by 70mm tall
- Face height from chin to crown: 31mm to 36mm
- Plain white or light-colored background with no shadows
- Taken within the last 12 months (6 months for renewal)
- Expression must be neutral with mouth closed
- Both ears should be visible if possible
Canadian Photo Tip
Canadian passport photos must include part of the shoulders, unlike some other countries that only require a close-up head shot. Make sure to capture enough of the upper body when taking your photo.
Other Notable Sizes: Spain, Hong Kong, and Turkey
Spain DNI: 26 x 32 mm
Spain's national identity card (DNI) uses one of the smallest standard photo sizes at just 26 x 32 mm. This tiny format requires precise cropping so that the face fills the frame appropriately. Spanish passport photos, however, follow the EU standard 35 x 45 mm size. When applying for a DNI, make sure you are using the correct smaller format.
Hong Kong: 40 x 50 mm
Hong Kong requires a 40 x 50 mm photo for its HKSAR passport and identity card applications. The head, from chin to crown, must measure between 32mm and 36mm. The background must be white, and the photo must be taken against a plain, evenly lit backdrop. This size is also used in mainland China for certain documents.
Turkey: 50 x 60 mm
Turkey uses a 50 x 60 mm format, which is taller than most international standards. The face must be centered in the frame, and the background must be white. Turkish passport photos have specific requirements about ear visibility. Both ears must be visible, meaning head coverings that obscure the ears are generally not permitted unless worn for religious reasons.
Automatic Sizing
Passlens includes presets for all of these country-specific sizes. Simply choose your destination country and document type, and the photo will be cropped and sized automatically to the exact requirements.
Digital Photo Pixel Dimensions
When submitting passport photos electronically, you need to think in pixels rather than millimeters. The pixel dimensions depend on the physical size and the resolution (DPI) of the image. Most countries require at least 300 DPI for printed photos, but digital submissions may have specific pixel requirements.
| Physical Size | At 300 DPI | At 600 DPI | Common Digital Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 x 51 mm (2x2 in) | 600 x 600 px | 1200 x 1200 px | 600 x 600 px (US online) |
| 35 x 45 mm | 413 x 531 px | 827 x 1063 px | 600 x 750 px (UK online) |
| 50 x 70 mm | 591 x 827 px | 1181 x 1654 px | Varies by province |
| 26 x 32 mm | 307 x 378 px | 614 x 756 px | N/A (print only) |
| 40 x 50 mm | 472 x 591 px | 945 x 1181 px | 400 x 500 px (HK online) |
| 50 x 60 mm | 591 x 709 px | 1181 x 1417 px | N/A (print only) |
Always check whether your specific application portal has minimum and maximum file size limits. For example, the US Department of State requires JPEG files between 10 KB and 240 KB, while the UK's online service accepts files up to 10 MB. If you need the exact conversion table for 2x2, 35x45, 50x70, and Singapore's 400 x 514 upload target, use the passport photo size in pixels guide next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the passport photo size requirements by country?
They differ by outer size, head or face height, background rule, and digital upload workflow. The fastest way to think about it is by country groups: the United States uses 2 x 2 inches, many European routes use 35 x 45 mm, Canada uses 50 x 70 mm, and the digital rules can still differ inside those groups.
Do passport photo requirements vary by country even when the size looks the same?
Yes. That is one of the most important passport-photo facts to understand. Countries can share the same outer size and still differ on head height, background colour, digital upload dimensions, and the exact biometric crop. France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the UK all illustrate that point well.
Can two countries both use 35x45 mm but still reject the same photo?
Yes. A 35 x 45 mm photo that works for one country can still fail another if the face height, background, or digital submission rules differ. France is strict about avoiding pure white backgrounds, Germany prefers light grey and has strict biometric framing, and Ireland mixes print and Passport Online requirements.
Which countries use a 2x2 passport photo?
The strongest and most widely recognized 2 x 2 inch workflow is the United States. That square format also shows up in related U.S. visa and green-card routes, but it is not the normal global default. Many other countries use portrait formats such as 35 x 45 mm or 50 x 70 mm instead.
Do digital passport uploads use the same rules as printed photos?
Not always. The underlying biometric crop usually comes from the same document standard, but digital uploads often add their own pixel, file-size, and format rules. That is why a printed passport photo can still need a separate digital export for online submission.
What is the most typical passport photo size worldwide?
The most typical passport photo size worldwide is 35 x 45 mm. It appears across the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. But it is only a starting point, because those countries still differ on the biometric crop, background, and digital workflow.
What is the usual European passport photo size?
For most European passport routes, the usual outer size is 35 x 45 mm. That said, “European passport photo size” is only the format family, not the full answer. France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK still apply different background, face-height, and digital-submission rules inside that same broad frame.
Are passport photo head size requirements by country more important than the outer size?
Often yes. The outer frame gets you into the right format, but the head size inside the frame is where many rejections happen. A 35 x 45 mm photo can still fail if the face is too small, too large, or placed too high or too low for the country’s biometric standard.
Create Your Passport Photo Now
Getting the right passport photo size does not have to be complicated. With Passlens, you select your country and document type, take or upload a photo, and the app handles the rest. Automatic cropping, sizing, and background adjustment ensure your photo meets official requirements every time.
Passlens is local by default. If you choose the optional server path for heavier processing, the image is used only for that request and then cleared.