Turkey Passport Photo Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide
Comprehensive guide to Turkish passport photo specifications from the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, including the larger 50x60mm format, white background, and biometric standards.
Overview
Turkish passport photos must meet the biometric standards established by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs (Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü). Turkey uses a distinctive 50 mm x 60 mm photo format, which is significantly larger than the 35x45 mm standard used by most countries.
You will need a compliant photo when applying for a new Turkish passport, renewing your passport, or applying for a Turkish identity card (kimlik kartı). Since 2017, Turkey has issued biometric e-passports with enhanced security features, and photo quality standards have been tightened accordingly.
Turkish passports are valid for 10 years for adults, and shorter periods for minors. The 50x60 mm format is critical to get right, as standard passport photos from other countries will not be accepted.
Official Specifications
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Document | Passport |
| Size | 50 × 60 mm |
| Background | White |
The Turkish passport photo must measure 50 mm wide by 60 mm tall. This is one of the largest passport photo formats in the world. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months and printed on high-quality photo paper.
The face must occupy 70–80% of the frame. The applicant’s head, from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, should be approximately 36–45 mm in height. The face must be centred with adequate space above the head and below the chin.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 50 mm x 60 mm |
| Face coverage | 70–80% of frame |
| Background | White |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Print quality | Biometric quality, photo paper |
| Colour | Full colour, no filters |
Biometric Format
Turkey’s 50x60 mm format is a biometric-specific size. Standard 35x45 mm or 2x2 inch photos cannot be used. Do not attempt to resize a standard photo, as this will distort the facial proportions required for biometric verification.
Background Requirements
Turkey requires a plain white background for passport photos. The background must be completely uniform with no patterns, gradients, textures, or visible objects. Off-white, grey, or coloured backgrounds are not accepted.
There must be no shadows on the background. The lighting must be even and diffused from multiple directions to eliminate shadows behind the subject and on the face. The white background should be bright and clean without any discolouration.
- Plain white background only
- No shadows anywhere in the photo
- No patterns, objects, or other people visible
- Uniform brightness across the entire background
- Clear contrast between the subject and the background
Clothing and Appearance
The applicant must face the camera directly with a neutral expression. The mouth must be closed, and both eyes must be open and clearly visible. The face must be evenly illuminated without harsh shadows.
Glasses
Turkey does not allow glasses in biometric passport photos. This includes all types of eyewear: prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. The rule has been in effect since the introduction of biometric passports in 2017.
Head Coverings
Turkey allows head coverings for religious reasons. Women who wear a headscarf (başörtüsü) may keep it on for their passport photo. However, the headscarf must not cover any part of the face, and the full facial outline from chin to forehead must be clearly visible. The headscarf should not cast shadows on the face.
Clothing
Wear clothing that contrasts with the white background. White or very light-coloured clothing should be avoided. Military uniforms are not permitted for civilian passports. The clothing should be everyday attire.
Grooming
The photo must represent the applicant’s current appearance. Heavy makeup that significantly alters facial features is not permitted. The applicant should look as they would on a typical day.
How to Make It with Passlens
Passlens supports the Turkish 50x60 mm biometric format, making it easy to create a compliant photo without visiting a professional studio.
- Open Passlens and select the Turkey Passport preset. This configures the 50x60 mm dimensions automatically.
- Remove your glasses. Wear clothing that contrasts with white.
- Take a photo with even lighting from the front, or upload an existing photo.
- Passlens will apply a white background, detect your face, and crop to the correct 50x60 mm biometric dimensions with proper head positioning.
- Review the result. Ensure the face occupies 70–80% of the frame and there are no shadows.
- Download for digital use or print on photo paper. When printing, verify the output measures exactly 50x60 mm.
Where to Submit
Turkish passport applications are handled by the population directorates (nüfus müdürlükleri) and Turkish consulates abroad.
Within Turkey
Apply at your local Nüfus Müdürlüğü (Population Directorate) or at an appointment-based service point. You can book an appointment through the e-Devlet (e-Government) portal or the ALO 199 hotline. Bring two biometric photos. Standard processing takes 15 to 20 business days. Expedited processing is available in some offices.
Outside Turkey
Turkish citizens abroad should apply at the nearest Turkish Consulate General. Processing times vary by location but generally take 4 to 8 weeks. Some consulates offer a photo service on-site, but bringing your own compliant photos saves time.
e-Devlet Integration
Turkey’s e-Devlet portal allows citizens to initiate the passport application process online, including scheduling appointments and paying fees. However, the physical photo submission and biometric data capture still require an in-person visit.
Common Mistakes
The non-standard photo size and strict biometric requirements lead to many rejections. Here are the most common mistakes:
- Wrong photo size: Using 35x45 mm instead of the required 50x60 mm is the most frequent error, especially for Turks living abroad who get photos at local studios unfamiliar with the Turkish format.
- Wearing glasses: All eyewear must be removed for biometric photos.
- Face too small or too large: The face must cover 70–80% of the frame. Incorrect framing is a common issue with home-taken photos.
- Headscarf casting shadow: While headscarves are permitted, they must not create shadows on the face or background.
- Non-white background: Grey, off-white, or coloured backgrounds are rejected.
- Photo not biometric quality: The photo must be high resolution and printed on glossy or semi-glossy photo paper. Standard paper prints are rejected.
- Scaling errors when printing: Home printers may resize the image. Always verify the printed dimensions are exactly 50x60 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Turkish passport photo 50x60 mm?
Turkey adopted the 50x60 mm format as part of its biometric passport programme. The larger format provides more facial detail for biometric analysis and matches the standards used in Turkey’s national identity card (kimlik) system. This ensures consistency across all Turkish identity documents.
Can I use the same photo for my Turkish passport and identity card (kimlik)?
Yes. Both the Turkish passport and the kimlik kartı (identity card) use the same 50x60 mm biometric photo format. A single set of photos can be used for both applications.
Can I wear a headscarf (başörtüsü) in my Turkish passport photo?
Yes. Turkey permits headscarves worn for religious reasons in passport photos. The headscarf must not cover any facial features and must not cast shadows on the face. The face from chin to forehead must be fully visible.
Where can I get 50x60 mm photos printed outside Turkey?
The 50x60 mm format is uncommon outside Turkey, and many local photo studios may not offer it. Passlens allows you to create the correctly sized image at home and print it on standard 4x6 inch photo paper. You can then cut the photo to the correct 50x60 mm dimensions.
How many photos do I need for a Turkish passport application?
You need two identical biometric photos for a standard Turkish passport application. It is advisable to bring a few extra copies in case of errors at the application counter.