Passport Photo Requirements Around the World: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you are a travel enthusiast or embark on your travel adventure worldwide, you must have a passport. The passport is a widely recognized identification form worldwide.
But do you know that passport photo requirements vary from country to country? Suppose you don’t follow the specific rules of your destination country. In that case, you may face delays, extra fees, or even rejection of your passport application.
While few countries accept black-and-white passport photos, some gather passport photos in digital file format to facilitate automatic facial recognition. However, if you need help creating digital images, order passport photos online and meet all the required passport photo criteria.
Here, we will provide a comprehensive guide on worldwide passport photo requirements.
General Guidelines for Passport Photos
The photo should be in color and printed on high-quality photo paper.
The photo must be sharp and clear, with no shadows or glare.
The photo must show your front face with a neutral expression.
The photo must have a plain white or light-colored background with no patterns or objects.
The photo must be a recent one that reflects your current appearance.
The photo should not have any filters, edits, or enhancements.
The photo should not show accessories covering your faces or hair, like hats, sunglasses, headphones, or jewelry. However, you can wear prescription glasses or religious headwear if they do not obscure your eyes or facial features.
The photo should not show any tattoos, piercings, scars, or marks that are not permanent.
Common Variations for Passport Photos
While the general guidelines are widely accepted, some countries have additional or different requirements for passport visa photo. Here are they:
Size
The standard size for passport photos is 51 x 51 mm, but some countries may require a different size. For example, Canada requires 50 x 70 mm (Canada is very strict on paper-quality photos, only photos printed on plain, photo-quality paper are acceptable. Those printed on heavyweight paper are rejected), China requires 33 x 48 mm, and UK, Europe, Singapore, Australia requires 35 x 45 mm. Make sure to check the exact dimensions before printing your photos.
Head size
The size of your head in the photo should be proportional to the size of the picture. Most countries require that your head occupies between 50% and 70% of the photo area. However, some countries may have stricter or looser rules. For example, Australia requires that your head occupies between 32% and 36% of the photo area, while Brazil allows up to 80%.
Eye position
The position of your eyes in the photo should be aligned with a specific point or line on the picture. Most countries require that your eyes are between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. However, some countries may have different measurements. For example, Japan requires that your eyes are between 26 mm and 30 mm, while France requires that your eyes are between 20 mm and 30 mm from the top of the photo.
Smile
Most countries do not allow you to smile in your passport photo, which may alter your facial features. However, some countries may allow a slight smile or a natural expression. For example, New Zealand allows a smile that does not show your teeth or gums, while Mexico allows a smile that does not change the shape of your face.
As you see from the above, passport visa photo criteria are rigorous, and creating such photos yourself is tedious. Still, an effortless way out is to order passport photos online and get the right one.
Uncommon Variations for Passport Photos
Some countries have unique or unusual requirements for passport photos that may surprise you. Here are some examples:
Saudi Arabia
Women must wear a black headscarf that covers their hair and ears in their passport photos. Men must not wear any headwear unless it is for religious reasons.
North Korea
Passport photos must be taken at an official studio approved by the government. The images must show men wearing suits and ties and women wearing dresses.
Iran
Passport photos must show the applicant’s hands, shoulders, and face. Women should wear a hijab that covers their hair and neck in their passport photos.
Netherlands
Passport photos must show the applicant’s ears clearly. If the applicant has long hair or bangs, they must tuck them behind their ears or pin them up.
Conclusion
You must be aware of these passport photo requirements worldwide when traveling. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to apply for a passport by taking your photo from home, order passport photos online at AAAID Digital Passport Photos. Click your image, upload it, and get them mailed to your preferred address for $3.
Comments
Post a Comment