Holidaymakers will need to check their passports are still valid before jetting off this summer and if they need to sort a new one, they’ll need to make sure their passport photo meets the rules.
What are the requirements and how can I ensure my passport photo is accepted by the US?
Here’s what the government website says about passport photos.
Online application? You can choose to receive a code along with your photo:
📷 Take a digital passport picture at a photo booth or store
📷 You can choose to receive a code along with your photos
📷 Enter the code in order to upload your digital photo when you apply.
Find out more: https://t.co/MOzLgu138j pic.twitter.com/GeNAHBypud
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) May 22, 2023
You should adhere to the rules for passport photos
If you’re applying for a passport online, you’ll need to make sure you have a digital photo.
When you get a new passport, you must issue a new photo even if you think your appearance hasn’t changed.
Your photo needs to have been taken within a month of applying for your passport and if your photo doesn’t meet the rules, your application will be delayed.
If you’re disabled, help with your passport photos is available.
Photo rules for digital photos
Before applying for a new passport, you can have a digital photograph taken in a shop or photo booth. Or you can use your device to take the photo.
Learn more about how to get a digital photograph via the website of the government.
The digital photo must have a clear, sharp focus in color, be unaltered with computer software and at least 600 pixels by 750 pixels. It should also be at least 50KB in size and not exceed 10MB.
The digital photograph must not contain any other objects or persons and must be taken on a plain, light-colored background.
The photo must also be in clear contrast to the background and not have ‘red eye’.
You can request our expedited services if you:
✅ You’re in the UK
The following are some examples of how to get started:
✅ If you need to replace, update, renew or replace a passport or if your child needs their first passport
Find out more at https://t.co/KzuNNUAeHt pic.twitter.com/BTbPmJ1dL1
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) May 18, 2023
You will want to include your head, shoulders, and upper body in the photo. You mustn’t crop it though as that will be sorted for you.
According to the government website, you must face the camera and look directly into it when taking a photo.
You must have your mouth closed, and both eyes open and visible.
You should never let your hair fall in front of you eyes, and do not cover your head unless for medical or religious reasons.
There should be no shadows or anything covering your face.
If you must wear glasses, they should be tinted or sunglasses. They should also not cover your eyes or cause glare or reflection.
If you’re taking a passport photo of a baby or child, they must be on their own in the picture and can’t be holding toys or using dummies.
Children aged under 6 don’t have to look directly at the camera or have a plain expression.
If the child is under 1, you can close their eyes and support their head with your hand so long as it’s not visible.
Those under 1 should lie on a sheet that’s plain and light-coloured and the photo should be taken from above.
Photo rules
If you’d like to apply for a passport using a paper form, you will need two identical printed photos.
Photos must be printed at 45mm high and 35mm wide, the same size as those used in UK photobooths. They cannot be reduced versions of larger pictures.
Your passport may be considered damaged if it has been subjected to more wear and tear than is reasonable. You might not be allowed to travel with your passport.
To find out more and replace it online, visit: https://t.co/TNntAKeX8l pic.twitter.com/MsFACBODcO
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) May 16, 2023
The image should show that the distance between your crown and your chin must be between 29mm-34mm.
The printed photos must be in focus, clear, and free of computer software.
It must be printed professionally in colour and on plain white photo paper, without any border.
They can’t have any creases or tears and they must be unmarked on both sides unless a photo needs to be countersigned.
The photo must be of your head and shoulders in close-up, taken on a light or cream background.
They can’t contain other people or objects and they must be in clear contrast to the background and not have ‘red eye’.
Face forward and face straight into the camera. Close your mouth and keep your eyes visible.
What happens when you miss your plane due to delays at the airport?
You must be able to express yourself clearly. No hair should fall over your eyes or cover your face.
A head covering can only be worn if it is for religious or medical reasons and there can’t be any shadows on your face or behind you.
For printed photos, the same rules apply as for digital photos.
When you post your photos, they must be separated from each other and left loose – don’t attach them to your passport application form.
The government website has examples of passport photos that are correct and incorrect.