Getting a passport photo rejected is frustrating. Understanding the main ICAO rules helps you avoid the most common mistakes before you print or upload your picture.
Key fact: The 35×45 mm format is widely used across Europe, North Africa, the UK, and many visa systems. At 300 DPI, it corresponds to 413 × 531 pixels.
Core ICAO principles
- One visible face only
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and looking at the camera
- Plain light background
- Sharp image with even lighting
Dimensions and resolution
| Parameter | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 35 mm | Common visa/passport standard |
| Height | 45 mm | Portrait orientation |
| Resolution | 300 DPI | 413 × 531 px |
| Output | JPG, PNG, PDF, TIFF | Depends on use case |
Framing and head position
The face should be centered and clearly visible. The head must not be too small or too large, and the eyes should sit in the upper half of the photo.
- No head tilt
- No shoulders turned sideways
- No hair covering the eyes
Background and lighting
Use a plain white or very light background. Avoid shadows behind the head and harsh light on one side of the face.
Common rejection reason: uneven background shadows. Step away from the wall and use balanced frontal lighting.
Appearance rules
- Glasses are often not accepted
- Religious head coverings may be allowed if the face remains fully visible
- No heavy filters, beauty mode, or edited facial proportions
Most common rejection reasons
- Wrong size
- Low resolution
- Bad lighting
- Background not plain enough
- Face not centered correctly
- Smile, closed eyes, or glare
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