Passport photos look simple, but they can still slow down an application if they do not meet the specs. In many systems, a non-compliant photo triggers a request to resubmit before processing can continue. The tricky part is that there is no single global standard. One country may want a 2 × 2 inch photo, another may require a 35 × 45 mm print, and others accept digital uploads with strict pixel and file rules.
Below is a reader-friendly list of 20 large countries where English is an official national language (by population) in alphabetical order, along with the passport photo sizes they publish for applicant-supplied photos.
For this article, “English-speaking” means English is an official language at the national level (including where it is one of multiple official national languages). Population rankings are based on the most recent available estimates published by the United Nations World Population Prospects (see Sources section for a link).
Method note: This list was compiled by filtering UN WPP countries using the rule above (English is an official national language), then selecting the 20 highest-population matches and presenting them A to Z. This intentionally excludes places where English is widely used but not an official national language.
Important: Passport photo rules can vary by application channel (in-country vs embassy or consulate, paper vs online). Always confirm your issuing authority’s current guidance before you print or upload.
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Quick notes
- Width × height: Dimensions below are listed as width × height. If a country publishes height × width, I have converted it and listed it as width × height throughout to keep the table consistent.
- Inches vs millimeters: 2 × 2 inches is about 51 × 51 mm. Many countries use 35 × 45 mm.
- Common formats: 35 × 45 mm is a very common “UK/EU-style” size. 2 × 2 in is the classic “US-style” size.
- Print vs digital: Some countries accept digital submissions (often for online renewals). Digital specs (pixels, file size, compression) can be stricter than print-size rules and are not fully covered by a print-size table.
- Head size rules still matter: Two photos can be the same paper size, but one can be rejected if your head appears too small or too large within the frame.
- Children and babies: Many authorities add extra rules for infants and young children, especially around head position and expression. Check the child-photo guidance if it applies.
- How many photos: Some authorities require two identical photos, even when the size is the same. Always confirm the quantity for your exact application type.
- Always check your issuing authority: Requirements can change, and overseas embassies sometimes publish extra instructions.
Passport photo sizes (20 countries)
Below are the photo dimensions as stated in the official sources linked below for standard passport photo submissions. Where an authority typically captures photos at the office, or where a linked page does not clearly publish a single fixed size, I have noted that so you do not waste time printing photos you may not need.
| Country | How you submit (typical) | Published photo size (width × height) |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Printed photos or digital (varies by channel) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Canada | Printed photos (for many applications) | 50 × 70 mm |
| Ghana | Printed photos or digital (per authority guidance) | 35 × 45 mm |
| India | Printed photos (common for many channels) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Ireland | Digital (online) or printed (paper) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Jamaica | Printed photos | 35 × 45 mm |
| Kenya | Digital upload (eCitizen) or printed (some channels) | See official guidance for your channel (size is not consistently stated on all entry pages) |
| Liberia | Printed photos | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
| Malawi | Printed photos (common) | Check the issuing office guidance for the current published size (the general passports page may not list a single fixed dimension) |
| Malaysia | Printed photos | 35 × 50 mm |
| New Zealand | Digital (online) or printed (paper) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Nigeria | Digital upload (common) or printed (some channels) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Pakistan | Printed photos | 35 × 45 mm |
| Philippines | Often captured at the office for many applicants | Not required for many in-person ePassport applications (see source) |
| Singapore | Digital upload (common) | 35 × 45 mm |
| South Africa | Printed photos | 35 × 45 mm (confirm current DHA instructions for quantity and any channel-specific notes) |
| Tanzania | Printed photos or digital (varies by channel) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Uganda | Printed photos or digital (varies by channel) | 35 × 45 mm |
| United Kingdom | Digital (online) or printed (paper) | 35 × 45 mm |
| United States | Printed photos (and some online renewal flows) | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
Note on Kenya and Malawi: Some official “how to apply” pages focus on process and may not publish a single clear photo dimension on the page itself, even though the application workflow can still enforce a spec. Use the official link below for your channel, and follow any photo upload tool prompts or downloadable instructions if provided.
Note on the Philippines: The DFA commonly processes many ePassport applicants with onsite image capture. If you are applying through a different channel (for example, certain overseas services or special cases), follow the exact instructions for that channel rather than relying on a generic print size.
Common rejection reasons
Even when the paper size is correct, applications can still get held up for small, fixable issues. Here are the problems people most commonly run into.
- Wrong background: Many countries require a plain light background, often white or off-white. Some require a specific tone.
- Shadows and uneven lighting: Shadows behind the head or across the face are frequent dealbreakers.
- Head size or positioning: If the face is not centered, or the head appears too large or too small relative to the frame, the photo may be rejected. Some countries specify a face-height range.
- Expression and eyes: A neutral expression is commonly required. Eyes typically must be open and clearly visible.
- Glasses and glare: Rules differ by country. Some prohibit glasses; others allow them only if there is no glare and frames do not cover the eyes.
- Head coverings and uniforms: Head coverings are often allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and uniforms or camouflage-style clothing can be discouraged. Follow the specific guidance for your issuing authority.
- Editing and filters: Smoothing, background replacement, and beauty filters can lead to rejection even if the photo looks “professional.”
- Recency and print quality: Some applications fail because the photo is too old, printed on the wrong finish, or shows pixelation or printer marks.
How to use this list
If you are getting your photo taken at a pharmacy, print shop, or studio, bring the size line for your country and say: “I need exactly this dimension for a passport photo.” If you are uploading a digital photo, use the size here as your starting point, then confirm the country’s current online rules for pixels, file size, and cropping.
One practical tip that saves time: ask for an extra set of prints. If your application needs a second photo for a visa or an ID card, you will be glad you did not have to schedule another photo session.
Sources and links
For the most reliable confirmation, consult the official passport office or immigration authority for the country issuing the passport. Requirements can be updated, and embassy pages sometimes add extra details for overseas applicants.
- Population source for “largest by population”: United Nations, World Population Prospects (latest revision)
Passport photo requirement sources (by country):
- Australia: Australian Passport Office, photo requirements
- Canada: Government of Canada, passport photo specifications
- Ghana: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (Ghana), photo requirements
- India: Passport Seva (India), photo and signature FAQ
- Ireland: Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland), passport photos
- Jamaica: PICA Jamaica, passport photograph requirements
- Kenya: Directorate of Immigration Services (Kenya), passport application guidance
- Liberia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Liberia), passport photo requirements
- Malawi: Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services (Malawi), passports
- Malaysia: Immigration Department of Malaysia, passport photo specifications
- New Zealand: New Zealand Passports, photo requirements
- Nigeria: Nigeria Immigration Service, passport photograph specifications
- Pakistan: Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (Pakistan), photo specifications
- Philippines: Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines), passport requirements
- Singapore: ICA Singapore, passport photo guidelines
- South Africa: Department of Home Affairs (South Africa), passport photo requirements
- Tanzania: Immigration Services Department (Tanzania), passport photo specifications
- Uganda: Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (Uganda), passport photo requirements
- United Kingdom: UK Government, photos for passports
- United States: U.S. Department of State, passport photo requirements
Tip: If you apply through an embassy or consulate, also check the mission’s page for any local instructions (for example, number of copies, paper type, or whether digital uploads are accepted).