UK Passport Photo Requirements
Updated for 2026. Based on GOV.UK guidelines.
Photo specifications
| Print size | 35 x 45 mm |
| Digital size | 600 x 750 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | Plain white or light grey |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | 50 KB – 10 MB |
| Head height | 29 – 34 mm |
Rules
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed, no smile.
- Glasses: Not allowed. The UK removed glasses from accepted items in 2018.
- Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.
- Ears: Not required to be visible. Hair may cover ears.
- Forehead: Should be visible. Avoid heavy fringe covering your forehead.
- Head coverings: Only allowed for religious or medical reasons. Face must be clearly visible from forehead to chin.
- Background: Plain white or light grey. No patterns, shadows, or other objects.
- Lighting: Even, no shadows on face or background. No red eye.
- Recency: Must look like you do now.
Common rejection reasons
- Shadows on face or behind head
- Wearing glasses
- Mouth open or smiling
- Background not plain white/grey
- Photo is blurry or low resolution
- Hair or head covering obscuring the face
Online vs. print applications
For online passport applications through GOV.UK, you upload a digital photo. The system checks it automatically. For postal applications, you need two identical printed photos. PassportPix provides both the digital file and a print sheet.
Official sources
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