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Passports are essential travel documents that contain vital information about the holder, including their photograph. The size of a passport, specifically an international one, is standardized at 4.921 inches by 3.465 inches (12.5 cm by 8.8 cm) as determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
When it comes to passport photos, there are specific measurements that must be adhered to for them to be accepted. In the United States, a passport photo must measure 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with the head being between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) high from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
Key Takeaways
- Passports are generally of a standard size, measuring 4.921 inches by 3.465 inches (12.5 cm by 8.8 cm), as per the ICAO.
- U.S. passport photos must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size, with specific measurements for the head.
- Different countries may have variations in their standard passport photo sizes and requirements.
Passport Photo Basic Requirements
When taking your passport photo, ensure it is in color and has a resolution high enough to reproduce skin tones accurately without any shadows. The size of the photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm) or 5.1 x 5.1 cm.
Ensure that your photo is taken against a plain white background, and avoid wearing a hat or glasses that can cause shadows. It is essential that your hair does not obscure your face or touch the edges of the photo.
When posing for the photo, keep your head centered and aligned with the camera directly. Your face should be in a neutral expression, with both eyes open and your mouth closed. The top of the head to the bottom of the chin should measure between 25mm and 35mm or 2.5 and 3.5 cm.
For children, the same basic requirements apply, but make sure to follow any additional guidelines specific to minors. Adjust the camera’s position for their height, and ensure a neutral, clear facial expression.
Remember that passport photos must be of high quality and printed on either glossy or matte photo paper. The photo should not be older than six months and different from any previously used passport photo.
Standard Passport Photo Sizes by Country
When it comes to passport photo sizes, requirements can vary between countries. For your convenience, we’ve gathered information on some common dimensions you may encounter.
In the United States, passport photos should be 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm). This size is also applicable for U.S. visa applications, and even Indian passport photos.
For Australian passport photos, the required dimensions are 35 x 45 mm, which are shared with the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and a number of European countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Sweden.
If you’re applying for a Canadian passport, the required photo size is slightly bigger at 50 x 70 mm. Some countries like Belgium, Finland, and Russia also have unique measurements for their passport photos.
Make sure to check specific requirements when planning to apply for a passport or driving license in countries like Brazil, Cambodia, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Turkey, and Vietnam, as dimensions may differ. You can find a comprehensive list of passport photo sizes for over 140 countries to ensure your passport photo fits each country’s requirements.
Correct Size and Resolution for Digital Images
When taking passport photos, it’s crucial to follow the correct size and resolution guidelines, ensuring that your images meet the requirements. Your passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
Additionally, the head size should measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) vertically from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. It’s important to note that digital images should be 24 bits per pixel and in sRGB color space.
Don’t forget to save your digital photo as a JPEG file format. The file size should be between 54 kilobytes and 10 megabytes. If your photo exceeds the maximum size or has a compression ratio higher than 20:1, it might be rejected.
Your passport application relies on a high-quality image. Ensure that your photo has a resolution suitable for print size. Typically, the resolution should be at least 300 dpi to maintain a crisp and clear appearance.
By following these guidelines, you can increase the chances of your passport application being accepted without delays. Remember to verify that your photo is taken within the last 6 months, in color, and set against a white background to meet the US passport photo requirements.
New Passport and Green Card Photo Guidelines
When applying for a new passport or green card, it is essential to know the requirements for your photo. The dimensions for a U.S. passport photo should be 2 inches in width and 2 inches in height. In centimeters, this would equate to approximately 5.08cm by 5.08cm.
The Department of State sets the passport standards, ensuring photos accurately reproduce skin tones and are clear without shadows. Keep in mind that your photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
The head size in the photo should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height. Make sure that the photo has a white or off-white background, as required by the green card photo requirements.
While both passports and green cards require the same dimensions for the photo, green card applicants need to ensure their head measurements are 1 inch to 1 and 3/8 inches (25mm-35mm) in height and their eye height is between 1 and 1/8 inches to 1 and 3/8 inches (28mm-35mm) from the bottom of the photo.
Don’t forget, proper photo guidelines are important for all your IDs, not just passports and green cards. Following these guidelines will increase the likelihood of your application being accepted, making the process smoother and more efficient for you.
Online Passport Photo Services
When applying for a U.S. passport, you need a professional and accepted passport photo. Online passport photo services come to your rescue to make this process smoother.
One important requirement for passport photos is their size. In the U.S., passport and ID photos must be 2×2 inches (equivalent to 51×51 millimeters) in dimension.
Various online platforms cater to this need by offering passport photo solutions. With these services, you can easily create the required 2×2 inch passport photo without any hassle.
Some online passport photo services might also offer tools, such as cropping or resizing, to help you obtain the perfect photo. As a result, you always get a perfect passport photo fitting the required dimensions.
It is crucial to ensure that the photo you submit for your passport application is accepted. To do so, follow the U.S. Department of State guidelines for passport photos.
By using online passport photo services, you can save time, reduce the cost, and obtain a high-quality, professional photo tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a passport photo in inches?
The correct size for a passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Ensure that your head is between 1 – 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
What are the dimensions of a passport photo in centimeters?
In centimeters, passport photos should measure approximately 5.1 x 5.1 cm. Make sure your head size is within the 2.5 – 3.5 cm range from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
What are the requirements for a passport photo size?
Passport photos must be printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, not digitally altered, and free of damage such as holes, creases, or smudges.
How do I convert passport photo size from inches to centimeters?
To convert passport photo size from inches to centimeters, simply multiply the dimensions in inches by 2.54. For instance, a 2 x 2 inch photo would be approximately 5.1 x 5.1 cm.
What are the common passport photo sizes for different countries?
While the standard size for international passports is 4.921 inches by 3.465 inches (12.5 cm x 8.8 cm) source, photo requirements may vary depending on the country. Always check the specific requirements for the country you are applying to before taking your passport photo.
What tools can I use to create a passport-sized photo?
Numerous online tools and mobile applications are available for creating passport-sized photos. These services can help you crop, resize, and format your photo according to the specific requirements of the country in question. Additionally, many local retail stores offer in-person passport photo services.
