Photo for British Passport

Photo for a British passport - a guide

When taking a photo for a British passport, there are a few requirements that need to be fulfilled if the photo, and passport application, are to be accepted. These state:

• You need to make sure that you are looking straight into the camera when you’re taking your picture.
• You need to maintain a neutral facial expression and keep your mouth closed.
• Your eyes have to be open.
• Your photo needs to have a plain white background. 
• Your face needs to be visible and not covered by sunglasses, tinted glasses, or hair. 
• Prescription glasses should be removed wherever possible. If essential for medical reasons, they must not obscure the eyes or cause glare.
• No headwear is permitted, with the exception of headgear worn for medical or religious reasons.
• You must avoid showing ‘red eye’ in the photo.
• Make sure the photo doesn’t have shadows, either on you or in the background.

British passport photo dimensions and quality

Your passport photo should be in colour, clear and focused. In addition, if you plan on submitting a printed version, it should not be damaged in any way including tears or creases. It is also important to have a recent photo (taken within the last month) that is not digitally changed. Printed photos should measure 45 x 35 mm. If you’re planning to apply using a digital application, you will need to get a photo that is at least 600 x 750 px in resolution and between 50KB and 10MB in file size.

You must make sure that no other people or objects can be seen in the shot. Your photo needs to include your full head and shoulders. The image of your face has to be visible, from the top of your head to your chin - and it has to measure between 29mm and 34mm high. 

The quality of your UK passport photo prints

Your photos need to be printed on high-quality, white photographic paper with no border. The image has to be clear and in focus. As mentioned above, you have to provide colour pictures without any creases or tears, taken on a clear and light background (preferably white or another neutral colour). Passport pictures must be unmarked on both sides unless a photo needs to be countersigned. Pictures must remain unaltered by computer software - no Photoshop! 

How many printed passport photos do I need?

When applying for a British passport on paper, you should provide 2 British passport size photos. Every time you apply for a new document, you must take a new photo for your British passport. Even if not much time has passed since your previous application and your appearance has not changed at all. The photo must be taken within the last month, which is a very short period compared to the requirements for passport photos in other European countries. If you provide out-of-date photos, your application will be rejected by the UK passport service.

Posting your photos

If you send your photos by traditional mail, keep them separate from each other. You should leave them loose in the envelope - don't stick photos or staple them to your application.

Uploading your photos

If you are planning on sending digital photos, you should simply look for the command to upload them when filling out the online application form. Some passport photo providers offer codes to allow you to access digital versions of your biometric photos. This allows you to simply input the code onto the application form, and you’re ready to go!

How should you look in your passport photo?

British passport photo guidelines:

• The frame needs to cover your entire head, neck, and top of your shoulders.
• There must be no other people or objects in the photo.
• The photo must be taken against a bright clean background: white, cream or light grey.
• Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed.
• Prescription glasses should be removed wherever possible.
• Medically necessary glasses are allowed, but they must not obscure the pupils or shape of your eyes and there must be no glare on the lenses.
• The 'red eye' effect is not accepted. 
• Your photo must be in colour, black and white photos will not be accepted.

How to pose for a British passport photo?

• Stand straight (face and body pointing forward) and look directly into the camera lens.
• Stand so that you are at least 40 cm away from the camera 
• Have a neutral expression, with your mouth closed. Smiling should be avoided, as it may cause your photo to be rejected.
• Makeup is permitted, but keep it to a minimum. Do not wear glitter-based makeup that could cause a reflection in the photo.
• Make sure that your hair does not cover your eyes, eyebrows or other parts of your face. If you have a long fringe, brush it aside.
• Make sure that your face and jawline are visible.
• Eyes need to be open and visible (pupils and irises).
• You must remove any head covering you may be wearing (wearing a religious and medical head covering is allowed).
• Make sure there are no shadows on your face, shoulders or the background of the photo.

How long will the online British passport application take?

Applying for your British passport on-line is often quicker than applying on paper, and is £9.50 cheaper.

An online UK adult passport application usually takes around 6 weeks, but it can be longer in busier periods and timescales have been affected by Covid. Check the UK government website for up-to-date online processing times. Also, failure to provide all of the necessary information when filling out your application can lead to further delays. If you are applying for your first adult passport it is likely to take an extra week. Applying for a child passport should also take 6 weeks. 

If you need a new passport urgently, you can consider using the Online Premium service (costing from £177) or 1 Week Fast Track service (from £142 for an adult passport and £122 for a child passport).

Requirements for minor passport photo

As with adult passport photos, children must be on their own in the picture. Avoid having toys or dummies in the shot when taking a passport photo for a baby. Children who are 5 years old or younger don’t have to look directly at the camera. Children younger than 1-year-old do not have to have their eyes open. In that situation, you can support the head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

Last update: 24/05/2022