Photo for British Passport

British printed passport photos requirements

There are few photo specifications that must be fulfilled so the photo is accepted and passport application is not rejected. The following statements must be true:

• The main rule for good preparation of the UK passport photo is to look straight into the camera
• Have a neutral facial expression and keep your mouth closed
• Tie your hair back so they don’t obstruct the face
• Have a white plain background Your eyes have to be open
• The face has to be visible and not covered by sunglasses, glasses frames, tinted glasses, or hair - prescription glasses are acceptable 
• No headwear is permitted with the exception of medical or religious reasons
• The photo cannot have the ‘red eye’ effect
• The photo cannot have shadows on the picture

British printed passport photo size

Your passport photo should be in colour, printed, clear and in focus. In addition, it should not be damaged in any way including any tears or creases. It is also important to have a recent photo (taken recently within the last 1-6 months) that is not digitally changed.

In the photo, you cannot be in the company of other people or objects. Your photo must include your full head and shoulders.The image of your face should be visible from the top of your head to your chin - it has to be between 29mm and 34mm high. While applying for a British passport in the office, you should provide 2 photo copies.

The quality of your printed UK passport photos

Your photos must be printed on high-quality, white photographic paper with no border. The image has to be clean 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 on white). Passport pictures should be unmarked on both sides unless a photo needs to be countersigned. Pictures mustn’t be altered by computer software in any way. 

How many printed passport photos do I need?

When applying for a British passport in the office, you should provide 2 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 the previous time and your appearance has not changed at all. The photo must be taken within the last month, so this is a very short period compared to the requirements for passport photos in other European countries. If you provide out-of-date photos according to HM Passport Office requirements, your application will be rejected.

Posting your photos

If you send your photos by traditional mail, keep them separate from each other. You have to toss them loosely into the envelope - don't stick photos or staple them to your application. Photos must be left loose.

How should you look on your printed passport photo?

Rules for UK passport photos:

• The frame must 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 gray.
• In the photo, your figure must be in contrast to the background.
• Hair must be tied back - so they don’t obstruct the face
• Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed.
• Medical glasses are allowed but there must be no glare in the lenses.
• If you have glasses prescribed by your doctor, they must not cover the pupils or the shape of your eyes.
• The 'red eye' effect is not accepted. 

How to pose for British passport photo?

• Stand straight (body and face facing straight ahead) and look straight into the camera lens.
• Stand at least 40 cm away from the camera 
• Have a neutral expression and mouth closed.
• Do not wear sparkling makeup.
• If you wear a long fringe, brush it aside.
• Make sure that the face oval and the jawline are visible.
• Do not smile, because photos will be rejected.
• Eyes must be open and visible (pupils and irises).
• Make sure that the hair does not cover the eyes, eyebrows or parts of the face.
• You cannot wear headcovers (religious and medical headcovers are allowed).
• Make sure there are no shadows on the face, shoulders and the background of the photo.

How long does the online British passport application take?

The UK, passport procedure can take around 6 weeks, but also it can be longer due to for example lack of some information while filling the form.

All other application types such as renewing a passport or applying for a child passport should take 3 weeks. Time for that process is the same in case of applying through the Internet. Moreover, what is important is that you will save money, almost £10 by applying for the British passport online and uploading a digital photo!

Requirements for minor passport photo

You have to know that children must be on their own in the picture. Babies are not allowed to hold toys or use dummies. Children who are younger than 6 years old 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.