French Passport Photo

French passport photo requirements

Providing a valid passport photo is one of the most important requirements of your passport application. The two photos must be identical and recent (taken within the last six months), and you should look similar to your photo on the day of filing the application. There are many other important specifications, which we will cover in this article. 

French passport photo size

The French passport photo is the same size and format used in many other official French documents, which makes getting one fairly easy. It must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, and it must show the full head from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair. The head size should be between 32 mm and 36 mm high, and cover around 70 to 80% of the photo.

Background

The background of the photo should be in a light color, but not white. We recommend light gray or light blue, but white is not allowed. The background must be uniform and plain, without shadows or patterns. There cannot be any other people or other objects in the frame with the applicant. It would be advisable to wear dark or intense colored clothes, to create appropriate contrast with the background. For instance, red, black or dark green may be a good option.

Quality

The photos must be printed on photo quality paper. It has to be in focus and of high resolution; not blurry or pixelated. It must be in color and have proper saturation, showing the natural colors of the skin, hair and eyes. It should not be overexposed or underexposed. It needs to have good contrast, neither too light nor too dark. The photos must be free of printing errors such as scratches and streaks. It cannot be bent, folded or damaged in any way.

Shadows and lighting

Smooth and even lighting is required, with no shadows on the applicant’s face or upon the background. While dramatic shadows look great in a portrait, they are unacceptable in a passport photo. Keep your key-to-fill ratio as close to one-to-one as possible. Be careful when using a fill-flash, as the flash can create the “red-eye” effect which will disqualify the photo. Try taking your photo in a well-lit area during daylight.

Facial expression

The photo should show a full-face frontal view, taken with your eyes open and your mouth closed. The head should be straight and facing the camera, with the eyes looking directly into the camera lens. Smiling is not allowed and you need to have a neutral facial expression.

Glasses

You cannot wear dark glasses or sunglasses, but ordinary prescription glasses are allowed. They cannot have tinted or colored lenses. Be careful not to wear glasses with thick, heavy frames that might cover your eyes. While taking a picture, don't let light reflect on the lenses, which causes glare.

Head covering

You cannot wear a hat, cap, headgear or scarf in the French passport photo, or any other item covering your forehead or your eyes. The only exception is for head coverings that are worn every day for religious reasons, such as hijabs and yarmulkes. Face masks and veils are not allowed. If possible, the subject’s ears and hairline should be visible. Headphones are not allowed. Be careful with big earrings and facial piercings which might obscure your facial features.

French passport photos - common mistakes 

Your passport photo cannot be a selfie, so if you decide to take it at home, ask someone for help. Remember that you must not use a white background. Don't wear any items that cover your head or face. Remember about keeping your mouth closed and your eyes open, and wearing a neutral facial expression. 

Passport Photo Online

Going to a professional photographer can be expensive, so let us help you take your French passport size photo in your own home using just your smartphone. Upload your photo to Passport Photo Online, where artificial intelligence will carefully check your photo, and then our tools will take care of any imperfections. Print your photo at any print shop. You can print it as many times as you like and use photos for other French documents.

Last update: 2/2/23