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Tonga Passport Photo Guide

When applying for a Tonga passport, certain guidelines must be followed for the passport photo. The photo must be 35mm x 45mm, and the photo must be a recent color photograph taken against a white or light-colored background. The photo should show the full face and both ears, with the head size in the photo between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25mm and 35mm). The applicant should look at the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Headwear is only allowed for religious purposes, and glasses should be removed from the photo unless they are medically necessary. Visas for Future can assist you about the requirements and in getting a passport photo that meets the official standards.

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Here’s the full rules for Tonga Passport Photo Requirements:

Dimensions

  • Size: 35mm x 45mm (1.77 inches x 1.38 inches)

Appearance

  • Background: Plain white or off-white.
  • Head size: Between 1in -1 3/8in (25mm – 35mm) measured from chin to crown.
  • Face: Full face, front view with head straight and centered.
  • Eyes: Open and clearly visible. Looking directly at the camera.
  • Expression: Neutral, no smiling, frowning, or tilting your head.
  • Glasses: Allowed if clear and eyes are visible. No glare or sunglasses.
  • Headwear: Not allowed except for religious or medical reasons. If worn, ensure the full face is visible.
  • Clothing: Plain, non-distracting attire. Avoid uniforms, bright colors, or patterns.
  • Jewelry: Minimal and unobtrusive.

Photo Quality:

  • High resolution: Photos must be high resolution (at least 600 dpi) and printed on good-quality photo paper.
  • No damage or creases: Ensure the photos are free of damage, creases, or marks.

Additional notes

  • Photos must be recent and taken within the last six (6) months.
  • Two identical photos are required.
  • Sign the back of each photo with your full name.
Click the photo to view the full-size Tonga passport photo size infographic.

Knowing the Tonga passport photo requirements is crucial for several reasons:

  • Avoid delays and rejections: Photos that don’t meet the specifications are automatically rejected, causing delays and requiring you to resubmit your application. This means waiting longer for your passport and potentially incurring additional costs.
  • Ensure a smooth application process: By knowing the requirements beforehand, you can take compliant photos from the start and submit your application confidently, leading to a faster and smoother process.
  • Save time and money: Replicating rejected photos due to non-compliance adds unnecessary time and money to your application. Knowing the rules avoids these frustrations and helps you get your passport efficiently.
  • Maintain passport validity: Passports with non-compliant photos might be invalid or face border issues, leading to travel disruptions and inconveniences. Knowing the requirements ensures your passport is accepted without hassle.
  • Peace of mind: Understanding the specific rules reduces stress and anxiety associated with the application process, allowing you to prepare and submit your documents confidently.

Overall, knowing the Tonga passport photo requirements is essential for a smooth, efficient, and successful application process. It saves time and money and ensures your passport is valid and ready for travel.


Visas for Future Passport Photo Service

Use the Visas for Future passport photo service to get a Tonga passport photo that’ll work for your application. Simply take a photo of yourself using our guidelines, send it in, and we’ll edit it. We’ll send you your passport photos by post with free shipping. We deliver to Canada, the EU, the US, and the UK. For individuals outside of those countries, we can deliver your passport photos to your inbox, which you can print at home.


How it works

Take a photo.
We verify your photo.
Passport photos are delivered by post or email.

How to take your passport photo

Here’s how you can take passport photos at home to ensure that they’ll be high quality:

1.) Stand .5 meters or 2 feet from the wall. This ensures that there’s no shadow on your portrait.

2.) Place the camera 2 meters or 6 feet away from the subject. This will prevent distortion and give you a prettier picture!

3.) Have the camera on the same level as the subject’s face.

4.) Use plenty of lighting. Natural light is preferred but plenty of light in general is the best. Make sure it is even and doesn’t leave a shadow.


Benefits of using an online passport photo service

There are many choices when it comes to getting a passport photo but here are reasons why you should go with an online agent:

  1. You don’t have to leave your house.
  2. We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
  3. We validate your photo – we check your passport photo to make sure it is in order.
  4. Save money with bulk orders – you can order many passport photos and save.

Why choose us

Visas for Future is a convenient service that can help you with your passport photo needs. Here are six reasons why you should choose Visas for Future for your passport photo services:

  • Expertise: Our experts ensure that your passport photo meets the official requirements of your destination country.
  • Convenience: You can upload your own photo or take one with your smartphone, and we will crop, resize, and enhance it to create a perfect biometric photo.
  • Support: We’re visa and passport photo experts. You can ask us travel questions, making your trip-planning process easier.
  • Speed: Your photos are shipped within a day!
  • Unlimited retakes: You can also take as many photos as you want until you are satisfied with the result.

Guidelines and criteria for Tonga passport photos for minors and infants

General Requirements

  • Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm (1.77 inches x 1.38 inches)
  • Appearance: Plain white or off-white background, full face view, eyes open and visible, neutral expression (no smiling or frowning), headwear only for religious/medical reasons, minimal jewelry, plain clothing, recent photo (within six months)
  • Two identical printed photos, signed on the back

Specifics for Minors (by age group)

  • Newborns to six (6) months
    • Eyes must be open and visible.
    • The head should be supported to show the full face clearly. The hand of the parent/guardian can hold the head from the back of the photo if it is not noticeable..
    • Loose clothing that doesn’t blend with the background is recommended.
  • Seven months to three (3) years
    • Same general requirements as adults.
    • May require assistance to sit upright and maintain a neutral expression.
    • Avoid using toys or props in the photo.
  • Four (4) to Fifteen (15) years old
    • Follow all general requirements as closely as possible.
    • Encourage them to understand the importance of looking directly at the camera and keeping a neutral expression.
    • Assist them in maintaining proper posture and avoiding fidgeting.

How to take a photo of a passport photo for Tonga?

Preparation

  1. Gather materials: A plain white or off-white wall, good lighting (natural light preferred), camera (smartphone with high-resolution camera works), tripod (optional but recommended), measuring tape/ruler, solid-colored clothing, marker.
  2. Review Tonga’s photo requirements: Ensure you understand all specifications like dimensions, background, expression, etc. (Refer to my previous responses for details).
  3. Choose your attire: Wear plain, solid-colored clothing that contrasts with the background. Avoid busy patterns, bright colors, or uniforms.

Setting up

  1. Find a clean, well-lit space: Choose a room with a plain white or off-white wall as the background. Natural light is best. Avoid harsh shadows. If using artificial light, ensure even illumination.
  2. Set up the camera: Use a tripod for stability and position it at eye level directly facing the wall. If using a smartphone, prop it securely against something.
  3. Mark the spot: Measure and mark the spot on the wall where your head should be centered (35mm x 45mm frame reference).

Taking the photo

  1. Stand straight: Position yourself at the marked spot, stand tall with relaxed shoulders, and maintain good posture.
  2. Neutral expression: Keep a natural, expressionless face with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or tilting your head.
  3. Eyes open and direct: Look directly at the camera with both eyes open and clearly visible.
  4. Multiple shots: Take several photos from different angles and distances to increase the chance of capturing a compliant one.

Online services for obtaining a passport photo for Tonga

  • Pay the application fee.
  • Upload your photo.
  • Download your Tonga passport photo.

Religious exemptions for Tonga Passport Photo

Religious exemptions for Tonga passport photos are granted on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific requirements of your faith and the overall visibility of your face. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Religious headwear

  • Allowed only for genuine religious beliefs: You must genuinely wear the headwear for religious purposes to qualify for an exemption.
  • Minimal covering: The headwear should cover the minimum amount necessary according to your religious requirements.
  • Facial visibility: Your facial features, especially eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth, must remain clearly visible and recognizable.

Examples of acceptable religious headwear

  • Hijabs and niqabs: Ensure they are tied in a way that reveals the lower half of your face, including your mouth and chin.
  • Turbans: They should be tied neatly, allowing for full visibility of your forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
  • Yarmulkes and skullcaps: These head coverings usually don’t pose visibility issues as they are small.

Tips for obtaining a religious exemption:

  • Contact the Tongan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Inquire about the specific exemption process and documentation requirements.
  • Provide supporting documents: Submit a letter from a religious leader or organization verifying your genuine need for the headwear.
  • Ensure photo quality: Even with an exemption, the photo quality must be high and meet all other requirements.
  • Be patient: Processing religious exemptions may take longer than regular applications.

Remember, religious exemptions are not guaranteed, and the final decision rests with the Tongan authorities. By following these guidelines and providing the necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of obtaining an exemption for your religious headwear in your Tonga passport photo.

How do I print my Tonga passport photo?

  1. Obtain and download your passport photo using Visas for Future.
  2. Choose your photo paper: Opt for high-quality photo paper, either matte or glossy. Avoid regular printing paper as it lacks the required resolution and texture.
  3. Set your printer settings: Ensure your printer is set to the highest resolution possible (at least 600 dpi) and borderless printing if available.
  4. Upload and edit your photo: Import your edited passport photo into your printer’s software or online platform. Make sure the dimensions are still 35mm x 45mm and no further cropping occurs.
  5. Print multiples: Print several copies of your photo to account for potential errors or slight variations in quality.
  6. Cut and measure: Carefully cut out each photo using scissors or a paper cutter, ensuring it accurately follows the 45mm x 35mm dimensions. Use a ruler or measuring tape for precision.
  7. Inspect and sign: Examine each photo for clarity, proper size, and adherence to requirements. Sign the back of each photo with your full name in black ink.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is a Tongan passport?

The Tongan passport currently ranks 41st globally, offering visa-free travel to 125 destinations including major players like the Schengen Area, Singapore, and China. While not the strongest, it grants access to over 60% of the world without prior visas, placing it in the “good mobility” category.

How can I look good in passport photos?

Dress for professionalism: solid colors, collared shirts/tops, and avoid white. Maintain good posture and stand tall with relaxed shoulders. Keep a natural expression, smiling slightly if allowed. Style hair away from your face and minimal makeup with concealer and powder for a polished look. Soft natural light flatters most; practice beforehand for confident poses, and take multiple shots for the best choice.

Does Tonga require a visa?

It depends on your nationality. You don’t need a visa for stays up to 31 days if you’re a citizen of one of these two categories:
1. Visa-exempt countries: This includes major countries like the US, UK, Canada, and most European nations. Check the full list on the Tongan government website.
2. Free Visa on Arrival (VOA) countries: For citizens of specific countries (like China and several Pacific island nations), you can get a visa free of charge upon arrival for stays up to 31 days.
However, if you plan to stay longer than 31 days or aren’t from one of those categories, you’ll need to apply for a visa beforehand.

Can passport photos be rejected?

Yes, passport photos can be rejected if they don’t meet specific requirements. Common reasons include wrong size, incorrect background, poor quality (blurry, damaged), inappropriate attire (hats, sunglasses), covered face (hair, religious headwear), unnatural expressions, or alterations (filters, edits). To avoid delays, use Visas for Future passport photo service.


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James Abel Diego
Written by

James Abel Diego is a content writer at Visas for Future who is an expert in travel and visa policies for Turkey, India, Colombia and Egypt. He is an Education graduate who is inclined with passion in writing informative content. He has been in several training sessions making him more of value in content and fulfilling customer orders efficiently. James maintains his understanding of visa processing by executing real visa orders once per quarter.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Glen Vidania
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Visas for Future strives to help you virtually, so that your research is complete in one visit. Our articles are informative, complete and to-the-point. We write in an accessible way, so that non-native English speakers will understand. Our website is accessible for the visually impaired. We have full oversight of our articles and are unbiased in writing. Check our editorial guidelines.

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Cite this article

MLA Style

Diego, James Abel. "Tonga Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/tonga-passport-photo-requirements/. Accessed on 27 September 2023.

Chicago Style

Diego, James Abel. "Tonga Passport Photo Guide." Visas For Future. September 27, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/tonga-passport-photo-requirements/.

Published: 27 Sep 2023 17:59 UTC

Last modified: 7 Mar 2024 15:20 UTC

Reading time: 11 minutes

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