The United Kingdom Passport Photo Guide gives clear rules for the photos you need for your UK passport. It’s really important to make sure your passport photo follows these rules because it affects how quickly your passport application gets processed. Following the guide’s criteria is crucial for a successful application.
Here are the full rules for UK passport Photo Size:1
Photo Size Requirements:
- The photo should be 45 millimeters high x 35 millimeters wide, the standard size used in UK photo booths (Note: outside the UK, not all photo booths use this standard size).
- Do not trim or cut down from a larger photograph to the size of a standard passport photograph.
The photo of the applicant should comply with the following:
- Face directly forward and maintain eye contact with the camera.
- Capture a close-up of the face, head, and shoulders, with a recommended head height (distance between the bottom of the chin and the crown of the head) ranging from 29 to 34 millimeters.
- Maintain a neutral expression with a closed mouth, avoiding smiles, frowns, or raised eyebrows.
- Ensure open and visible eyes, without sunglasses or tinted glasses, and no hair obstructing the eyes.
- Remove any reflections or glare on glasses; frames must not cover the eyes (consider removing glasses for the photo if possible).
- Depict the full head without covering unless worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons.
- Exclude any other objects or people from the photo, including babies who should not have toys or a dummy.
- Avoid shadows in the picture.
- Ensure no obstructions cover the face, maintaining clear visibility of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Eliminate the occurrence of ‘red-eye.
Photo Quality Standards:
- Capture against a plain cream or light grey background.
- Print to high quality, such as photos printed by a booth or studio (home-printed photos may not meet quality standards).
- Ensure clarity and sharp focus.
- The photo should be taken within the last month.
- In color on plain white photographic paper.
- Free from tears, creases, or markings.
- No writing on the front or back, except when certification is needed.
Visas for Future Passport Photo Service
Here at Visas for Future, we provide a straightforward and convenient passport photo service that aligns with all your United Kingdom passport application requirements. Our service ensures you receive a passport photo suitable for your application. Follow our guidelines, take a picture of yourself, send it to us, and we’ll handle the editing. Your passport photos will be delivered by post with free shipping, and we extend our services to Canada, the EU, the US, and the UK. For individuals outside these countries, we can send your passport photos directly to your inbox, allowing you to print them 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:
- You don’t have to leave your house.
- We know the passport photo rules of the country you’re applying to.
- We validate your photo and check your passport photo to ensure it is in order.
- 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.
Further requirements for passport photos in the United Kingdom
To prevent the rejection of your UK passport application, consider the following additional guidelines for passport photos.
Number and Format:
- Submit two identical printed images for paper form applications.
- For online applications, provide a digital photo taken within the last month in JPEG or PNG format.
Background:
- Use a plain cream or light grey background; avoid other colors.
- Eliminate people, patterns, or objects in the background.
- Manage lighting to prevent shadows behind your head.
Face:
- Ensure a focused, clear, sharp face with a neutral expression and a closed mouth.
- Avoid smiling, frowning, or brow bending.
- No red eyes, excessive makeup, or massive head jewelry.
- Hair must not obscure any part of the face; tie it back if needed.
- Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons.
Glasses:
- If wearing spectacles, ensure they don’t cover any part of your face.
- Avoid heavy frames, flash reflections, glares, or tinted lenses on eyeglasses.
Instructions for passport photos of minors and infants in the United Kingdom
Guidelines for Passport Photos of Minors and Infants in the United Kingdom.
1. Infants (Under One Year Old):
- Eyes do not need to be open; a closed mouth is acceptable.
- If the baby’s head requires support, ensure the supporting hand is not visible.
- Toys or a dummy should not be present in the photo.
2. Children (One to Five Years Old):
- Children under five years old do not need to maintain a neutral facial expression or look directly at the camera.
- Children must be on their own in the picture.
Steps to capture a photograph suitable for a United Kingdom passport
This guide is designed to help you capture a suitable photo for your UK passport at home.
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the official guidelines provided by the UK passport authorities.
Step 2. Prepare your photo setup by choosing a plain cream or light grey background.
Step 3. Set your camera to high resolution, and if available, activate portrait mode.
Step 4. Take a photo of yourself with these guidelines:
- Positioning: Stand or sit upright, facing the camera directly with relaxed shoulders.
- Expression: Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
- Eyes: Look directly at the camera with your eyes open and visible.
- Headwear: Do not wear headwear unless for religious reasons. If applicable, ensure it meets exemption requirements.
- Clothing: Wear plain, neutral-colored clothing that does not cover your face.
- Framing: Ensure your head and shoulders are visible within the frame, leaving some space at the top.
Step 5. After taking your photo, you must edit it to the correct size and print it. You can use software like Photoshop or try out our online passport photo creator. Visas for Future’s passport photo processing service ensures you receive a photo suitable for your application.
Online-based options to acquire a passport photo for the United Kingdom
Here at Visas for Future, we provide services for passport photos that meet all the requirements for your United Kingdom passport application stress-free and easy.
Here’s the step-by-step process for obtaining your passport photo through Visas for Future.
Step 1: Visit Visas for Future
- Begin the process by visiting the Visas for Future website.
Step 2: Click on “Get Passport Photo Now”
- Look for the option or button labeled “Get Passport Photo Now” on the website and click on it to initiate the passport photo creation process.
Step 3: Fill out the Order Form
- Once you’ve clicked “Get Passport Photo Now,” you’ll be directed to an order form. Fill in the required information, including your name, email address, and current country of residence, and specify the country to which you are applying for a passport.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
- After completing the order form, proceed to the payment section. Pay the application fee as instructed on the website. Ensure that you follow secure payment procedures.
Step 5: Upload Your Photo
- Following the payment, you will be prompted to upload a photo. Make sure your photo meets the specified requirements outlined by the website. This may include adherence to size, composition, and background guidelines.
Step 6: Receive Your Photo in 24 Hours
- After successfully uploading your photo and completing the process, the website will process your request, and you can expect to receive your passport photo within 24 hours. This quick turnaround time ensures that you have the necessary documentation promptly.
Religious accommodations regarding passport photos in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, there are accommodations for religious head coverings in passport photos. It is generally allowed in your passport photo if you wear a head covering for religious reasons. However, specific guidelines must be followed:
- Visibility of Face: Your face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, including both cheeks.
- No Shadows: The photo should not have shadows on your face or behind you.
- Clear Identification: The head covering should not obscure any part of your face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth.
What are the steps to print a passport photo for the United Kingdom?
Here is a step-by-step guide for printing photos at home:
Step 1. Connect your printer to your computer.
Step 2. Open the photo you want to print.
Step 3. Select “Print”.
Step 4. Choose your printer and paper size.
Step 5. Double-check that the photo size is correct. Some printers offer options for printing multiple photos on one sheet.
Step 6. Review the print preview carefully before confirming.
Step 7. Print a test photo to verify the quality and size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best color to wear for a passport photo UK?
Wearing darker colors is recommended to ensure an effective contrast with the background in UK passport photos. Choose simple and darker hues such as black, navy blue, emerald, teal, or maroon for optimal contrast in your photo.
Can I smile in a passport photo UK?
No, you cannot smile in a passport photo in the UK. The official guidelines require a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
What is the photo rule for a UK visa?
Your UK visa photo needs to be: two identical recent (within six months) printed copies, sized 35 x 45 mm, with a plain light background. It should show your full head, neck, and upper shoulders, centered, with a neutral expression and open eyes. Headwear is generally not allowed unless for religious reasons and shouldn’t obscure your face. Glasses are okay if they don’t hide your eyes or cause glare. Ensure uniform lighting with no shadows or reflections.
Why do passport photos get rejected?
Your passport photo will be rejected if it violates the specified passport guidelines.
What happens if your passport photo is rejected in the UK?
If your UK passport photo is rejected, you may need to submit a new photo that meets the required guidelines.
- Government Digital Service. (11 October 2012). Get a Passport Photo, GOV.UK, Retrieved February 14, 2024, <https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports> [↩]
Ask a question
If you still have a question about this topic after reading the article, let us know and we'll update the article. Include your email if you want us to reply to you.
Send fan mail
We love to hear from you! If our article helped you in anyway, let us know and we'll share it with the team on our Friday meetings.
Cite this article
MLA Style
Diego, James Abel. "United Kingdom Passport Photo Guide 2024." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/uk-passport-photo-size/. Accessed on 24 September 2023.
Chicago Style
Diego, James Abel. "United Kingdom Passport Photo Guide 2024." Visas For Future. September 24, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/uk-passport-photo-size/.