Czech Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Complete Guide

All Czech passport, identity card, and driving licence photos must comply with the ICAO biometric standard enforced by Ministerstvo vnitra. The following specifications apply to all applications.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall. The ICAO standard used across the EU.
• Background: Plain white. Uniformly white with no patterns, shadows, gradients, or colour casts. The Czech standard is notably stricter than some other EU countries — light grey is generally not accepted; the background should be white.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted. The ICAO standard prohibits all eyewear including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Transparent non-tinted contact lenses are accepted.
• Head position: Face the camera directly. No tilting, turning, or profile views.
• Recency: The photo must be taken within 6 months of the application date and reflect your current appearance.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Head coverings: Permitted for documented religious or medical reasons only. The full face from chin to forehead must be clearly visible.
• Retouching: No digital filters, skin smoothing, or appearance alterations.

The Czech Republic introduced its biometric ePassport (cestovní pas) in 2006. The document contains a contactless RFID chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303. This enables automated verification at e-gates across the EU and at ICAO-compliant border crossings worldwide.

Czech passports are typically valid for 10 years for adults and a shorter period for children under 15. The biometric photo and fingerprints are captured on-site at the application office. Confirm current validity periods at mvcr.cz.

The Czech national identity card (občanský průkaz) is a biometric ID card valid for travel within the EU and EEA. All Czech citizens aged 15 and over are required to hold one. The card is accepted as a travel document by all EU member states in place of a passport.

The photo requirements for the občanský průkaz are identical to the Czech passport: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses, neutral expression. Applications are handled at local municipal offices (obecní úřad) or Czech Post offices that provide Czech Point services.

The eObčanka portal (eobcanka.gov.cz) allows Czech citizens to initiate identity document applications online. The portal can be used for both the cestovní pasand the občanský průkaz.

However, the in-person biometric capture step — including the photo and fingerprints — cannot be completed online. After submitting the application via the portal, you must attend a Czech Point office (Czech Post or municipal office) or a Czech Embassy or Consulate abroad to complete the biometric registration. The portal simplifies the paperwork but does not eliminate the in-person appointment.

The Czech driving licence requires a 35×45mm photo with the same ICAO-compliant specifications as the Czech passport: white background, neutral expression, both eyes open, no glasses. Applications for new driving licences and renewals are handled at municipal offices responsible for road transport administration (obecní úřad s rozšířenou působností).

Czech citizens living in Germany can apply for a passport or identity card at the following diplomatic missions:

• Czech Embassy Berlin: The main diplomatic mission in Germany, handling all types of consular services including passport and identity card applications.
• Czech Consulate Munich: Provides consular services including passport and identity document applications for Czech citizens in Bavaria and surrounding regions.
• Czech Consulate Dresden: Provides consular services for Czech citizens in Saxony and eastern Germany.

An appointment is required at all three missions. Confirm current procedures, appointment booking, and required documents at mzv.gov.cz.