May 29, 2026 · First Passport
Getting Your First Passport: A Complete Photo Guide
Whether you are applying for a newborn's very first passport, a child's first travel document, or your own first passport as an adult, the photo requirements are the same ICAO standard that applies to any passport. This guide covers the practical techniques and rules by age group.
Who Needs a First Passport?
Newborns and infants
Babies of any age can — and sometimes must — have their own passport for international travel. Even infants under 3 months can be photographed for a passport. Children cannot be added to a parent's passport in most modern countries.
Children and young people
Children getting their very first passport need a compliant photo taken within 6 months of the application. The same ICAO rules apply, with minor practical accommodations for very young children.
Adults who have never travelled internationally
Standard ICAO passport photo rules apply in full. No prior photo is required or relevant. Most adult first-time applications must be made in person.
New citizens
Individuals who have recently become citizens through naturalisation applying for their first national passport follow the same photo rules as any other applicant.
Babies and Infants (0–2 Years): Photo Tips
ICAO rule for babies
Babies do not need to have their eyes fully open, but the face must be clearly visible and looking towards the camera. This is the only significant concession made for very young children — all other ICAO requirements (background, framing, no hands in shot) still apply.
Photographing a newborn or infant for a passport is one of the trickier photo challenges parents face. Here are the most effective techniques:
Lay on a white sheet (top-down method)
Place a white or very light grey sheet on a flat surface. Lay the baby on the sheet. Photograph from directly above, ensuring the full face is in frame. This creates a naturally compliant white background without any setup.
Support from behind the camera
If the baby cannot support their own head, a parent may hold the head from behind — but hands must not appear in the photo. After taking the shot, check carefully that no fingers or hands are visible in the frame.
Use natural window light
Soft diffused natural light (not direct sunlight) works better than camera flash, which creates harsh shadows and red-eye. Position near a window but avoid direct sunlight.
Time it for a calm moment
Immediately after a feed, when the baby is calm and awake, is often the best window. Have the camera ready before you position the baby — moving them after they are settled often startles them.
Take many shots
Baby photos require patience. Take 20–30 shots in a session. You will typically have one or two usable ones where the face is forward, eyes are at least partially visible, and no parent is visible in frame.
Toddlers and Young Children (2–6 Years)
Toddlers present a different challenge: they can sit up independently but rarely sit still or look at a camera on command. The ICAO rules apply in full — eyes open, looking at camera, neutral expression (or at least no excessive expression), plain background.
Plain white wall or background sheet
A plain white wall works well for standing or sitting toddlers. Alternatively, hold a white sheet behind the child. Keep at least 30cm between child and background to avoid shadows.
Seat them in a plain chair
A plain chair without patterns works if the background behind is white. Photograph at eye level. Avoid leaning the child against coloured or patterned surfaces.
Use a toy or sound distraction
Have someone stand directly behind the camera holding a toy or making a sound to get the child to look at the lens. The distractor must not appear in the frame.
Parent support — from out of frame
A parent may gently hold the child's head in position, but must not appear in the photo. Make sure no hands, arms, or clothing are visible in the final image.
Adults Getting Their First Passport
For adults, the standard ICAO photo rules apply in full. There are no special requirements for first-time applicants — the photo requirements are identical to any other adult passport application.
Size
35×45mm (EU/UK/Switzerland/Australia); 51×51mm for USA; 50×70mm for Canada.
Background
Plain white or very light grey. No gradients, patterns, or shadows.
Expression
Neutral expression. Mouth closed. No smiling (some countries permit a very slight natural smile, but neutral is safest).
Eyes
Both eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera lens.
Glasses
Not permitted — regardless of prescription or frame type.
Head position
Face centred and straight in frame. Head and shoulders should face the camera directly.
Documents Needed Alongside the Photo
A passport photo is just one part of a first passport application. You will also need:
Birth certificate
Required for first-time applicants to establish identity and citizenship. Some countries require an original or certified copy.
Proof of citizenship
In some countries (e.g. USA, Australia), a birth certificate may be sufficient. In others, or where citizenship is not established by birth alone, additional documentation may be required.
Identity confirmation
Some countries require a countersignatory (UK) or guarantor (Canada, Australia) to confirm the applicant's identity for a first passport.
Completed application form
Country-specific form: DS-11 (USA), MV1/online (UK), Form 60 (Australia), or equivalent.
Application fee
Fees vary by country and urgency. First passport fees are generally the same as renewal fees.
Always verify the exact document list with your national passport authority before applying. Requirements vary and are subject to change.
Get a Compliant First Passport Photo
ICAO-compliant biometric photo with free preview before payment. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
Get Your Compliant Passport Photo — From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99Country Comparison: First Passport Validity
| Country | Child Passport Validity | Adult Passport Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 5 years | 10 years | Child = under 16 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany (Kinderreisepass) | Up to 6 years (max age 12) | 10 years | Non-biometric; under-12 only |
| 🇩🇪 Germany (nPA under 24) | 6 years | 10 years | Biometric ID card |
| 🇺🇸 USA (under 16) | 5 years | 10 years | DS-11 required; both parents must sign |
| 🇦🇺 Australia (under 16) | 5 years | 10 years | Guarantor required for first child passport |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland (under 18) | 5 years | 10 years | In-person at cantonal office |
Verify current rules with your national passport authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need alongside the passport photo for a first passport?
For a first passport, you typically need: birth certificate, proof of citizenship, a valid ID or identity confirmation (countersignatory in some countries), and the completed application form. Requirements vary by country — check with your national passport authority.
Do babies need a passport photo that meets the same ICAO rules as adults?
Yes, the same ICAO standard applies to babies — white or light grey background, face visible and centred, looking towards the camera. However, babies do not need to have their eyes fully open, but the face must be clearly visible and looking towards the camera. Parents can gently support the head but must not appear in the photo.
Can a parent appear in a baby's passport photo?
No. The passport photo must show only the baby's face. A parent may support the baby's head from behind (not visible in the photo), but hands, arms, or other parts of the parent must not appear in the final image.
How long is a first passport valid for?
Adult first passports are valid for 10 years in most countries. Children's passports are valid for shorter periods: 5 years in the UK and USA, up to 6 years for Germany's Kinderreisepass. The shorter validity reflects how quickly children's appearances change.
Can adults who have never had a passport apply online for a first passport?
In many countries, first-time adult applicants must apply in person. In the UK, first-time applications require identity verification at a Post Office or by post with specific documents. In the USA, Form DS-11 must be submitted in person. Check with your national passport authority for current requirements.
How do I take a passport photo of a toddler at home?
Lay a white or very light grey sheet on the floor as a background. Lay the toddler on the sheet (or seat them in front of a white wall) and photograph from directly above or at eye level. Wait for a calm moment when the child is still and looking towards the camera. Natural window light works better than direct flash.
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