Infant and Newborn Passport Photo Guide: Getting It Right for Under-1s

ICAO Doc 9303 acknowledges that obtaining a perfect biometric photo of a newborn is impractical. The following relaxed rules apply for infants under 12 months of age in most ICAO-compliant countries:

• Eyes may be partially closed. The normal requirement for both eyes to be fully open is relaxed. Eyes should be as open as possible, but a degree of partial closure is tolerated.
• The expression rule is relaxed. A natural infant expression — including a slight open mouth — is generally accepted.
• Head support may be visible if necessary, but no other person's hands, body, or face may appear in the frame. In practice most authorities require no hands visible at all — verify with the specific issuing authority.

Even with relaxed rules, the background must be plain white, the lighting must be even, and the baby's face must be clearly visible and centred in the frame facing directly forward.

The most reliable home method for newborn and infant passport photos is the top-down white sheet technique:

1. Lay the baby flat on their back on a plain white cotton sheet. Place this on a firm, flat surface such as a cot mattress on the floor or a changing mat.
2. Position the baby so their head is at the centre of the sheet and their face is pointing directly upward (toward the ceiling).
3. Stand or crouch directly above the baby and hold the camera (or smartphone) level, pointing straight down. The camera must be exactly perpendicular to the baby's face — not angled.
4. Use natural light from a large window. Position the baby so the window is to the side or in front of the shooting position, not directly above, to avoid harsh top-down shadows.
5. Take many shots. Select the photo where the face is most forward-facing, the eyes are most open, and there are no hands, toys, or coloured objects visible.

For babies who are a little older and can hold their head with some stability, a neutral-coloured car seat or infant bouncer seat can provide a natural upright or semi-reclined position:

• The seat fabric must be white, very light grey, or light beige — neutral enough not to appear as a coloured background in the photo.
• Cover darker or patterned seats with a plain white muslin cloth or white pillow case before placing the baby in the seat.
• Position the camera at the baby's eye level, not above — this produces a more natural frontal face angle than shooting downward.
• Ensure no coloured straps, toys, or seat features are visible in the frame. Crop or position the camera close enough that only the white fabric and the baby's face appear.

United Kingdom

HM Passport Office accepts infant photos where the eyes are slightly closed, provided the full face is visible. No one else may be visible in the photo. The guidance states specifically that for children under 1 year old, it is acceptable for their eyes to be slightly closed.

United States

The US State Department applies the same relaxed rule: infant photos may show the eyes partially open. No parent or caregiver may be visible. The background must be plain white or off-white. The required photo size is 51×51mm (2×2 inches).

Germany (Kinderreisepass)

The German Kinderreisepass requires a BSI PointID certified biometric photo. Home photos and standard kiosk prints are not accepted. Take the infant to an approved certified photo provider who has equipment to capture a compliant infant photo. Many certified studios have experience with infant sessions.

Switzerland and Austria

Switzerland and Austria follow ICAO relaxed rules for infants. Verify the exact requirements with the cantonal passport authority (CH) or the local Gemeindeamt/ Magistrat (AT) before the appointment.

From 12 months of age, the relaxed infant rules no longer apply. For toddlers and young children, the full ICAO biometric photo requirements are in effect:

• Both eyes must be fully open and looking at the camera.
• The expression must be neutral — mouth closed.
• The face must be centred and facing directly forward.
• Plain white background, no shadows, no toys, no other people visible.
• No headwear unless for a documented religious or medical reason.

Getting toddlers to cooperate for a biometric photo can be challenging. Practical approaches include using a familiar toy just above the camera to direct eye contact, taking the photo when the child is calm and rested (not tired or hungry), and taking a large number of shots to have a selection to choose from.