Norwegian Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Complete Guide

All Norwegian passport and national ID card photos must comply with the ICAO biometric standard enforced by Politiet (Norwegian Police). The following specifications apply to both new applications and renewals.

• Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall. The ICAO standard used throughout Schengen and the EU.
• Background: Plain white or very light. Uniform colour with no patterns, shadows, or gradients. Sufficient contrast must exist between the background and the subject's hair and clothing.
• Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted. The ICAO standard adopted by Norway prohibits all eyewear including prescription glasses. 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 are permitted.

Norway introduced its biometric ePassport in 2005, making it one of the earlier adopters of the ICAO Doc 9303 standard in Europe. The passport contains a contactless RFID chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints, enabling automated verification at e-gates across Schengen and at other ICAO-compliant border crossings worldwide.

Passport applications at Politiet are conducted in person at a police station (politistasjon) that handles passport services. The biometric photo and fingerprints are captured on-site during the appointment using calibrated equipment. A pre-printed photo is generally not required, but confirm with politiet.no before attending.

Norwegian passports are typically valid for 10 years for adults and a shorter period for children. Confirm current validity at politiet.no.

Norway introduced its national ID card (nasjonalt ID-kort) in 2020. The card serves as an official identity document within Norway and may be accepted for travel to some countries. However, because Norway is not an EU member, the Norwegian ID card does not automatically have the same travel rights as an EU national identity card.

The photo requirements for the national ID card are identical to the passport: 35×45mm ICAO-compliant, white or light background, no glasses, neutral expression. Applications are processed at the same police stations as passport applications.

Always verify which countries accept the Norwegian national ID card for entry before travelling. The Norwegian passport is the safest choice for international travel outside Norway.

All Norwegian passport and national ID card applications must be submitted in person at a local police station that provides passport services. Appointments are booked via politiet.no. You should bring:

• Your Norwegian personal identification number (fødselsnummer)
• Proof of identity (valid or expired passport, birth certificate, or other official document)
• Your previous passport or ID card for cancellation if applicable
• Parental consent documentation if applying on behalf of a child

Norwegian citizens abroad can apply for a passport at a Norwegian Embassy or Consulate. The Norwegian Embassy in Berlin handles applications from residents in Germany.

Norway issues travel documents to recognised refugees and stateless persons who are unable to obtain a national passport from their country of origin. These travel documents are processed by Politiet and require the same 35×45mm ICAO-compliant photo as the Norwegian passport: white or light background, neutral expression, no glasses.

Applications and renewals for refugee travel documents are submitted at police stations. Additional documentation regarding refugee or stateless person status will be required. Contact Politiet or the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for current procedures.