May 29, 2026 · Pakistan
Pakistani Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – NADRA & Pakistan Passport Office Rules
Pakistan's Machine Readable Passport (ePassport) is issued by the Pakistan Passport Office under NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority). This guide covers the official photo specifications, the three passport types, child passport rules, CNIC (national ID) photo requirements, and guidance for Pakistani diaspora communities in the UK, Germany, and UAE.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, face 70–80% of frame, taken within 6 months. Pakistan has issued Machine Readable Passports with biometric chips since 2004.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Pakistani passport types — ordinary, official, and diplomatic — issued by the Pakistan Passport Office under NADRA.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard).
- Background: Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly white.
- Face coverage: The face must fill 70–80% of the frame height.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. NADRA follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric passport photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted for religious reasons (e.g. hijab) provided the full face from forehead to chin is completely visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
Pakistan ePassport (Machine Readable Passport) Since 2004
Pakistan introduced its Machine Readable Passport (MRP) with biometric chip in 2004, making it one of the earlier ICAO-compliant ePassport issuers in South Asia. The chip stores the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303, enabling verification at automated e-gates in supporting countries.
Applications are handled by the Pakistan Passport Office, which operates under NADRA. In some locations, biometric data — including the facial photo — is captured on-site during the application appointment. Confirm the exact procedure with your local Passport Office or Pakistani diplomatic mission before attending your appointment.
Pakistani Passport Types
Pakistan issues three categories of passport, distinguished by cover colour:
- Ordinary passport (dark green cover): The main travel document issued to all Pakistani citizens.
- Official passport (green cover): Issued to government officials travelling on official duty.
- Diplomatic passport (dark blue cover): Issued to diplomatic and consular staff and their families.
Photo requirements are identical across all three types: 35×45mm, white background, no glasses, face 70–80% of frame height.
Child Passport (Under 18 Years)
Pakistani children under 18 require their own passport. The photo specifications are the same as for adults:
- 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, both eyes open, no glasses.
- The child's full face must be clearly visible and centred.
- No parent, guardian, or caregiver may appear in the frame.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child at the Passport Office and provide the required consent and identity documentation. Confirm current requirements with your local Pakistan Passport Office or Pakistani embassy.
Religious Head Coverings
Pakistani passport photos permit religious head coverings — including hijab and dupatta — provided the full face (forehead, both cheeks, chin) is completely visible. The background around and behind the face must remain uniformly white. No part of the head covering may cast a shadow across the face.
CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card) Photo Requirements
The Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is issued by NADRA to Pakistani citizens aged 18 and above. The CNIC uses the same ICAO photo specifications as the passport: 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses.
However, the biometric data for the CNIC — including the facial photograph, fingerprints, and iris scans — is typically captured on-site at a NADRA registration centre. You cannot substitute a printed 35×45mm photo for CNIC enrolment at a NADRA centre. The photo requirements in this article apply specifically to the Pakistani passport.
Pakistani Diaspora: Applying from the UK, Germany, or UAE
Pakistan has one of the largest diaspora communities in the UK, Germany, and the UAE. Pakistani citizens abroad can apply for or renew their passport at the nearest Pakistani Embassy or High Commission. Photo requirements are the same as applying in Pakistan. Many Pakistani diplomatic missions capture biometric data on-site during the appointment — confirm whether you need to bring a printed photo in advance.
Pakistani Passport Types and CNIC Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Passport (dark green) | 35×45mm | White | No | Main travel document for all citizens |
| Official Passport (green) | 35×45mm | White | No | Government officials on duty travel |
| Diplomatic Passport (dark blue) | 35×45mm | White | No | Diplomatic and consular staff |
| Child Passport (under 18) | 35×45mm | White | No | Shorter validity; parental consent required |
| CNIC (national ID) | 35×45mm (ICAO) | White | No | Biometric capture at NADRA centre |
Always verify current requirements with the Pakistan Passport Office (passport.gov.pk) or your nearest Pakistani Embassy or High Commission.
Common Rejection Reasons for Pakistani Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not exempt from the ICAO requirement.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background. Avoid off-white, cream, light grey, or coloured backgrounds.
Face does not fill 70–80% of frame
Position the camera so the face occupies 70–80% of the frame height from chin to crown.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background. Use even front lighting to eliminate shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application or renewal date.
Digital filters or beauty retouching applied
Submit the photo without any digital filters, skin smoothing, or appearance alterations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Pakistani passport photo?
Pakistani passport photos must be 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard). The face must fill 70–80% of the frame height and be centred, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
Can I wear glasses in a Pakistani passport photo?
No. The Pakistan Passport Office and NADRA require photos without glasses, following the ICAO biometric standard. Remove all eyewear — including prescription glasses — before the photo is taken.
Are religious head coverings allowed in a Pakistani passport photo?
Yes. Religious head coverings such as hijab or dupatta are permitted provided the full face — forehead, cheeks, and chin — is completely visible. No shadow from the covering may fall across the face.
What are the different types of Pakistani passport?
Pakistan issues three passport types: the ordinary passport (dark green), the official passport (green, for government officials on duty), and the diplomatic passport (dark blue). All share the same ICAO photo requirements.
What are the Pakistani child passport photo requirements?
Children under 18 need the same photo specs: 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses. No parent or guardian may appear in the frame. A parent or guardian must provide consent documentation.
Is the CNIC photo the same as the Pakistani passport photo?
The CNIC uses the same ICAO specs (35×45mm, white background, no glasses). However, CNIC biometric data is typically captured on-site at a NADRA registration centre, not from a printed photo brought by the applicant.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — Pakistan Passport Office (passport.gov.pk) or your nearest Pakistani Embassy or High Commission. Requirements may be updated without notice.
Create Your Pakistani Passport Photo Online
ICAO-compliant 35×45mm biometric photo with correct white background and neutral expression. Free preview — pay only when satisfied.
Get Your Compliant Passport Photo — From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99