Passport Photo Sizes by Country 2026 – Complete Global Format Guide

ICAO Doc 9303 defines a standard passport photo size of 35mm wide × 45mm tall (portrait orientation). Within this frame, the head should occupy 70–80% of the height — typically 32–36mm from chin to crown. The face must be centred horizontally.

The vast majority of countries — including all EU/Schengen member states, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Mexico, and many others — follow this standard exactly. If you are applying for a passport in Europe or for a European country, 35×45mm is almost certainly the correct size.

Background colour is not universally specified by ICAO beyond “plain light colour.” In practice, most countries use white. Some prefer light grey (UK, Germany) or off-white. A few have specific background colour requirements.

Most non-ICAO formats predate the current standard or reflect national printing and administrative traditions:

• USA (51×51mm / 2×2 inch): The US adopted a square format based on the imperial measurement system before the ICAO standard was widely adopted. The State Department has maintained this format. The square shape means more background is visible around the face compared to the ICAO portrait format.
• Canada and Brazil (50×70mm): These countries use a taller, wider format than ICAO. The Canadian format in particular is notably larger, showing more of the neck and shoulder area.
• Greece, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, UAE (40×60mm): A format that is slightly wider and taller than ICAO, used by several countries across different regions. The reasons are largely historical and administrative.
• China (33×48mm): Slightly narrower and taller than ICAO, reflecting China's own national standard for identity documents.

It is also worth noting that some countries use the ICAO format for their passport but a different format for visa applications or other identity documents. Always check the specific requirements for the document you are applying for.

Most countries require a white or very light background. A few notable differences:

• France: Traditionally preferred a light grey background for the national identity card (CNI), though white is widely accepted for the passport via ANTS online submission.
• United Kingdom: HMPO specifies “plain cream or light grey background” — not pure white. This is one of the more specific background requirements.
• Indonesia: Some document types use a red or blue background rather than white — verify the specific requirement for the document you are applying for.
• Singapore: ICA requires white background only — not light grey or off-white. Singapore is more strict than most countries on background colour.

Digital passport photo submission (uploading a photo file during an online application) is increasingly available but not universal. Countries that currently accept digital photos include: UK, Switzerland, Australia, France (via ANTS), Ireland, Canada (IRCC online), Singapore, South Korea, and most EU countries for some document types.

Notable exception — Germany: The German Reisepass (passport) and Personalausweis (national ID card) require photos to be submitted in person at the issuing authority (Bürgeramt, Standesamt, or German consulate abroad). This is mandated by the BSI PointID standard, which requires photos to be taken with certified equipment. Online passport photo tools can help you prepare and check your photo, but the physical submission must happen in person.