May 29, 2026 · Special Cases
Passport Photo for Baby & Infant – Tips for Getting It Right 2026
Getting a passport for a newborn or infant is stressful enough — and then you discover that babies must meet the same ICAO biometric photo standards as adults. Eyes open, mouth closed, face centred, plain white background. This guide explains the requirements and gives practical, age-specific tips for getting a compliant photo at home.
The same rules apply — no matter the age.
ICAO Doc 9303 does not make exceptions for infants. Eyes must be open and visible, the mouth must be closed, no pacifier, no parent in frame, and the background must be plain white or off-white.
ICAO Requirements for Baby Passport Photos
The ICAO Doc 9303 standard that governs biometric passports applies equally to all applicants, regardless of age. For a baby or infant, this means:
- Eyes must be open and looking directly toward the camera. Both eyes must be clearly visible.
- Mouth must be closed. No pacifier, dummy, or teething ring in the baby's mouth.
- Face centred and forward-facing. The head must not be tilted and the face must fill the frame in the same proportions as an adult photo.
- Plain white or off-white background. No toys, car seats, patterned cushions, or visible furniture.
- No parent in the frame. No hands, arms, clothing, or shadow from a parent holding the baby may appear in the photo.
- No headwear unless required for religious or medical reasons.
Practical Tips by Age Group
Newborn (0–3 months)
Newborns spend most of their time asleep, so timing is everything. Choose a period after feeding when the baby is alert. Lay the baby on a white sheet placed on a flat surface (floor or firm mattress). Position yourself directly above with your camera or phone pointed straight down. Take the photo in burst mode and select the frame where both eyes are most open. Natural window light from the side (not direct sun) reduces harsh shadows.
Infant (3–9 months)
At this age babies are awake more often and have more head control, making the photo slightly easier. You can lay the baby on a white sheet as before, or prop them against a plain white wall if they can hold their head independently. Have a second adult hold a toy just above the camera lens to attract the baby's gaze forward — but keep the toy and the adult entirely out of the frame.
Toddler (9 months – 3 years)
Toddlers can be challenging because they rarely sit still. Choose a time when the child is calm and rested. A plain white wall is the easiest background at this age. Seat the child against the wall, stand back, and use your phone's burst mode. Again, a second adult can hold an interesting object just above the lens to focus the child's attention forward.
Common Rejection Reasons for Baby Photos
- Parent's hand visible supporting the back or head of the baby.
- Eyes closed or half-open — both eyes must be clearly visible.
- Pacifier in mouth — must be removed before the photo.
- Car seat or patterned fabric visible in background.
- Shadow across the face from overhead lighting or a nearby adult.
- Head tilted or not centred — the face must be directly facing the camera.
Digital Submission for Baby Passports
Many countries that accept digital passport photo submissions for adults apply the same rules to child and infant applications. The UK HMPO online renewal system, the Australian DFAT online application, and several other digital portals accept infant photos uploaded as JPEG files meeting the standard technical requirements (minimum 300 DPI, sRGB colour, correct pixel dimensions).
For Germany, neither the Reisepass nor the Kinderreisepass can be fully processed online — in-person submission at a Bürgeramt is required, and the photo must be produced by a BSI-certified provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the same ICAO rules apply to baby passport photos?
Yes. ICAO Doc 9303 applies regardless of age. A baby passport photo must show: eyes open, mouth closed, face centred and looking directly at the camera, plain white or off-white background, no accessories (no pacifier, no toys, no visible car seat).
Can a parent appear in the baby passport photo?
No. The parent must not appear in the frame. No hands, arms, or clothing from a parent holding the baby may be visible in the final photo.
How do I keep my baby's eyes open for the photo?
Wait until the baby is alert and not drowsy. Lay the baby on a white sheet on the floor and shoot from above. Take many photos in burst mode and select the one with both eyes clearly open.
What background should I use for a baby passport photo?
A plain white or off-white background is required. A clean white sheet on the floor works well. Make sure the sheet has no patterns or creases that create shadows.
Can I use a car seat for the baby photo?
No. Car seats, bouncer chairs, and patterned cushions must not be visible in the background or behind the baby. The background must be plain white.
How often does a baby's passport need renewing?
Baby and child passports typically have a shorter validity period — 5 years in most countries vs 10 years for adults. Because a baby's appearance changes rapidly, authorities do not grant extensions.
Note: Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. Rules can change and individual authorities may apply additional criteria not covered here.
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