May 29, 2026 · Special Cases
Passport Photo for Dual Nationals – Which Photo Do You Need? 2026
If you hold dual nationality, you need a separate passport for each of your nationalities, and each passport requires its own compliant photo. The format requirements, background colour, and even photo dimensions can differ significantly between countries. This guide explains what you need for each nationality.
Two nationalities, two photos — each must meet different rules.
A dual national cannot use a single passport photo for both nationalities unless the two countries happen to share the exact same format requirements. Always verify the format for each country separately before applying.
Why Dual Nationals Need Separate Photos
Each country issues its own passport independently and sets its own photo requirements. While most countries follow the ICAO Doc 9303 standard (35×45mm), there are important exceptions — notably the United States (51×51mm), Canada (50×70mm), and Greece (40×60mm).
Even among countries that share the same dimensions, specific requirements for background colour, head size within the frame, and submission method can differ. For example, the UK requires a plain cream or light grey background, while Singapore requires white only.
A German-US dual national, for example, needs:
- A 35×45mm ICAO photo for the German passport — taken by an accredited photographer (for Reisepass/Personalausweis).
- A 51×51mm (2×2 inch) photo with a white background for the US passport.
These cannot be used interchangeably — neither would be accepted for the other country's passport application.
Common Format Differences Between Countries
| Country | Photo size | Background | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (DE) | 35×45mm | White or light grey | Reisepass/PA: must be taken by accredited photographer |
| Switzerland (CH) | 35×45mm | White or light grey | Online photos accepted |
| Austria (AT) | 35×45mm | White or light grey | Online photos accepted |
| France (FR) | 35×45mm | White or off-white | Online photos accepted |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 45×35mm | Plain cream or light grey | Note: width × height reversed |
| United States (US) | 51×51mm (2×2 in) | White | Larger than ICAO standard |
| Canada (CA) | 50×70mm | White or light | Larger format, guarantor required |
| Australia (AU) | 35×45mm | Plain white or light grey | Online photos accepted |
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting.
Do Both Photos Need to Look the Same?
There is no ICAO requirement that the photos in both passports must be identical or taken at the same time. You may have different hairstyles in the two photos, for example, as long as each photo meets the specific country's requirements and reflects your current appearance.
However, border control officers may sometimes see both passports — particularly if you present them in sequence during a complex itinerary. In practice, as long as you are clearly recognisable as the same person in both photos, there are no reported issues with minor differences between them.
Which Passport to Use When Travelling
Dual nationals often ask which passport to use at border control. The general guidance is:
- Use the passport of the country you are entering when you arrive at that country's border. This avoids questions about visa requirements, as citizens do not need a visa to enter their own country.
- Exit the country on the same passport you used to enter it, where possible. Some countries record entry and require you to exit on the same document.
- For travel between third countries, use whichever passport offers easier entry (no visa or easier visa requirements).
This guidance varies by country and specific circumstances. For complex travel itineraries, consult the relevant embassies or a legal specialist familiar with your nationalities.
Children of Dual Nationals
Children who hold dual nationality from birth (or who acquire it later) need a separate passport from each country, each with its own compliant photo. The same format requirements apply for children as for adults — with the exception that children's passports typically have a shorter validity period (5 years rather than 10).
Taking a compliant passport photo for an infant or young child can be particularly challenging. The same ICAO rules apply: white or light grey background, eyes open, neutral expression, face centred. For babies and very young children, some countries accept a slight relaxation on the neutral expression requirement.
Practical Tips for Managing Two Passports
Keep both passports valid simultaneously
Renew each passport before it expires, not when it has already expired. Allow 3–6 months lead time for each renewal.
Store photos for each country separately
Keep a clearly labelled digital copy of the correct photo for each country's passport. Label the files with the country, format, and date taken to avoid confusion.
Check each country's submission rules
Some countries require physical printed photos; others accept digital uploads. Germany requires an accredited photographer for the Reisepass and Personalausweis.
Take new photos at each renewal
Each passport renewal requires a freshly taken photo (within 6 months). Do not reuse the photo from the previous passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same passport photo for two different nationalities?
Only if both countries require exactly the same photo format. In practice, most ICAO countries share 35×45mm, but exceptions like the US (51×51mm) or Canada (50×70mm) mean you will typically need separate photos.
Do both passport photos need to look the same?
There is no ICAO rule requiring identical photos. However, your face must be clearly recognisable in both — the same person, identifiable from both documents.
Which passport should a dual national use to enter and exit a country?
Use the passport of the country you are entering when you arrive, and exit on the same passport where possible. A German-US dual citizen should enter Germany on the German passport and enter the US on the US passport.
Do children of dual nationals need photos for both passports?
Yes. A child who holds dual nationality needs a separate compliant passport photo for each country's passport, meeting each country's specific format requirements.
What photo format does Germany require for passports?
Germany requires a 35×45mm ICAO photo. For the Reisepass and Personalausweis, the photo must be taken by an officially accredited photographer or photo terminal — online photo tools alone are not accepted.
What photo format does the US require for passports?
The US State Department requires a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photo with a white background. This is larger than the European ICAO standard of 35×45mm.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting.
Create a Compliant Photo for Any Country
50+ country formats supported. Select the format for each of your nationalities and get ICAO-compliant results. Free preview — pay only when satisfied. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99.
Get started for free →