May 29, 2026 · Country Guides
South African Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – DHA Standards
South Africa uses the ICAO standard 35×45mm passport photo format, administered by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) — dha.gov.za. The same format applies to both the South African passport and the Smart ID Card. This guide covers every DHA photo requirement, Smart ID Card photo rules, Schengen visa photo tips, and practical advice for getting a compliant photo.
South African Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO standard) |
| Head height | 32–36mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Fully open, looking directly at the camera |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Recency | Taken within the last 3 months |
| Copies required | Typically 2 identical printed photos for in-person applications |
| Authority | Department of Home Affairs (DHA) — dha.gov.za |
| Passport validity (adult) | 10 years |
South African Passport vs Smart ID Card: Photo Differences
Both the South African passport and the Smart ID Card use the same ICAO 35×45mm photo standard. However, the process for obtaining the photo differs significantly:
- Passport: Applicants submit two printed 35×45mm photos with their in-person application at a DHA office. The photos must meet all ICAO requirements.
- Smart ID Card: The DHA captures biometric data — including the photo — digitally at the application office using their own equipment. You do not typically bring your own photo for the Smart ID Card. The capture is done on-site at a DHA or SARS branch equipped with biometric stations.
The old Green ID Book (the previous South African identity document) required applicants to submit 35×45mm printed photos. The Green ID Book is being phased out and replaced by the Smart ID Card.
Photo Requirements by Document Type
| Document | Photo size | Submission method |
|---|---|---|
| South African passport | 35×45mm | Printed — 2 copies with application |
| Smart ID Card | 35×45mm (captured on-site) | Biometric capture at DHA/SARS office |
| Green ID Book (legacy) | 35×45mm | Printed — submitted with application (being phased out) |
| Schengen visa (for SA citizens) | 35×45mm ICAO | Printed — submitted at visa application centre or embassy |
Always verify with the official issuing authority. Requirements may change.
South African Citizens Applying for a Schengen Visa
South Africa is not in the Schengen Area. South African citizens travelling to Schengen countries (Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and others) on a short-stay visa must submit a Schengen-compliant photo with their visa application. The South African passport photo format (35×45mm ICAO) is already the same as the Schengen photo format, so no separate size is required.
Schengen visa photo requirements for South African citizens:
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall
- Background: white or off-white, plain and uniform
- Face: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and forward
- No glasses
- Taken within the last 6 months (some embassies specify 3 months)
- Physical print submitted at the visa application centre
South Africa has a relatively strong passport for an African nation, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a number of countries — but Schengen area access still requires a visa, meaning a compliant photo is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the photo requirements the same for the South African passport and the Smart ID Card?
Yes. Both the South African passport and the Smart ID Card use the ICAO standard 35×45mm photo format. The same background, head height, expression, and quality rules apply. For the Smart ID Card, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) captures photos digitally at DHA and SARS offices — you do not typically submit your own photo for the Smart ID.
Can I wear glasses in a South African passport photo?
No. In line with ICAO biometric standards, glasses are not permitted in South African passport photos. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, and tinted glasses. All eyewear must be removed for the photo.
Can I submit a digital photo for a South African passport?
For standard in-office passport applications at DHA offices, printed photographs are required. For the Smart ID Card, the photo is captured on-site. For visa photos submitted to foreign embassies, a digital ICAO-compliant photo is typically accepted — always check the specific embassy requirements.
How long is a South African passport valid?
A standard South African passport is valid for 10 years for adults. A passport issued to a child under 16 is valid for 5 years. The Smart ID Card does not expire, but can be renewed if details change or the card is damaged.
Can I take my own South African passport photo?
Yes. For printed passport photo submissions, you can take your own photo at home or use a photo studio, as long as it meets DHA requirements: 35×45mm, plain white or off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, and taken within the last 3 months.
What are the photo requirements for a child's South African passport?
Children must have their own passport with their own photo. The same 35×45mm ICAO requirements apply. Both eyes must be open and the face must be clearly visible. The child must appear alone — parents or guardians must not appear in the photo.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. DHA photo requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official guidance from the Department of Home Affairs (dha.gov.za) or the relevant embassy or consulate.
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