May 29, 2026 · Size Guide
Passport Photo Size Guide 2026 – Complete International Comparison
Passport photo sizes vary significantly between countries. The ICAO Doc 9303 standard of 35×45mm applies across most of Europe, the UK, and Australia, but the United States uses a square 51×51mm format, Canada uses 50×70mm, and Turkey uses a non-standard 50×60mm. This guide provides a full international comparison, explains why sizes differ, covers print sheet layouts, and includes a DPI-to-pixel calculator.
Quick summary
Most ICAO countries: 35×45mm. US: 51×51mm square. Canada: 50×70mm. Turkey: 50×60mm (non-ICAO). Sizes are not interchangeable — always check the exact requirement for your document and country.
International Passport Photo Size Comparison
| Country | Document | Size (H×W) | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most EU countries | Passport | 35×45mm (W×H) | ICAO Doc 9303 |
| Germany | Passport / Personalausweis | 35×45mm (W×H) | ICAO + BSI PointID |
| Switzerland | Passport | 35×45mm (W×H) | ICAO / SEM |
| United Kingdom | Passport | 35×45mm (W×H, portrait) | HMPO |
| Australia | Passport | 35×45mm (W×H) | DFAT |
| United States | Passport | 51×51mm (square) | State Department |
| Canada | Passport | 50×70mm (W×H) | IRCC |
| Turkey | Passport | 50×60mm (W×H) | Non-ICAO |
Always verify current size requirements with the official authority for the document you are applying for.
Non-ICAO sizes cannot be used interchangeably
The United States (51×51mm), Canada (50×70mm), and Turkey (50×60mm) use sizes that differ from the ICAO 35×45mm standard. A photo sized for a US passport cannot be submitted for a German or UK passport application, and vice versa. Even where a photo might physically fit within an application form, the face framing proportions and head height requirements are different. Always use a photo sized specifically for the target document and country.
Why Do Passport Photo Sizes Differ Between Countries?
ICAO Doc 9303 defines biometric and facial image standards for machine-readable travel documents, but it does not mandate a single universal print size. Countries adopted their own sizes before the ICAO standard was widely followed, and many have not changed their print size requirement even as they adopted ICAO facial image specifications.
The US square format (51×51mm) was chosen to accommodate the photo placement in the physical passport booklet used by the State Department. The larger Canadian format (50×70mm) reflects historical printing conventions. Turkey's 50×60mm format predates ICAO adoption and remains in use.
The ICAO 35×45mm format has been adopted by the European Union, the UK, Australia, and many other countries as part of broader biometric passport standardisation.
Print Sheet Layouts
Most photo printing services use a standard 10×15cm (4×6 inch) print sheet. The number of passport photos that fit on a sheet depends on the photo size and layout:
- 1×3 strip (three photos): Three 35×45mm photos arranged in a vertical strip (45mm wide × 135mm total height, fitting within the 150mm sheet height). This is the standard layout in Germany, the UK, and most EU countries.
- 2×2 grid (four photos): Two columns of two photos, each 35×45mm, fitting on a 10×15cm sheet with minimal margin. Common for US 2×2-inch (51×51mm) format prints.
- Single large print: A single US 51×51mm or Canadian 50×70mm photo on a 10×15cm sheet, with the remaining space unused.
Digital Pixel Dimensions: DPI Calculator
To calculate the required pixel dimensions for a passport photo at a given print resolution, use:
pixels = (size in cm ÷ 2.54) × DPI
| DPI | 35mm width | 45mm height | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 DPI | 413px | 531px | Minimum acceptable print quality |
| 600 DPI | 827px | 1063px | Recommended for print |
| 1200 DPI | 1654px | 2126px | High-resolution archival |
Values shown are for the standard ICAO 35×45mm format. Adjust the formula for other country sizes.
Country-Specific Size Notes
Germany (BSI PointID)
Germany follows the ICAO 35×45mm size but enforces additional quality requirements via the BSI PointID biometric standard. The standard specifies minimum resolution, sharpness, and tonal requirements for the printed photo. A physical print is required — digital upload is not accepted.
United States (State Department)
The US uses a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format, not the ICAO portrait rectangle. The face must be centred in the square and the head (from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair) must measure between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25–35mm) within the 2-inch frame.
Canada (IRCC)
Canada uses 50mm wide × 70mm tall, with the head height (from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) required to measure between 31mm and 36mm within the photo.
Turkey
Turkey uses 50mm wide × 60mm tall — larger than ICAO standard and square-ish in proportion. This size is specific to Turkish documents. Turkish passport photos cannot be interchanged with ICAO photos for other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard passport photo size?
The ICAO Doc 9303 standard specifies 35mm wide × 45mm tall (35×45mm) for most European passports. The United States uses 51×51mm, Canada uses 50×70mm, and Turkey uses 50×60mm. Always check the specific size for your country and document.
Can I use a European ICAO passport photo for a US passport?
No. The US passport photo size is 51×51mm — a square format. A standard European ICAO 35×45mm photo is too narrow and too short. Non-ICAO sizes cannot be used interchangeably.
Is the UK passport photo size different from EU countries?
The UK HMPO size is 35mm wide × 45mm tall — the same physical dimensions as the standard ICAO format used by most EU countries. Face framing requirements differ slightly, so check HMPO guidance for the specific proportions.
How many photos fit on a 10×15cm print sheet?
A 10×15cm sheet can accommodate a 1×3 strip of three 35×45mm photos. Some services arrange 2×2 (four) photos. The exact layout depends on the printer or software used.
How do I calculate the pixel dimensions for a passport photo at a given DPI?
Use: pixels = (size in cm ÷ 2.54) × DPI. For 35×45mm at 300 DPI: 413×531px. At 600 DPI: 827×1063px.
What is the Turkish passport photo size?
Turkey uses 50mm wide × 60mm tall (50×60mm), which is larger than the ICAO 35×45mm standard. Turkish passport photos cannot be used as substitutes for ICAO-compliant photos.
Always verify current photo size and framing requirements with the official authority. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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