May 29, 2026 · Guides
Passport Photo Size Guide – All Countries 2026
Passport photo sizes are not interchangeable across countries. While most of the world uses the ICAO standard of 35×45mm, major exceptions exist — the USA uses 51×51mm, Canada uses 50×70mm, Brazil uses 30×40mm, and several other countries have their own formats. This reference guide covers photo sizes for 30+ countries, conversion between mm and inches, and tips for using ID Wizard for any country format.
Important: Passport photo formats are NOT interchangeable. A 35×45mm ICAO photo cannot be used for a US passport (51×51mm), and a US-format photo will be rejected for a Schengen visa application. Always verify the exact size required for the specific country and document you are applying for.
ICAO Standard Countries: 35×45mm
The following countries use the ICAO Doc 9303 standard of 35×45mm (width × height). This is the most widely used passport photo format in the world, covering most of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Latin America.
| Country | Size (W×H) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35×45 mm | White or light grey background |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 35×45 mm | White background |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 35×45 mm | Light grey or white background |
| 🇫🇷 France | 35×45 mm | White or off-white background |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 35×45 mm | White or light grey background |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 35×45 mm | White or off-white background |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 35×45 mm | White or light grey background |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 35×45 mm | White or light grey background |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 35×45 mm | White or off-white background |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 35×45 mm | White or light grey background |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 35×45 mm | Plain light background |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 35×45 mm | White background |
| 🇮🇳 India | 35×45 mm | White background |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 35×45 mm | Plain white background |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | 35×45 mm | Plain white background (not grey) |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 35×45 mm | White background only |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 35×45 mm | White background |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | 35×45 mm | White background |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 35×45 mm | White or off-white background |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 35×45 mm | White background |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | 35×45 mm | White background |
This list is not exhaustive. Many additional countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe also use the 35×45mm ICAO format.
Non-Standard Formats: Countries That Differ from ICAO
The following countries use passport photo sizes that differ from the 35×45mm ICAO standard. Using the wrong format will result in rejection.
| Country | Size (W×H) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 51×51 mm | 2×2 inch square — State Department standard |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 50×70 mm | Taller portrait format — IRCC standard |
| 🇨🇳 China | 33×48 mm | Unique NIA/PSB format — narrower than ICAO |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | 30×40 mm | Smaller than ICAO 35×45mm |
| 🇵🇪 Peru | 40×40 mm | Square format — RENIEC standard |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | 40×40 mm | Square format — RENAPER standard |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | 40×60 mm | Larger than ICAO — Hellenic Police standard |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 40×60 mm (passport) | 35×45mm for UAE visas — different for each |
Highlighted rows are the most commonly confused non-ICAO formats.
Key Non-Standard Formats Explained
🇺🇸 United States — 51×51mm (2×2 inch square)
The US State Department requires a square 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photo — larger than the ICAO standard and in a different aspect ratio (square vs portrait). The head must occupy 1–1⅜ inches (25–35mm) of the photo height. No glasses since 2016. White background. This format applies to US passports, visas, and Green Card applications. It is not accepted in place of a 35×45mm ICAO photo for Schengen visa applications.
🇨🇦 Canada — 50×70mm (tall portrait)
Canadian passports use a 50×70mm format — taller than the ICAO standard. The head must measure 31–36mm of the 70mm photo height. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires two identical printed photos for paper applications. A guarantor must sign one photo. White or light background. Not interchangeable with European or US passport photos.
🇵🇪 Peru — 40×40mm (square format)
Peruvian passports and national ID cards (DNI) administered by RENIEC use a 40×40mm square format — different from both the ICAO 35×45mm and the US 51×51mm square. Argentine passports also use a 40×40mm square format. If a Peruvian citizen needs a Schengen visa, a separate 35×45mm ICAO photo must be provided.
Converting Passport Photo Sizes: mm, Inches, and Pixels
Passport photo requirements are expressed in different units depending on the country. Here is how to convert between them:
mm to inches: Divide by 25.4. Example: 35mm ÷ 25.4 = 1.38 inches; 45mm ÷ 25.4 = 1.77 inches. The US "2×2 inch" format equals 50.8×50.8mm (rounded to 51×51mm).
mm to pixels (at 300 DPI): Multiply by 300 ÷ 25.4 = 11.81. Examples:
| Format | mm | Inches | Pixels @ 300 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICAO standard | 35×45 mm | 1.38×1.77 in | 413×531 px |
| US passport | 51×51 mm | 2.00×2.00 in | 600×600 px |
| Canada | 50×70 mm | 1.97×2.76 in | 591×827 px |
| China | 33×48 mm | 1.30×1.89 in | 390×567 px |
| Brazil | 30×40 mm | 1.18×1.57 in | 354×472 px |
| Peru / Argentina | 40×40 mm | 1.57×1.57 in | 472×472 px |
| Greece / UAE passport | 40×60 mm | 1.57×2.36 in | 472×709 px |
Pixel counts are approximate at 300 DPI. Many countries require 600 DPI for digital submissions, which doubles the pixel dimensions.
How to Use ID Wizard for the Correct Format
ID Wizard supports passport photo formats for 50+ countries. When you upload your photo and select a country, the tool automatically:
- Crops and resizes the image to the exact required dimensions
- Replaces the background with the correct colour for that country
- Checks head height proportions against ICAO or country-specific requirements
- Produces a digital download file ready for online submission or printing
For countries with non-standard formats (USA 51×51mm, Canada 50×70mm, etc.), select the specific country from the country list to get the correct format automatically. Do not assume the default format is correct for every country.
Create Your Passport Photo in the Right Format
Select your country to get the exact correct size — ICAO 35×45mm, US 51×51mm, Canadian 50×70mm, or any other format. Free preview before you pay. From EUR 4.99 / CHF 4.99, no subscription.
Get started for free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard passport photo size?
The most widely used international standard is 35×45mm (width × height), defined by ICAO Doc 9303. This format is used across most of Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and many other regions. However, several major countries use different formats — including the USA (51×51mm), Canada (50×70mm), and Brazil (30×40mm).
What size is a US passport photo in mm?
US passport photos must be 51×51mm (2×2 inches) — a square format. This is larger than the ICAO 35×45mm standard and is not interchangeable with European-format passport photos.
Can I use the same passport photo for different countries?
Only if both countries use the same format. A 35×45mm ICAO photo is accepted for passports and Schengen visas across most of Europe, many African and Asian countries, Australia, and others. However, it is NOT accepted for a US passport (51×51mm), a Canadian passport (50×70mm), or most Latin American passports with non-standard sizes. Always check the specific requirements for each country.
How do I convert passport photo sizes from mm to inches?
To convert mm to inches, divide by 25.4. So 35mm = 1.38 inches, 45mm = 1.77 inches, and 51mm = 2 inches. For digital photos at 300 DPI: multiply the mm value by 11.81 to get pixels. So 35mm = 413 px and 45mm = 531 px.
What is the passport photo size for Canada?
Canadian passport photos must be 50×70mm (width × height) — a non-standard format that is significantly larger than the ICAO 35×45mm used across most of Europe. The head must be between 31–36mm high within the 70mm photo height.
What is China's passport photo size?
Chinese passport photos use a unique 33×48mm format — slightly narrower and taller than the ICAO 35×45mm standard. This format is used for the Chinese Resident Identity Card and Chinese passport applications.
Passport photo size requirements can change at any time. Always verify the current official requirements with the relevant passport authority for your specific country before submitting your application. This guide is for informational purposes only.