May 29, 2026 · Romania
Romanian Passport Photo Requirements 2025/2026
Romania issues its biometric pașaport and carte de identitate in accordance with ICAO standards and EU biometric regulations. This guide covers the official photo specifications, the Romanian ID card as an EU travel document, where to apply at Direcția de Evidență a Persoanelor offices, Romania's Schengen accession in 2024/2025, and consular services for Romanians abroad.
Romania Joined Schengen in 2024/2025
Romania lifted air and sea border controls in March 2024 and land border controls in January 2025. Non-EU visitors should check the current entry requirements for their specific nationality, as rules may differ from those applying before Schengen accession.
Quick summary
35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, both eyes fully visible, taken within 6 months. Romanian biometric pașaport with ICAO chip since 2008.
Core Photo Requirements
The following specifications apply to all Romanian passport (pașaport) and identity card (carte de identitate) applications and renewals, both in Romania and at Romanian diplomatic missions abroad.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (ICAO biometric standard).
- Background: Plain white. No shadows, patterns, or colour gradients. The background must be uniformly white.
- Expression: Neutral. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open and directed at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. Romania follows the ICAO standard prohibiting all eyewear in biometric document photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Head coverings: Permitted only for religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to crown is completely visible.
- Retouching: No digital filters or alterations to your appearance.
Romanian Biometric Passport (Pașaport Biometric) Since 2008
Romania introduced its biometric passport in 2008. The document contains a contactless chip storing the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU Council Regulation 2252/2004. The chip enables verification at automated e-gates in countries that support ICAO biometric readers.
Adult Romanian passports are typically valid for 10 years; passports for children under 14 for a shorter period. Always confirm the current validity terms with the Serviciul de Pașapoarte or Romanian embassy before applying.
Carte de Identitate: ID Card for EU Travel
Romanian citizens can use the carte de identitate as a travel document within the European Union. Since Romania joined the Schengen Area in 2024/2025, the card is increasingly accepted at internal Schengen borders without passport controls.
The photo requirements for the carte de identitate are the same as for the passport: 35×45mm ICAO, white background, no glasses, neutral expression, both eyes fully open. Applications for both documents are handled by the Direcția de Evidență a Persoanelor.
Where to Apply: Direcția de Evidență a Persoanelor
Romanian passport applications are submitted at the Direcția de Evidență a Persoanelor (Directorate for Person Records), also known locally as the Serviciul de Pașapoarte. These offices are located in every Romanian county (județ) and most major cities.
The biometric photo and fingerprints are typically captured on-site at the application office using a controlled camera. However, some application procedures require a printed photo to accompany the form. Check with your local Direcția de Evidență a Persoanelor or Romanian embassy before attending your appointment.
Romanian Embassy in Berlin
Romanian citizens in Germany can contact the Romanian Embassy in Berlin or one of the Romanian consulates for passport and consular services. The embassy serves Romanian citizens living in Germany and handles document applications in line with the same photo specifications used in Romania. Current contact details and appointment information are available at berlin.mae.ro.
Romanian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Photo size | Background | Glasses | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romanian Passport (pașaport) | 35×45mm | White | No | 10 years (adult), 5 years (child) |
| Romanian ID Card (carte de identitate) | 35×45mm | White | No | Varies by age |
Always verify current validity periods and requirements with the Serviciul de Pașapoarte or your nearest Romanian Embassy or Consulate.
Common Rejection Reasons for Romanian Passport Photos
Glasses or eyewear visible
Remove all glasses before the photo. Prescription frames are not permitted under the ICAO standard.
Background not plain white
Use a uniformly white background. Avoid off-white, cream, or grey backgrounds.
Shadow on the face or background
Stand at least 1 metre from the background wall and use even frontal lighting to eliminate all shadows.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application or renewal date.
Non-neutral expression or eyes not fully open
Maintain a relaxed, neutral expression with both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
Digital filters or retouching applied
Submit the photo without any filters, skin smoothing, or digital alterations to your appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Romanian passport photo?
Romanian passport photos must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall, following the ICAO biometric standard. The face must be centred, fully visible from chin to crown, with a neutral expression and both eyes fully open.
Can I wear glasses in a Romanian passport photo?
No. Romania follows the ICAO biometric standard, which prohibits glasses in passport photos. Remove all eyewear, including prescription frames, before the photo is taken.
Can I use my Romanian ID card (carte de identitate) to travel in the EU?
Yes. Romanian citizens can use the carte de identitate for travel within the European Union. Since Romania joined Schengen in 2024/2025, the card is increasingly accepted at internal Schengen borders. Always check the entry rules of your destination country before travel.
Where do I apply for a Romanian passport?
Romanian passport applications are submitted at the Direcția de Evidență a Persoanelor (Serviciul de Pașapoarte) offices throughout Romania. Romanian citizens abroad can apply at the nearest Romanian embassy or consulate.
Is Romania in the Schengen Area?
Yes. Romania joined Schengen progressively: air and sea borders were lifted in March 2024, and land border controls were fully lifted in January 2025. Non-EU visitors should verify the current entry requirements for their nationality before travelling.
How long has Romania issued biometric passports?
Romania introduced its biometric passport (pașaport biometric) in 2008. The document contains a contactless chip with the holder's facial biometric data and fingerprints, in line with ICAO Doc 9303 and EU regulations.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — the Serviciul de Pașapoarte (pasapoarte.ro) or your nearest Romanian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements may be updated without notice.
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