Passport Photo Sizes by Country: Quick Reference Guide (2026 Update)
Here's a scenario that plays out thousands of times every year: you carefully fill out your passport or visa application, pay the fees, mail everything off—and weeks later, it comes back. Rejected. Because your photo was the wrong size.
The frustrating part? You probably would have gotten it right if you had known. The United States requires a 2×2 inch square. The UK uses 35×45 millimeters. Canada demands a unique 50×70 millimeter format. China wants 33×48 millimeters. Get even one specification wrong, and the embassy or passport office sends your paperwork back with a form rejection letter.
This guide breaks down the exact passport photo requirements for the most commonly needed countries—so you can get it right the first time.
The Three Main Standards
Most countries follow one of three main passport photo size standards:
The 2×2 Inch Standard – Used by the United States, Philippines, and sometimes India
The 35×45mm Standard – Used by the UK, Schengen countries, most of Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
The 50×70mm Standard – Unique to Canada (one of the few countries with a rectangular, non-square format)
A handful of countries (Brazil, Turkey, Vietnam) use their own specifications entirely.
United States – 2×2 Inches (51×51mm)
The United States uses a 2×2 inch square format for passports, visas, Green Cards, and most USCIS immigration forms. This is one of the most widely recognized standards globally.
Applicable documents: US Passport (DS-11, DS-82), DS-160 nonimmigrant visa, Green Card, N-400 naturalization, I-765, I-131, Diversity Visa Lottery.
United Kingdom – 35×45mm
The UK is one of the few countries that prefers a light grey or cream background rather than pure white. Pure white backgrounds can confuse the HM Passport Office's automated verification system, which may struggle to distinguish the edge of the face from the background.
Schengen Area (European Union) – 35×45mm
The 26 Schengen Area countries—including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and Belgium—all use a standardized 35×45mm format for visa applications. Requirements are harmonized under EU biometric standards.
Canada – 50×70mm
Canada uses a unique format that stands apart from most other countries. It's one of the few nations that uses a rectangular (non-square) print size.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 50 × 70 mm |
| Digital size | Minimum 420 × 540 pixels, under 5 MB |
| Head size | 31–36 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white |
| File format | JPEG |
| Expression | Neutral, no smiling |
Note: Canada requires professional studio photos for many applications, with the photographer's information and date stamp on the back. Home photos may not be accepted.
China – 33×48mm
China uses a unique 33×48mm format that is slightly narrower than most other countries' specifications.
The strict file size range (40-120 KB) makes compression essential—most modern phone cameras produce files that are far too large.
Australia – 35×45mm
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital size | Minimum 600 × 750 pixels |
| Head size | 32–36 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white |
| File format | JPEG, 80 KB to 5 MB |
| Expression | Neutral, no smiling |
India – Dual Standards
India has multiple photo specifications depending on the document type:
For Indian passport applications, ICAO standards require: a close-up of the head and top of shoulders, white background, eyes open and clearly visible, mouth closed, natural expression, and no computer alterations. Photos must be taken from a distance of 1.5 meters—not too close.
Important: The Indian Passport Seva portal has a strict 300 KB maximum file size, which catches many applicants off guard. A modern phone camera produces photos that are 3-5 MB, so resizing and compression are essential.
Japan – 35×45mm
Japan is particularly strict about facial expression—smiling or open mouths are not permitted.
Quick Reference Table
| Country | Photo Size | Background | Digital File Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | White | 600-1200px, JPEG, 240KB-5MB |
| United Kingdom | 35 × 45 mm | Light grey/cream | 600×750px+, JPEG, max 6.5MB |
| Schengen/EU | 35 × 45 mm | White or light grey | Varies by country |
| Canada | 50 × 70 mm | White | 420×540px+, JPEG, max 5MB |
| Australia | 35 × 45 mm | White | 600×750px+, JPEG, 80KB-5MB |
| China | 33 × 48 mm | White | 354×472px, JPEG, 40-120KB |
| Japan | 35 × 45 mm | White or light blue | 600×600px+ |
| India (passport) | 35 × 45 mm | White | 350×350px+, JPEG, 10-300KB |
| India (OCI/US) | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | White | Varies |
The International Standard (ICAO)
Despite the country-by-country differences, there is a unifying standard. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets guidelines for biometric passports to ensure global interoperability. Most countries' requirements are based on ICAO standards, which include:
Full face, front view, eyes open
Neutral expression, mouth closed
White or light-colored plain background, no shadows
Face takes up 70-80% of the photo
How to Get It Right Without the Headache
Keeping track of all these country-specific requirements is overwhelming. The dimensions vary, background colors differ, and file size limits range from 40KB (China) to 6.5MB (UK). One wrong measurement and your application is delayed by weeks.
Instead of manually researching and editing each photo for every application, you can use an automated tool. xpassportphoto.com is an AI-driven platform that converts your casual snapshot into a fully compliant passport photo in seconds.
The platform automatically handles:
Cropping to your country's exact dimensions (all the specifications listed in this guide and more)
Background removal and replacement—fixing that slightly-off-white wall
Resizing to meet precise digital file specifications
Verification against the specific requirements of your document type
Simply upload your raw photo, select your country and document type (U.S. passport, U.K. passport, Schengen visa, Chinese passport, Canadian visa, Australian visa, and many more), and the AI processes everything for you. You'll get a downloadable digital file ready for online submission or a printable template for paper applications.
It saves you the trial-and-error of manual editing and gives you confidence that your photo will pass on the first try—no matter which country you're applying to.
Final Checklist Before You Submit:
Double-check your specific country's size requirements
Confirm the background color (white, light grey, or off-white)
Check the file size and format limits
Ensure your head is the correct size within the frame
Verify your expression meets the country's rules (neutral vs. slight smile)
Photo must be taken within the last 6 months (or 3 months for some countries)
One incorrect photo specification can cost you weeks of processing time. Get it right the first time.
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