Getting your UK passport photo right the first time is essential to avoid delays in your passport application. This comprehensive guide covers all official UK passport photo requirements for 2026, helping you create a compliant photo that will be accepted by HM Passport Office.
Official UK Passport Photo Size
UK passport photos follow the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standard with specific size requirements:
- Photo dimensions: 35 x 45 mm
- Head height: 29-34 mm from chin to crown of head
- Face must take up 70-80% of the photo
- Resolution: At least 600 dpi for printed photos
- File format: JPEG for digital submissions
- File size: Between 50KB and 10MB for online applications
Our main editor makes U.S. passport and visa photos only. For a UK 35x45 mm photo, use our sister tool PassportPhoto, which has a UK passport preset, and check the result with PhotoChecker.
Background Requirements - Grey or Cream Only
Unlike many countries that require white backgrounds, UK passport photos have specific background colour requirements:
- Colour: Plain light grey or cream (NOT pure white)
- No patterns, textures, or designs
- No shadows on the background
- No other people or objects visible
- Consistent colour throughout (no gradients)
Pure white backgrounds will be rejected for UK passport photos. Ensure you use a light grey or cream background.
Face and Expression Requirements
Your face must be clearly visible and meet these requirements:
- Face directly toward the camera
- Neutral expression with mouth closed
- Both eyes open and clearly visible
- No squinting or closed eyes
- Head straight (not tilted or turned)
- Full face visible from hairline to chin
- No hair covering any part of your face
Glasses Policy for UK Passports
You CAN wear glasses in UK passport photos, but they must meet certain conditions:
- Glasses must be worn daily (not just for the photo)
- No glare or reflection on the lenses
- Eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses
- Frames must not cover any part of the eyes
- No tinted or coloured lenses
- No sunglasses
To avoid glare, slightly tilt your head down or adjust the lighting angle when taking your photo.
Clothing and Head Coverings
- Wear normal, everyday clothing
- Avoid uniforms unless worn daily for religious reasons
- Religious head coverings are permitted
- Head coverings for medical reasons are permitted with documentation
- Your face from forehead to chin must be clearly visible
- Remove headphones or wireless earbuds
Lighting Requirements
Proper lighting is essential for a compliant UK passport photo:
- Even lighting on both sides of the face
- No shadows on the face or background
- No red-eye from flash
- Not overexposed or underexposed
- Natural skin tones (no filters or colour adjustments)
Photo Quality Standards
- Photo must be in colour (not black and white)
- Sharp focus with no blur
- Printed on photo-quality paper (for physical submissions)
- No digital alterations to your appearance
- No filters, beauty modes, or editing effects
- No visible pixels or compression artefacts
Do not use filters or beauty mode on your phone camera. Photos that appear digitally altered will be rejected.
Baby and Child Photo Requirements
Photos of babies and children must meet most standard requirements with some allowances:
- Child must be photographed alone
- No parent's hands, toys, or dummies visible
- Eyes should be open (some allowance for newborns under 1 month)
- Light grey or cream background required
- Can be photographed lying on a plain sheet
- Expression requirements are less strict for babies
Common Reasons UK Passport Photos Get Rejected
- Wrong background colour (using white instead of grey/cream)
- Incorrect size or head proportion
- Shadows on face or background
- Glasses with glare on lenses
- Blurry or low resolution
- Face not centred or tilted
- Eyes closed or not visible
- Too dark or overexposed
- Filters or digital alterations
- Photo older than 1 month
Digital Photo Requirements for Online Applications
For online UK passport applications through GOV.UK:
- File format: JPEG only
- Minimum size: 600 pixels wide, 750 pixels tall
- Maximum file size: 10MB
- No borders or frames
- Colour space: sRGB recommended
How to Create a Compliant UK Passport Photo
Our main editor does not have a UK preset yet. Our sister tool PassportPhoto does. It will:
- Crop your photo to 35x45 mm with the UK preset
- Export a JPEG for the online application or a 4x6 print sheet
- Run on your device, without uploading the photo
- Leave the background as you shot it, so use a plain light grey or cream wall
Create a compliant UK passport photo now
Create Your UK Passport Photo FreeWhere to Get UK Passport Photos
You have several options for obtaining UK passport photos:
- Photo booths in Post Offices and supermarkets
- Professional photography studios
- High street photo shops (Snappy Snaps, Timpson, etc.)
- DIY at home with PassportPhoto's UK preset
Taking your passport photo at home saves money and allows you to retake photos until you're satisfied with the result.
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