UK Digital & Printed
Passport Photo Requirements
(2026 Guide)

Official rules for digital UK passport photos. Follow the exact size, format and quality standards to avoid delays or rejection.

📅 Updated: April 2026 • 12 min read • UK Official Rules
Digital Only
UK passport photo size requirements showing correct dimensions and head proportions
750px
600px
Head height
70-80% of
image height
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Both digital and printed passport photos must meet strict official rules requirements. Even small mistakes can cause delays or rejection.
Use this guide to get it right the first time.

1. Digital Photo Size and Dimensions

Your digital photo must be at least 600px wide and 750px high (portrait orientation). It must be in colour, high quality and saved as a JPEG file.

Key facts
✓ Size: Minimum 600px (W) x 750px (H)
✓ Format: JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg)
✓ File size: Max 10MB
✓ Quality: Clear, sharp, high resolution
✓ Background: Plain light grey background with no shadows
✓ Colour: In colour

2. Printed Photo Size and Dimensions

Your printed passport photo must be 35mm wide and 45mm high. It must be printed in colour on high-quality photo paper, with no ink marks, creases or damage.

Key facts
✓ Size: 35mm (W) x 45mm (H)
✓ Format: Printed photo
✓ Paper: High-quality glossy photo paper
✓ Background: Plain light grey background with no shadows
✓ Colour: In colour, no marks or creases

3. Head Size and Position

Your head (from chin to crown) must measure between 29mm and 34mm. You should face the camera straight on and keep your head centred.

UK passport photo size requirements showing correct dimensions and head proportions
✓
Correct
Passport photo taken too close to camera, face cropped and not compliant with UK passport photo standards
×
Too close
Passport photo taken too far away, face too small and not meeting UK size and framing requirements
×
Too far away

4. Facial Expression

You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning or raised eyebrows.

UK passport photo size requirements showing correct dimensions and head proportions
✓
Neutral expression
Passport photo example with person smiling, not allowed under UK passport photo expression rules
×
Smiling
Invalid passport photo showing person frowning, which does not meet UK passport photo guidelines
×
Frowning

5. Eyes and Glasses

Eyes must be open and clearly visible. Avoid tinted or dark glasses. Your eyes should not be covered by hair, glare, frames or shadows.

UK passport photo size requirements showing correct dimensions and head proportions
✓
Correct
Correct passport photo with glasses, clear eyes visible and no glare meeting UK standards
✓
Correct
Passport photo with sunglasses, not allowed under UK passport photo regulations
×
Sunglasses
Passport photo rejected due to glasses frames covering eyes and causing glare
×
Glasses covering eyes

6. Hair and Head Coverings

Your face must be fully visible. Hair must not cover your eyes. Religious head coverings are allowed but must not cover your face.

Valid passport photo with headscarf worn for religious reasons, face fully visible and compliant with UK rules
✓
Correct
Passport photo example with hair covering eyes and face, not acceptable for UK passport
×
Hair over eyes
Passport photo rejected because scarf is covering part of the face
×
Face covered

7. Clothing and Accessories

No uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform. Avoid large accessories, headphones, scarves covering the face or anything that hides your features.

UK passport photo size requirements showing correct dimensions and head proportions
✓
Correct
Passport photo example showing person wearing a hairband, which is not permitted in UK passport photos
×
Hairdband
Passport photo example with hair clip visible, not allowed under UK passport photo requirements
×
Hair accessories
UK passport photo not acceptable with too much hair volume above the head, high bun hairstyle example
×
Too much hair above

8. Background and Lighting

Use a plain, light-coloured background. There must be no shadows on your face or behind you. The photo should be evenly lit and clear.

UK passport photo size requirements showing correct dimensions and head proportions
✓
Correct
Passport photo with uneven face lighting and harsh shadows, not acceptable for UK passport
×
Face shadow
Passport photo rejected due to strong shadow behind subject on plain background
×
Background shadow

9. Babies and Children

Children need to be on their own in the photo, with no toys, dummies or other people visible. Babies under 1 year can have their eyes closed and children under 6 years don’t need to look straight at the camera or keep a neutral expression.

Correct baby passport photo with neutral expression, plain background and proper lighting meeting UK standards
✓
Correct
Baby passport photo example showing infant holding a toy, which is not allowed under UK passport photo rules
×
Toy visible
Incorrect baby passport photo with visible shadow on background, failing UK passport photo guidelines
×
Background shadow

10. Common Mistakes

These are the most common mistakes that can cause passport photo rejection such as poor lighting, shadows, incorrect positioning or low image quality.

Passport photo with uneven face lighting and harsh shadows, not acceptable for UK passport
×
Face shadow
Passport photo rejected due to glasses frames covering eyes and causing glare
×
Glasses covering eyes
Passport photo rejected due to strong shadow behind subject on plain background
×
Background shadow
Passport photo example with person smiling, not allowed under UK passport photo expression rules
×
Smiling
Head not centered
×
Head not centered
Low quality or blurry
×
Low quality / blurry

11. FAQs

Can I smile in a UK passport photo?

›
No. UK passport photos require a neutral expression with your mouth closed.

Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?

›
It is better not to wear glasses, especially if they create glare, tint or cover your eyes.

How recent does the photo need to be?

›
Each passport application needs a new photo, even if nothing has changed. Just make sure it’s in colour and taken within the last month.

What is the maximum file size for a UK digital photo?

›
The digital UK passport photo size has to be at least 60kb and no more than 10MB.

What background should I use?

›
Use a plain, light-coloured background with no patterns, objects or shadows.

Can a baby have their eyes closed?

›
For very young babies, the rules can be more flexible but the child should still be alone in the photo with no toys, hands or dummies visible.

What happens if my photo doesn't meet the requirements?

›
Your application may be rejected or delayed and you'll need to upload a new photo. With Foxly Passport Photo Maker your photo is checked to ensure it meets all UK passport photo requirements before you submit it.

Can I take a UK passport photo at home?

›
Yes, as long as it follows all official UK passport photo rules (size, lighting, background and face expression). You can use Foxly Passport Photo Maker to take your photo and have it reviewed to ensure it meets the requirements.

Is Foxly Passport Photo Maker app free to use?

›
You can use the app for free to take your photo. It costs £5 to receive your final digital image via email, prepared to meet UK passport photo requirements.

Do you offer UK printed passport photos?

›
Yes, you can also order printed UK passport photos. Printed photos cost £5 with an additional delivery fee and are delivered within the UK and Ireland only.

Still not sure?

Download our app to take your passport photo and get it ready in seconds.

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Passport photo on phone
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