Passport Photo Maker

France Passport Photo Requirements 2026: ANTS Official Guide

France’s Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) enforces some of Europe’s most specific passport photo rules. Many applications get rejected because the photo uses a white background instead of the required light grey, or because the applicant is still wearing glasses — a rule that changed in 2016. This guide covers every ANTS requirement so your French passport or CNI application is accepted on the first submission.

Official France Passport Photo Size

The French passport photo must measure exactly 35mm wide by 45mm tall, with specific head proportions:

  • Photo size: 35 x 45 mm
  • Head height: 32 to 36 mm from chin to top of head (not including hair volume)
  • Top margin: 3 mm minimum above the top of the head
  • Eyes: Aligned on a horizontal line, looking straight at the camera

The photo must be printed on photographic paper with a matte or satin finish — glossy finishes can cause glare under ANTS scanners.

Background Color — Light Grey, Not White

This is where most French passport applications fail. ANTS requires a plain light grey background, not pure white. Specifically:

  • Preferred shade: Light grey (around RGB 200,200,200 or similar)
  • Acceptable: Very light blue-grey
  • Not acceptable: Pure white, off-white, cream, or any coloured background
  • No patterns, shadows, or objects behind the subject

If you are taking the photo at home, position a light grey bedsheet or poster board as the background. Digital photo tools should generate an ANTS-compliant grey, not a plain white. Our France passport photo tool applies the correct shade automatically.

Facial Expression and Head Position

  • Neutral expression with mouth closed — smiling is not allowed.
  • Face the camera directly, head straight (no tilt).
  • Both eyes open, clearly visible, and looking at the lens.
  • Hair must not cover the eyes, eyebrows, or face outline.
  • Ears do not need to be visible, but the full face from hairline to below the chin must be shown.

Glasses Are Not Allowed

Since 2016, ANTS has prohibited glasses in French passport photos. This rule applies to:

  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Reading glasses
  • Tinted, coloured, or sunglasses
  • Glasses with any reflection or glare

The only exception is a medical certificate from an ophthalmologist documenting that removing glasses is not possible. Even then, the frames must be thin and the lenses must be completely transparent with no glare.

What to Wear

  • Plain, dark-coloured clothing that contrasts with the light grey background.
  • No uniforms (military, airline, sports clubs, etc.).
  • No hats, scarves, or head coverings — except for documented religious reasons, and the full face must still be visible.
  • Jewelry is allowed if discreet and not reflecting light into the photo.

Digital Photo Requirements

French passport applications through the ANTS online portal accept digital photos with these specifications:

  • File format: JPEG
  • Minimum dimensions: 420 x 525 pixels
  • Maximum dimensions: 4000 x 5000 pixels
  • Aspect ratio: Must follow the 35:45 portrait format
  • File size: Between 25 KB and 3 MB
  • Color mode: sRGB

All ANTS-accredited photo booths and pharmacies issue a photo code (ePhoto code) that you can enter online instead of uploading a file. The code confirms the photo has been verified against ANTS standards.

How to Take a French Passport Photo at Home

  1. Hang a light grey backdrop (bedsheet, poster board, or photo paper) at least 50 cm behind where you will stand.
  2. Set up even, diffused lighting — natural daylight through a window is ideal, supplemented by a soft lamp on either side.
  3. Remove glasses and tie back any hair that covers your eyes.
  4. Position the camera at eye level on a tripod, about 1.5 m from your face.
  5. Take multiple shots with a neutral expression, mouth closed.
  6. Crop to 35 x 45 mm with head height between 32 and 36 mm.

Where to Get a French Passport Photo

France has one of the most accessible passport photo networks in Europe:

  • Photomaton booths: Available in most metro stations, train stations, and shopping centres. Cost: 5-7 euros for four prints plus an ANTS ePhoto code.
  • Pharmacies: Many pharmacies in France offer passport photo services with ANTS certification. Cost: 8-12 euros.
  • Professional photographers: The highest quality option, especially for children or detailed applications. Cost: 15-25 euros.

Choose a service that provides the ANTS ePhoto code — this is the fastest option for online applications as it skips the photo upload step entirely.

France vs. Schengen Visa Photo — What’s Different?

French passport photos and Schengen visa photos use the same 35x45mm size, but there are small differences:

  • French passport: Light grey background, ANTS rules.
  • Schengen visa: White or light-coloured background accepted.
  • Head height: Both require 32-36mm head height.

If you are a foreign national applying for a French Schengen visa, a light grey ANTS-compliant photo will always be accepted, while a white-background photo may not always work for a French passport.

French Passport Photo Rules for Children

Children’s passport photos follow the same rules, with adjustments:

  • Children must be photographed alone — parents cannot be visible.
  • Eyes open and looking at the camera.
  • Mouth closed, neutral expression (not always easy with toddlers).
  • No toys, pacifiers, or hands visible.
  • For infants, lay them on a light grey sheet and photograph from directly above.

Many French photo booths have specific children’s settings and adjustable seat heights for young applicants.

Common Rejection Reasons

  • White background instead of light grey — the #1 rejection cause.
  • Wearing glasses (even thin rimless ones).
  • Smiling or visible teeth.
  • Head tilt (even slight).
  • Shadows on background or face.
  • Hair covering eyebrows or eyes.
  • Photo printed on cheap inkjet paper (must be photo-quality).
  • Digital retouching or beauty filters.

Tips for a Successful ANTS-Compliant Photo

  • Use a proper light grey background — not pure white.
  • Remove glasses before taking the photo.
  • Wear a dark-coloured top for contrast.
  • Keep a completely neutral expression.
  • Use even lighting to eliminate shadows.
  • Verify head height with a measuring tool or digital overlay.

Next Steps

Ready to create your French passport photo? Use our free France passport photo tool to take a photo at home with the correct light grey ANTS background, verify it meets official requirements, and download it in the exact 35 x 45 mm size. Processed entirely on your device for privacy, with no registration required.