What size is a UK passport photo in 2026?

The official UK passport photo size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches, or 3.5 x 4.5 cm). Digital photos must be 600-750 px wide and 750-930 px tall.

What are the UK passport photo size in inches?

1.38 x 1.77 inches. This is slightly smaller than the US standard 2 x 2 inch passport photo size.

What is the UK passport photo size in pixels?

For digital submission: minimum 600 x 750 pixels, maximum 750 x 930 pixels. File size between 50 KB and 10 MB, JPEG format.

Can I wear glasses in my UK passport photo?

Yes, prescription glasses are permitted provided there is no glare and your eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed.

Can I smile in my UK passport photo?

No. HM Passport Office requires a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open.

What is the UK passport photo size in cm?

3.5 x 4.5 cm, which equals 35 x 45 mm or 1.38 x 1.77 inches.

What is the passport photo aspect ratio for a UK passport?

Approximately 7:9 (width to height). Square US-style 1:1 photos are not accepted by HM Passport Office.

How recent must a UK passport photo be?

UK passport photos must be taken within the last month and be a true likeness of you.

Can I use the same photo for an Indian passport and UK visa application?

No. Indian passports use a 35x35mm square photo, while UK visa/passport applications require a 35x45mm rectangular photo.

UK Passport Photo

Size & Requirements 2026 · Last updated: 2026-05-11

Photography Guidelines

1 Taken within the last month
2 Plain white or light grey background (cream or off-white accepted)
3 No sunglasses or tinted glasses; prescription glasses are allowed if eyes are clearly visible
4 Neutral expression with mouth closed
5 Face must be in full view with no hair covering the eyes
6 No head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons
7 Head height 29-34mm from chin to crown (measured in the 35x45mm frame)
8 Digital photos: 600 x 750 px minimum, 750 x 930 px maximum, 50KB to 10MB

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Uneven lighting

Avoid shadows on the face or background; lighting must be even

Wrong photo dimensions

Must be exactly 35x45mm (1.38x1.77 inches), not US 2x2 inch size

Red eye

Red eye will cause rejection; retake instead of digitally fixing

Glare on glasses

Prescription glasses are allowed but must not reflect light; remove them if in doubt

Digital photo wrong size

Online applications need between 600x750 and 750x930 pixels; other sizes may be rejected

How to Take Your Photo

Three ways to get a compliant photo — choose what works for you.

DIY at Home

Take it yourself with a camera or smartphone — the cheapest option.

1 Stand against a plain, smooth, light-colored wall with even daylight from the front.
2 Use a tripod or steady surface so the camera is level with your eyes, ~1.5 m away.
3 Wear normal clothes that contrast with the background and remove glasses or hats.
4 Keep a neutral expression with closed mouth and both eyes clearly visible.
5 Take several shots, pick the sharpest, then crop to the official size and DPI.
6 Save as the required file format and check file-size limits before submitting.

Using Your Smartphone

Best lighting, framing, and tips for iPhone and Android.

1 Use the rear camera (higher quality) and ask someone else to take the photo.
2 Stand 1–1.5 m from a plain wall; turn off flash and use natural daylight.
3 Tap to focus on the face and lock exposure so lighting stays consistent.
4 Frame head and shoulders so the head fills 50–70% of the height.
5 Avoid filters, beauty mode, and HDR — they distort facial features.
6 Crop to the exact ratio in a free tool, export at the required DPI.

With Our Online Service

Upload a photo and get a compliant version in seconds.

1 Upload any clear, recent photo — selfie or full-body works.
2 Our AI auto-detects the face, removes the background, and applies the correct color.
3 It crops to the exact official dimensions for your selected document.
4 A compliance check flags head size, expression, lighting, and shadow issues.
5 Preview the result and retake free if anything looks off.
6 Download the digital file or order printed copies.

Price Comparison

Common ways to get a passport photo, side by side.

Provider	Cost	Delivery	Notes
DIY at Home	Free	Instant	Requires a printer for hard copies
Local Photo Studio	$10–$20	Same day	Quality varies; not always compliance-checked
Pharmacy / Retailer	$10–$15	Same day	Convenient, but limited retake policies
Our Online Service	Free preview	Instant	AI compliance check, free retakes

Recommended Tools

PhotoGov

AI-powered UK passport photo maker

Make Your Photo Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Official References

Information on this page is based on the following official sources:

GOV.UK - Get a passport photo