How it works

Common European Biometric Photo Requirements

Glasses, Hair, Head Coverings and Clothing

Glasses

Rules for glasses differ between passport authorities. Your eyes must be completely visible, without reflections, tinted lenses or frames covering any part of the eyes. Removing glasses is usually the safest option unless your issuing authority states otherwise.

Hair

Keep both eyes and the main outline of the face visible. Hair must not cover the eyes or cast strong shadows across the face. The ears do not need to be visible unless the issuing authority specifically requires it.

Head coverings

Hats and fashion headwear are normally not permitted. Religious or medically necessary coverings may be accepted when the complete face, including the forehead, chin and both sides of the face, remains clearly visible.

Clothing

Wear normal everyday clothing that contrasts with the background. Avoid clothing that blends into the background or obscures the lower edge of the face.

Makeup and editing

Natural makeup is generally preferable. Do not use beauty filters, artificial skin smoothing, facial reshaping, eye enlargement or editing that changes your appearance.

Common Reasons Passport Photos Are Rejected

• The wrong country or document template was selected
• The printed dimensions are incorrect
• The digital dimensions or file type are incorrect
• The face is too large or too small
• The face is not centred
• The head is tilted or turned
• The applicant is looking away from the camera
• The mouth is open or the expression is unsuitable
• Hair or glasses obscure the eyes
• Glasses produce reflections or glare
• There are shadows on the face or background
• The background colour is not accepted
• The image is blurred or pixelated
• The image has been excessively compressed

Passport Photos for Babies and Young Children

The child should be the only visible person in the photograph. Hands, arms, toys, chair backs and other supporting objects should not appear. The child's face should be clearly visible and evenly lit.

A baby may be photographed lying on a plain light-coloured sheet, provided the background complies with the issuing country's rules and does not contain folds, patterns or strong shadows.

Some passport authorities allow limited flexibility in expression or eye position for very young babies. Check the national guidance instead of applying adult requirements without qualification.

What the IDPhotoDIY Passport PhotoTool Does

The European passport photo tool crops and resizes an uploaded image to a 35 x 45 mm portrait format, positions the head according to the selected template,fix the background and prepares 100% compliant downloadable output for digital use or printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there one passport photo size for every EU country?

No. Passport requirements are set by individual national authorities. A 35 x 45 mm photograph is common in Europe, but background, head-position, digital-file and submission requirements may differ.

Does a European passport photo need a white background?

Not always. Background requirements are set by the issuing country. Some authorities permit white, while others require a different plain light background. Check the official national instructions.

Can I smile in a European passport photo?

A neutral expression with the mouth closed is the safest option. Follow any more specific instructions published by the authority issuing your passport.

Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?

Rules differ by country. Your eyes must be clearly visible without glare, tinted lenses or frames covering them. Removing glasses is usually the safest option.

Can I take a passport photo with my phone?

A phone can produce a suitable source photograph, but the application process may not accept an ordinary image upload. Some authorities accept digital uploads, while others require secure transmission or a photograph taken at the application office.

Can I use the same photo for a passport and a Schengen visa?

Do not assume so. A national passport and a Schengen visa are different documents. Confirm the required size, photo age and submission process for each application.

How recent must the photograph be?

A photograph taken within the previous six months is commonly required in biometric-photo guidance. The issuing country's rule takes priority.