Biometric passport photos must follow strict technical rules so machines and humans can read and match faces reliably. This post explains the required measurements, image standards, and practical steps to create compliant files.
What “Biometric” Means
Biometric photos capture stable facial features for automated matching. Systems need consistent scale, lighting, and framing to compare eyes, nose, mouth, and jaw across databases.
Why This Actually Matters
Passport and visa photos aren’t just pretty headshots. They feed automated facial-recognition systems and help border officers verify identity fast. Small changes in lighting, framing, or editing can make a face unmatchable. The rules exist so photos are consistent, readable by machines, and easy for humans to inspect.
The Basics You Can’t Ignore
- Full-face, forward-facing, neutral expression. No big smiles. No head turns.
- Eyes open and clearly visible. No hair, hands, or accessories over the eyes.
- Plain, light background. No textures or visible objects behind you.
- Even lighting. No harsh shadows, no bright hotspots.
- No heavy editing. No filters. No AI tweaks. The photo must look like you now.
- Glasses off unless a medical or religious exception applies. If allowed, there must be no glare and eyes must remain visible.
- Head coverings only for religious reasons. They must not obscure the face.
Framing And Face Size In Plain Words
Center your head. Keep chin and forehead visible. Aim for the face to take most of the frame – about 70-80% of the image height in practical terms. Different countries give exact millimeters or inches for the printed photo and exact pixel sizes for uploads. If you’re unsure, ask the issuing authority or the photographer for the precise spec.
File And Print Rules (What To Hand The Studio)
- Common printed size: 35×45 mm for many countries. US photos are typically 2×2 inches.
- Digital uploads often require square or near-square images and minimum dimensions (many require at least 600 px on the short side).
- JPEG is usually safest. Follow file-size caps on government portals.
- Use sRGB color. Keep the image sharp. Avoid compression artifacts.
- For print, use high-quality photo paper and 300 dpi or better.
Common reasons photos get rejected
- Cropped too tight or head cut off.
- Shadows or a textured background.
- Glasses glare or partially closed eyes.
- Evidence of retouching or filters.
- Wrong file format, wrong pixel dimensions, or file too large/small.
A Simple Photographer’s Workflow You Can Use
- Seat the subject 1.5- 2 meters from a plain light background.
- Use diffused lighting from both sides to avoid shadows.
- Set camera at eye level. Frame head and upper shoulders.
- Ask for a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open.
- Remove glasses unless an exception applies.
- Check focus on the eyes. Save as high-quality JPEG in sRGB. Ensure pixel and file-size specs match the target authority.
Quick Checklist For Applicants
- Neutral face, eyes visible.
- No glasses or glare.
- Plain light background.
- No visible editing or filters.
- Export in required format, pixels, and file size.
- Check your issuing country’s exact head-size and dimension rules.
Final Note
Standards are stable but country details vary. Always confirm the issuing authority’s current specification before submitting. Provide the issuing country and the exact use (passport, visa, ID) and a one-page, studio-ready spec will be produced.
