Getting a UK passport photo wrong is one of the easiest ways to delay your application. The rules are strict—but once you know them, it’s straightforward.
Here’s a quick, practical breakdown.
Key Requirements
Size: 45mm × 35mm
Head height: 29–34mm (chin to crown)
Background: Plain light grey or cream
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
Eyes: Open and clearly visible
Lighting: Even, no shadows or glare
Image quality: Sharp, no filters or edits
For digital photos:
JPEG format
600 × 750 pixels minimum
50KB–10MB file size
Pose Rules
Face the camera directly
Keep your head straight (no tilting)
No smiling or exaggerated expressions
Hair must not cover your eyes
Glasses: Allowed only if there’s no glare
Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons
Children & Baby Photos
Babies under 1 can have eyes closed
No hands, toys, or other people visible
Plain background still required
Common Mistakes
Most rejections come down to small details:
Shadows on face or background
Smiling or incorrect expression
Wrong background
Blurry or low-quality image
Hair covering eyes
Filters or edits applied
Taking a Photo at Home
You don’t need a studio. A phone and good lighting are enough:
Stand in front of a plain wall
Use natural light (avoid harsh overhead lighting)
Keep the camera at eye level
Stay about 1–1.5m from the wall
If you want a clearer breakdown of the rules, this guide is useful.
Final Thoughts
As long as you follow the basics—lighting, background, and positioning—you’ll avoid most issues.
If you want a quick way to check or format your photo, something like
Foxly Passport Photo Maker can help without much effort.
Top comments (0)