Bosnia and Herzegovina Child Passport Photo Guidelines
Prepare a proper photo for your child's passport from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Follow these official specifications to prepare your images.
Official Size and Guidelines
The authority does not publish a separate photo size for child passports. A 35 by 45 mm (1.38 by 1.77 in) crop is a guide based on the official visa photo rules[1]. Passport applications are handled by cantonal ministries of interior, the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, and the Public Register of Brčko District. Applicants living abroad may apply through a Bosnia and Herzegovina diplomatic or consular mission[2].
The visa photo rule sets a maximum head height of 36 mm; this is a guide for cropping a practice image, not a passport-photo requirement[1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
You need a light-colored, plain background with sufficient contrast to face and hair to meet standard official expectations[1]. Make sure there is sufficient contrast between the background and the child's face and hair so that all features stand out clearly[1]. Avoid patterned walls, textured wallpaper, or dark sheets behind the child.
Try to use bright, even natural light without casting heavy shadows on the face or behind the head. Facing a window during daylight hours is a simple way to achieve this clean look. If someone else takes the picture, they can stand about one to one and a half meters away to keep the framing steady and accurate.
Rules for Infants and Children
A passport application for a minor is submitted by one parent with the other parent's consent, or by another legal guardian[2]. The visa photo rule says a child in a photo must be alone, with the face fully visible and eyes open[1].
For very young babies who cannot sit up on their own, you can lay them flat on a plain, light-colored sheet on the floor or bed. Stand directly above the baby to take the photo from straight down. Keep the camera steady, make sure the baby is calm, and check that the lighting is gentle so they do not squint.
Headwear, Glasses, and Appearance
The visa photo rule permits headwear for religious or medical reasons only[1]. If worn, it must leave the face fully visible, from chin to forehead and along both edges of the face[1].
The cited visa photo rule does not specify rules for glasses or facial expression. For a practice photo, check that the child's eyes are visible and not obscured by glare.
Application Process and Validity
Biometric photograph is captured during in-person application[2]. Passports issued for children have specific validity periods based on age[2]. Child passports are valid for 3 years under age 3 and 5 years from age 3 to 18[2].
The authority takes the biometric photo during the in-person application[2]. You can use this page's tool to practice framing or prepare a copy for personal use.
How to Prepare Your Photo at Home
Taking a photo at home requires patience, especially with small children. Set up your shooting area near a bright window with indirect sunlight. Place your background carefully and position the camera at the child's eye level.
Take multiple shots so you have options to choose from when checking the framing. You can use the tool on this page to crop your chosen image down to the 35 by 45 millimeter format. Double-check all details against the official rules before you finalize your preparations.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
For a practice photo, check that the lighting is even and the child's eyes are open. The cited rule requires the child to be alone, with the face fully visible and eyes open[1].
Other frequent issues involve unauthorized headwear, heavy frames over the eyes, or incorrect head proportions. Reviewing your image closely before your appointment helps you catch these common mistakes early and avoids unnecessary trouble at the office.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Bosnia and Herzegovina child passport photo?
Can parents be in the photo with the baby?
No, the child must be alone in the picture, and the application is submitted by a parent or guardian[1].
How long is a child passport valid?
Child passports are valid for 3 years under age 3 and 5 years from age 3 to 18[2].
Is headwear allowed in the photo?
Headwear is permitted for religious-medical-only reasons, and the face must be fully visible[1].
Where do I submit the passport application?
You submit it through cantonal ministries of interior, the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska, the public register of Brcko District, or diplomatic and consular missions abroad[2].