Estonian Child Passport Photo Requirements and Tips
Get ready to take a photo for an Estonian child passport with clear steps, correct sizes, and official rules.
Official Size and Dimensions
When you apply for an Estonian child passport, the photo must follow exact size rules set by the Police and Border Guard Board[1]. The official size is 40 by 50 millimeters, which is about 1.57 by 1.97 inches[1]. When you frame the picture, the head height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head must measure between 35 and 40 millimeters[1].
The photo rules specify the required dimensions[1]. You can use the tool above to crop your image to this size.
Background and Lighting
The background behind your child must be a flat, uniform, light-coloured background contrasting with the face and hair; no specific colour is prescribed[1]. Avoid patterned walls, textured wallpaper, colourful posters, or bright distractions behind the child that might blend with their clothing.
Good lighting helps meet this requirement without casting harsh shadows on the face or the background surface. Face a large window with soft daylight, or place the child against a plain light wall under even room lights. Make sure the child does not cast a dark shadow on the background surface, and keep the lighting even across the entire frame for the best result.
Expression, Glasses, and Headwear
The child’s photo must follow the general identity-document photo rules, including a neutral expression and closed mouth[1].
Glasses are allowed conditionally[1]. Headwear is permitted for religious or medical reasons only[1].
Rules for Children and Infants
Applying for a child passport comes with specific age exceptions and adjustments that you should keep in mind before starting[1]. For children under the age of eleven, the eye line can be as low as 40 percent of the photo height, which is 20 millimeters from the bottom[1].
Please note that no photo is required in the document of a child under four years old[1]. If you do need to take a photo for a baby or toddler, lay them flat on a plain light sheet or support them gently against a neutral background. Keep the camera steady and at the child's eye level to get a clear and direct shot without distortion.
Preparing and Taking the Photo at Home
Taking a passport photo at home saves time and lets you try multiple shots until you get the right result. Keep the camera or phone at eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from the child.
Ask a helpful family member to catch the child's attention near the camera lens so the child looks straight ahead with eyes wide open. Take several photos in bright, natural light so you have plenty of good options to choose from. Once you have a clear picture, you can upload it to the tool above to crop it to the required 40 by 50 millimeter size.
Printing and Submitting the Application
A photo may be supplied electronically or on paper, or captured by the authority[1].
Make sure the printed sheet keeps the exact scale without stretching or shrinking the image during printing. You can also submit the digital file through the accepted photo submission methods provided by the authority[1]. Always check the final application guidelines from the issuer before you send in your materials to confirm all requirements are met[2].
Common Reasons for Photo Refusal
Passport offices frequently reject photos that fail to meet basic technical or visual standards[1]. Common mistakes include poor lighting that creates shadows, wearing tinted glasses, or having an open mouth with teeth showing[1].
If the head height does not match the required 35 to 40 millimeter range, the office will ask for a new picture[1]. Checking your photo carefully against all official rules before submitting saves you time and prevents application delays[2].
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct size for an Estonian child passport photo?
The official size is 40 by 50 millimeters (1.57 by 1.97 inches), with a head height of 35 to 40 millimeters from the chin to the top of the head[1].
What background colour should I use?
The background must be flat, uniform, and light-coloured, contrasting with the face and hair, though no specific colour is prescribed[1].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, so it is usually safer to remove them to prevent a refusal[1].
Is a photo required for a baby?
No photo is required in the document of a child under four years old[1].
Can I submit a printed photo?
Yes, the Police and Border Guard Board accepts both printed and digital submissions[1].