Mauritian Child and Baby Passport Photo Guide
Applying for a passport for your child in Mauritius means you must follow strict guidelines from the local authorities[1]. You can use the tool above to crop and format your images correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
The official photo size may be 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high[2]. The face length from chin to crown must be 25–35 mm[2].
The Passport and Immigration Office says not to trim photos to meet its size requirement[1].
Taking the Photo at Home
Taking a picture of a baby or small child at home takes patience. Set up your camera or phone about one to two meters away from your child.
Have a helper stand behind the camera to attract the child's attention and make them look forward. Natural light works best for this task.
Background and Lighting Setup
You need to use a light background for the picture, though the authority does not specify a color[1]. Try to take the photo against a plain white or off-white wall in your home.
Stand your child facing a large window so natural light falls evenly across their face. Avoid heavy shadows behind the head or under the chin. Turn off the camera flash so it does not cause harsh shadows on the wall.
Facial Expression and Appearance
The rules require a neutral expression and the mouth must be closed[1]. Try to get your child to look straight at the camera with both eyes open and clearly visible.
If the child wears glasses, the eyes must be visible[2]. The form says the photo must be taken without a hat[2].
Special Rules for Infants and Small Children
The standard passport photo rules apply to babies and children age five and under; full face and both eyes should be visible, and the child should be alone without toys or dummies[1].
The application form says the applicant’s photo must be full face, with eyes wide open, and no hat[2].
If your baby cannot sit up yet, lay them flat on a plain light sheet or blanket and take the picture from directly above. Make sure no hands or adult fingers appear in the frame.
Printing Requirements and Submission
The application form asks for two identical photos less than six months old[2]. Parents or guardians submit two identical recent printed photos[1].
The Passport and Immigration Office asks for professionally printed photos and says photos printed at home may not be acceptable[1].
Before You Go to the Office
Before you visit the office, check your printed pictures with a ruler. Make sure the head height matches the correct measurements from chin to top of head.
Keep the photos undamaged and do not trim them to meet the size requirement[1].
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection
The photo rules require the specified head size, a closed mouth, and a light background[1].
Always double-check that your printed prints match every official rule before you hand them in. Checking the details now saves you time later.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a Mauritian child passport photo?
The photo must be 35–40 mm wide and 45–50 mm high[2].
What are the head height rules for the photo?
The head height must be 25 to 34 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].
What color should the background be?
It requires a light background, and the authority does not specify a color[1].
Can my baby use a pacifier or hold a toy?
No, the child should be alone without toys or dummies[1].
How many copies do I need to print?
Parents or guardians submit two identical recent printed photos[1].
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are allowed if the eyes remain visible and there is no glare or reflection; the frames must not cover the eyes[1].