French Child Passport Photo Requirements and Guide
If you need a passport photo for a child in French Polynesia, you must follow exact official rules. This guide explains the size, lighting, and submission steps you need to know.
Official Size and Submission Rules
When you apply for a French child passport, you need one recent printed photo[1]. The photo measures 35×45 mm, or about 1.38×1.77 inches[2]. The guidance requires a photo for children, including babies[1].
The passport is issued by France, and authorized local authorities handle applications in French Polynesia. You must provide a printed photo[1].
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions before printing. Preparing your photo at home helps you check the framing before you head to the print shop.
Background and Lighting Specifications
The official rules state that your photo background must be light and uniform[2]. However, the exact color is not specified in the cited passport guidance[2]. You should look for a plain, light-colored wall in your home that has no patterns, textures, or hanging objects.
Good lighting is just as important as the background color. Face the child toward a natural light source like a large window to get even light across the face. Avoid harsh shadows behind the head by moving the child slightly away from the wall.
Facial Expression and Head Guidelines
The photo rules require a neutral expression and a closed mouth[2]. The child should look directly at the camera with open eyes[2].
Getting a baby to keep a neutral expression can be tricky. Try taking the picture right after a nap when the child is calm. You can also use a quiet toy near the camera lens to draw their attention straight ahead.
Rules for Glasses and Headwear
Glasses are allowed under conditions[2]. Make sure the frames do not hide the eyes and the lenses do not have glare or tint[2].
Headwear is allowed only for religious or medical reasons[2]. The face must remain visible[2].
Requirements for Infants and Minors
A parent or legal representative must apply for a minor's passport[1][2]. There is no separate baby photo size in the official guidance, so infants must follow the standard 35×45 mm dimensions[1][2]. Even newborn babies need a recent printed photo for their passport file[1][2].
Children under 12 do not have their fingerprints taken, but they still need a recent photo[1].
Head height is not set by the authority, meaning there is no specific rule for how much of the frame the head must fill[1][2]. However, keeping the head centered with clear space around it is standard practice.
Preparing and Printing Your Photo at Home
Taking the photo at home gives you plenty of time to get the right shot. Set up your camera or phone at the child's eye level, about one to one and a half meters away. Take several pictures so you have options to choose from when checking the expression and lighting[2].
Once you select a picture, use the tool above to crop it to 35×45 mm. If the tool places it on a 4×6-inch sheet, print the sheet and cut out the photo. Submit the printed photo with your application[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a French child passport photo?
Can babies have a different photo size?
Do babies need a printed photo?
Are glasses allowed in the photo?
Glasses are allowed only under conditional rules, but it is usually safer to remove them to prevent refusal[2].
What color must the background be?
The background must be light and uniform, though the exact color is not specified in the official guidance[2].