Suriname Child Passport Photo Requirements and Size
If you are applying for a child passport in Suriname, you need to follow specific rules for the application and photo. Here is what you need to know about preparing your printed photo.
Official Size and Guidelines
The passport page is published by the Directoraat Burgerzaken of the Republiek Suriname[1].
The authority does not publish a single official size for this passport photo[1]. Because of this, photo studios use the size most often asked for, which is 35×45 mm (or 1.38×1.77 in). Always check the current requirements with the issuing office before you prepare a photo.
Rules for Minors and Babies
For applicants aged 17 and younger, a photo is optional, but the authority recommends one for babies[1].
If you are applying for a young family member, note that children under 12 must attend in person[1]. Bringing the right paperwork and photo makes your visit much easier. You can use the tool above to format your photo correctly before you print it.
Head Height and Frame Details
The issuing authority in Suriname has not set a specific head height requirement for this child passport[1]. There are also no official rules listed for eye line positions or top margins.
Since there are no strict official measurements for head height, keep the child's face centered in the frame. A 35×45 mm crop is a practical option used by many people, not an official requirement. Leave a small space around the head and shoulders so the photo looks balanced.
Taking a Good Photo at Home
You can easily take the passport photo at home with a smartphone or a digital camera. Find a plain, light-colored wall to use as a background behind the child. Make sure there are no shadows falling across the wall or the child's face.
Position the child so they face a bright window for soft, natural lighting. Ask another person to hold the camera at the child's eye level, about one to one and a half meters away. Keep the child's expression natural and make sure their mouth is closed if they can manage it. For babies, you can lay them flat on a plain white sheet on the floor and take the picture from directly above.
Printing Your Photo Sheets
A photo is optional for a minor's passport application[1]. Check with the issuing office whether you need to bring a print.
Take your cropped 35×45 mm image and arrange it onto a standard four by six-inch photo sheet layout. Print this sheet at a local photo kiosk onto ordinary glossy or matte photo paper. Cut out the individual photos carefully using sharp scissors or a clean paper cutter to keep the edges straight.
Common Mistakes and Refusals
Use clear lighting and check that the photo is in sharp focus. The cited official guidance does not specify exact photo rejection criteria, but poor lighting or blurry images can cause delays[1].
Check that the photo shows the true skin tones of the child without any red-eye effects. Inspect your printed sheet closely for smudges or dust marks before you head to your appointment. Avoid using heavy digital filters or editing the photo too much, as the office needs a realistic picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official photo size for a Suriname child passport?
The authority does not publish an official photo size. A 35×45 mm crop is a practical option, not an official requirement.
Is a photo mandatory for a child passport in Suriname?
A photo is optional for applicants aged 17 and younger, but recommended for babies[1].
Do children need to be present when applying?
Yes, children under 12 must attend in person[1].
How do I submit the photo?
The submission method is printed, meaning you must provide physical photo prints[1].
Does the authority set a specific head height rule?
No, the head height is not set by the authority[1].
Who issues the passport in Suriname?
Passports are issued by the Directoraat Burgerzaken in the Republiek Suriname[1].