Preparing Your Barbados Passport Photo
Get ready for your Barbados passport application by learning the official photo rules and sizing requirements. Follow these clear steps to prepare your pictures correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
The Government of Barbados says passport applications require two photographs, each no larger than 5 by 5 cm, taken by a professional photographer[1]. One photograph and the form must be certified by a person authorized to act as a guarantor[1]. A 50 × 50 mm crop uses the stated maximum size.
The head height is not set by the authority[1]. Because adult applications traditionally call for professional photographs[1], you can use the tool above to practice framing your shot or to check your layout before you visit a studio.
Background and Lighting
Your photo must feature a plain white background[1]. Find a plain white wall in your home to use as your backdrop. Stand a short distance away from the wall to avoid casting harsh shadows behind your head.
Good lighting helps the immigration office see your face clearly. Face a bright window with natural daylight, or turn on lamps to light your face evenly. Avoid dim rooms or dark shadows across your facial features.
Rules for Children's Applications
If you are applying for a child, the rules have specific differences. Child applications use Form B[1]. You must provide two recent full-face photos for the child[1].
The child form calls for two recent full-face photos without a hat, on a white background, each no larger than 5 by 5 cm[1]. One photo must be certified by the application sponsor[1].
Taking the Photo Step by Step
Stand or sit straight with your shoulders square to the camera. Keep your camera or phone at your exact eye level. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of taking a selfie, because selfies distort your facial features.
Keep a distance of about one to one and a half meters between you and the camera. Look directly into the camera lens with a relaxed face. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the exact 50 by 50 mm dimensions.
Printing Your Photo Sheet
The application must be accompanied by two photographs taken by a professional photographer[1]. The source does not describe a digital upload option.
Save your finished image sheet and take it to a local photo kiosk. Print it out as an ordinary four by six-inch photo on glossy or matte paper. Cut out the square 50 by 50 mm photo carefully using scissors or a paper cutter.
Avoiding Common Refusals
The child form specifies a white background and a full-face photo[1]. Follow the listed photo instructions.
Remember that adult applications require a guarantor to certify one of the physical photographs[1]. For children, the application sponsor must certify one of the photos[1]. Double-check all requirements with the Government of Barbados before you submit your papers[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size for a Barbados passport photo?
The official size is 50 by 50 mm, which equals 1.97 by 1.97 inches[1].
Can I take my own adult passport photo at home?
Adult passport applications require two professional photographs[1]. However, you can practice taking your picture and cropping it using the tool on this page before you go to a professional.
What color must the background be?
The background must be white[1].
Are hats allowed in the photos?
Child applications require photos taken without a hat[1].
Do I need someone to sign my photo?
Yes, adult applications require one photo to be certified by a guarantor, and child applications require one photo to be certified by an application sponsor[1].