Icelandic Passport Photo Requirements and Preparation
Prepare for your Icelandic passport application by learning about photo sizes, appointment rules, and how to practice at home.
Official Size and Issuing Guidelines
The cited passport page does not publish a photo size[1]. The 35×45 mm size is a studio crop, not an official size.
Check with the District Commissioner if you need guidance about a studio photo[1].
A new photo is taken at a District Commissioner photo appointment for each new or renewed passport[1].
The District Commissioner Appointment Process
You must attend a photo appointment. If you use a studio photo, the studio must email it to the District Commissioner’s office before your visit. The office will also take a comparison photo[1].
A new photo must be taken for each new or renewed passport, and a comparison photo is taken at the office even when a studio photo is used[1].
Even though the office takes the official picture, you can still use the tool above to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other uses, without claiming it will be accepted by the office.
Rules for Children and Young Applicants
If you are applying for a passport for a minor, specific rules apply to their attendance. Children must attend the photo appointment in person[1].
Furthermore, one guardian must accompany a child under the age of 18 to this appointment[1].
Planning ahead for children can help make the visit much easier for both the applicant and the accompanying adult.
Taking Practice Photos at Home
Before your official appointment, you might want to practice taking a photo at home. Stand facing a window to get soft, even natural light on your face.
Keep the camera at eye level, roughly one to one and a half meters away from your face. Asking someone else to take the picture helps avoid awkward angles and distortion.
When you stand for a practice photo, look straight ahead with a relaxed face. Keep your shoulders level and your head straight. A plain light background behind you works best so nothing distracts from your face.
You can use the tool above to crop your practice image and format a sheet for a standard printer.
Preparing Prints and Digital Files
Having a physical copy of a photo for personal records can be very helpful. You can format your cropped image to fit onto an ordinary four-by-six-inch photo sheet.
You can then print this sheet easily at any local photo kiosk or home printer. Keep in mind that this printed sheet is for your own use, as the official photo is taken at the district office[1].
When printing at home, check that your printer settings are set to actual size or 100 percent scaling. Avoid using photo effects or filters that change your natural skin tone. Scissors or a paper cutter can help you trim the edges straight if you print multiple practice copies on one sheet.
Always check your digital file dimensions and make sure it looks clear before saving.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Bring your previous passport, driving licence, or identity card to the photo appointment[1].
The staff will guide you through the camera process and take the required picture right there[1].
Bring all required identification documents along with your children if they are applying for their own passports[1].
Frequently asked questions
Does the authority publish an official photo size?
The cited passport page does not publish a photo size[1].
Do I need to take my own photo for an Icelandic passport?
No, a new photo is taken at a District Commissioner photo appointment for each new or renewed passport[1].
Can I submit a studio photo?
A studio photo can be sent directly to the office, but an in-office comparison photo is still taken during your visit[1].
Do children need to attend the appointment?
Yes, children must attend the photo appointment, and one guardian must accompany a child under 18[1].