How to Take Your Moroccan Passport Photo
You need a specific photo size to apply for a Moroccan biometric passport. Use this guide to prepare your printed photo correctly.
Official Size and Requirements
Your Moroccan passport application requires one recent printed photo[1]. The official size is 35 by 45 mm, which is equal to about 1.38 by 1.77 inches[1].
The Kingdom of Morocco Ministry of the Interior and relevant local authorities set this exact size for your passport application[1]. The authority does not set a specific head height measurement for this photo[1].
The application instructions ask for one recent printed photo[1].
Background and Lighting Rules
Use a light blue, white, or light grey background[1].
Plain walls work best for this requirement. Good lighting helps show your true skin tone without creating harsh glares or deep shadows under your chin.
Face a window with soft natural light or use two lamps placed at equal angles to light your space evenly.
Facing the Camera
Your photo must show you facing forward clearly[1]. The image needs to display your whole face without any hair or clothing blocking your features[1].
Keep your head straight and look directly at the camera lens without tilting up or down. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera to avoid any facial distortion caused by wide-angle lenses.
Keep your facial features relaxed and natural while the picture is snapped.
Rules for Children and Minors
Children can apply for a Moroccan passport at any age[1]. The official rules apply to all applicants, including minors and children under 12 years old[1].
Infants and toddlers must also use the exact same 35 by 45 mm photo size[1]. You may need someone to help hold a baby or place them flat on a plain sheet matching the required background colors[1].
Make sure the child's face is fully visible, their eyes are open, and they face the camera directly.
Taking the Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Place the camera on a stable surface or tripod at your exact eye level so your face looks natural and proportional.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself. Once you take a clear picture with good lighting, you can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct 35 by 45 mm size quickly.
Printing Your Photo
Moroccan passport applications require a physical printed copy of your photo[1]. The tool above places your cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6 inch sheet so you can print it easily at home or a store.
Take your digital print sheet on a USB drive or phone to a local photo kiosk. Print it out as an ordinary 4 by 6 inch photo on glossy or matte paper and cut it carefully along the marked lines.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Common reasons why authorities refuse passport photos include poor lighting, blurry details, and wrong background colors. Always check that your photo matches the light blue, white, or light grey background rule[1].
Make sure your entire face is visible and you are looking straight ahead[1]. Reviewing these details before you print saves you time and prevents delays with your application.
Frequently asked questions
What size must my Moroccan passport photo be?
The official size is 35 by 45 mm[1].
Do children need a different photo size?
No. Minors and children under 12 must use the same 35 by 45 mm photo size[1].
What background colors are allowed?
You must use a light blue, white, or light grey background[1].
How many photos do I need to submit?
You need to supply one recent printed photo with your application[1].