St Helena adult passport photo (35×45 mm)

Official Size and Head Measurements

For a paper application, submit two identical printed photos. Each must measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high^[1][3].

The head, measured from crown to chin, must be 29–34 mm high^[3].

The photo should show your full head and upper shoulders^[3].

Use a physical ruler or a digital tool to check these measurements before you print. Getting the head height right prevents your application from being delayed or rejected by the office.

Background and Lighting

Use a plain cream or light grey background, with no shadows on your face or behind you^[3].

Make sure there are no shadows on your face or behind you^[3].

The photo must be in colour on plain white photographic paper^[3].

Position yourself away from the wall to stop shadows from forming behind your head. Good natural light from a window helps create an even, clean look.

Taking the Photo at Home

Stand about one to two metres away from a plain cream or light grey wall. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture using a digital camera or smartphone.

Stand facing the camera directly. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to the side.

Turn on soft room lights or face a window to get even light on your face. Avoid harsh flashes that create dark shadows on the wall behind you.

Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings

Have a plain expression and keep your mouth closed^[3].

Look straight at the camera with your eyes open and visible, and keep hair out of your eyes^[3].

Avoid glasses unless you have to wear them. If you do, they must not be tinted, and your eyes must not be obscured by frames, glare, reflection, or shadow^[3]. Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons, but must not cover your face^[3].

Rules for Children and Infants

Children aged 5 and under do not need a plain expression or to look directly at the camera^[3].

Children under one do not need to have their eyes open^[3].

If you support the baby's head with your hand, the hand must not show in the photo^[3].

For infants, lay the baby down on a plain light sheet or cover if that is easier, and stand directly above them to take the picture.

Printing and Cutting Your Photos

Print your photos on plain white photographic paper^[3].

Make sure the print quality is high, with no blur, dots, or pixelation. The final cut must match the exact 35 mm by 45 mm size^[1][3].

Use sharp scissors or a paper trimmer to cut the edges straight. Keep the two printed photos separate, loose, and unattached to your application form^[3].

Submission and Printing Requirements

St Helena Government lists two passport-type photos for applications^[1]. For a paper application, submit two identical printed photos^[3].

Some application types require a countersignatory to certify one photo^[2]. Check the guidance for your application type^[2].

The photos for a paper application must be separate, loose, and unattached to the form^[3].

Common Reasons Photos Are Refused

Check the photo size, head height, background, and visibility against the official requirements before submitting it^[3].

Do not wear tinted glasses. Frames must not cover your eyes, and head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons^[3].

Common issues include poor lighting, shadows, or hair covering the eyes. Review the photo before sending your documents.