Tongan Passport Photo Guide
Prepare a correct photo for your Tongan passport application using official rules and simple steps.
Understanding the Official Size
The Passport Regulations require two recent photographs but do not specify their dimensions[1]. A 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inch) crop is a common practical passport-photo format, not a published Tonga specification. Confirm the preferred dimensions with the issuing office before printing.
The regulations do not specify a photo size[1]. Ask the office handling your application which size it prefers.
Background and Technical Rules
The regulation does not specify a background colour or photo dimensions[1]. A 35 × 45 mm crop is a common practical passport-photo format, not a published Tonga specification. For a clear photo, choose a plain background and even lighting.
The regulations do not specify a background color[1]. A plain background may help keep the photo clear.
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your photo at home if you choose. For a clear picture, face the camera and use even lighting. The regulations do not specify pose, expression, or mouth position[1].
Have a helper take the picture using a digital camera or smartphone placed at your eye level. Avoid using direct flash if it creates harsh shadows on the wall behind you. Stand about one to two metres away from the camera to prevent lens distortion of your facial features. Take multiple frames so you can select the best shot before you crop it to the final dimensions.
Printing and Endorsement Requirements
The Passport Regulations require two recent photographs[1]. Each must be endorsed on the reverse as a true likeness and signed by an eligible person who has known you for more than 12 months[1]. Follow the issuing office's instructions for submitting the photographs.
The regulations do not specify photo dimensions or paper type[1]. Have the endorser sign the reverse after adding the required true-likeness statement[1].
Rules for Children and Minors
For applicants under 16, the regulation requires parent or guardian consent[1]. It does not set separate infant photo rules. Follow the issuing office's instructions for a child's photograph.
The regulations do not set separate photo rules for babies or toddlers[1]. Ask the issuing office for guidance about a young child’s photo.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The regulations require the reverse of each photo to be endorsed as a true likeness and signed by an eligible person who has known the applicant for more than 12 months[1]. The source does not list blur or poor lighting as reasons for refusal.
The regulations do not list blur, pixelation, or photo size as reasons for rejection[1]. They do require the endorsement and signature on the reverse[1].
Preparation and Final Checks
Before submitting, check that each photograph has the required true-likeness endorsement and signature on the reverse[1].
The regulations require two recent photographs, but do not specify dimensions[1]. Ask the issuing office about the preferred size and format.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Tongan passport photo?
The regulations do not specify photo dimensions[1]. A 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 inch) crop is a common practical passport-photo format; confirm the preferred size with the issuing office.
Are digital uploads accepted for Tongan passports?
The regulations require two recent photographs[1]. They do not state whether digital uploads are accepted.
Who needs to sign the back of the photo?
An eligible person who has known the applicant for more than 12 months must endorse the reverse of the photos as a true likeness and sign them[1].
Are there special rules for baby photos?
The regulation applies to applications for people under 16 with parent or guardian consent, but it does not set separate infant photo rules[1].
What background color do I need?
No background color is specified in the cited regulation[1]. A plain, simple background is best practice.
Can I take the photo myself at home?
The regulations require two recent photographs with the endorsement and signature on the reverse[1]. They do not specify where the photos must be taken.