Turkish Passport Photo Requirements and Guidelines
You need a specific biometric photo when you apply for a Turkish passport. Use this guide to check the official rules and prepare your printed photo correctly.
Official Size and Application Rules
When you apply for a Turkish passport in person, you must supply one recent biometric photo to the Directorate General of Population and Citizenship Affairs (NVI), which is part of the Ministry of Interior[1][2]. The photo must have been taken within the last six months to show your current appearance[2].
The official size is 50×60 mm (1.97×2.36 in)[1]. The cited rules give no separate head-height measurement.
Bring one printed biometric photo to your in-person application[1]. You can crop it to 50×60 mm before printing.
Background and Lighting
The background must be white and patternless[1][2].
Stand a short distance away from the wall so that your body does not cast a dark shadow directly behind your head. Face a bright window or use even lighting so your face is lit evenly on both sides.
Bright, balanced light helps the camera capture your true skin tone without harsh shadows under your nose or chin. Check that the lighting does not create bright reflections or glare on your skin.
Pose, Expression, and Glasses
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed when the photo is taken[1][2]. Do not smile, frown, or open your mouth.
Keep your eyes open and focused on the camera. Glasses are not allowed[1][2].
Do not wear glasses. Keep your head straight and do not tilt it forward or to either side[2].
Rules for Infants and Children
A biometric photo is required for every age group, including babies and small children[1][2]. Taking a photo of a baby can be challenging, but the same strict rules apply to them as to adults.
Lay your baby flat on a plain white sheet or blanket on the floor to get the correct background. Stand above the baby and hold the camera directly overhead, keeping your hands out of the frame.
The photo must show a neutral expression with closed lips and open eyes[1][2]. Crop it to 50×60 mm[1].
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your passport photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of trying to take a selfie.
Set the camera at your eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from your face, to prevent any distortion of your facial features. Keep your shoulders square and look directly into the lens.
Take several shots so you can pick the one that best matches all the official requirements. Check the lighting, your expression, and the background on your screen before you finish.
Printing and Preparing Your Sheet
The passport application requires one biometric print[1]. The official size is 50×60 mm[1]. You can place the image on a 4×6-inch canvas to print it if useful.
You can take this image file to a local photo kiosk or print it at home on standard glossy photo paper. Cut the printed photo carefully along the edges using clean scissors or a paper cutter.
Inspect the printed picture in good daylight to check that the colors are clear and the details are sharp. Make sure the print has no smudges, lines, or pixelation before you take it to your appointment.