Preparing a Vatican Passport Photo
If you need a passport for Vatican City State or the Holy See, you need to know how the application process works. This article helps you understand the official requirements and use the tool above to crop your photo correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
The public sources do not give an official passport photo size[1][2][3]. A 35 by 45 mm crop is common passport photo practice, but it is not an official Vatican requirement.
A 35 by 45 mm crop, about 1.38 by 1.77 inches, is common passport photo practice. The authority has not published a required size or head height for application photos[1][2].
You should always confirm the exact size needed with the issuing office or organisation before you submit your application.
When you measure your printed photo with a ruler, check that the total width is 35 mm and the total height is 45 mm. If you are using a digital tool to crop, keep these measurements in mind.
Background and Lighting
The public sources do not give an application photo size or background specification[1][2][3]. A 35 by 45 mm crop is common passport photo practice, not a published Vatican requirement.
When you take your photo at home, try to stand in a room with bright, even light. Face a window to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head. Avoid using a direct flash because it can cause red eyes or bright reflections on your skin.
Keep the camera at your eye level and about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture so you do not distort your features. Stand against a plain, light-coloured wall if possible, even though no specific background colour is published.
Glasses and Headwear
The public sources do not specify whether glasses are allowed in the photo[1][2][3].
The public sources do not specify whether headwear is allowed[1][2][3]. Ask the issuing office what to do if you wear a head covering.
Check with the issuing office if you are unsure whether you should remove your glasses or headwear for your specific document type. If you wear everyday prescription glasses, it is often safer to take them off to avoid any glare on the lenses or thick frames hiding your eyes.
Children and Infants
The public sources do not give separate photo rules for infants[1][2][3].
If you take a photo of a baby or small child, lay them flat on a plain white or light-coloured sheet. Stand directly above them to take the photo while keeping the camera steady.
Make sure the child has their eyes open and their mouth closed if possible, just like an adult applicant. Taking photos of young children can take time, so try to take several pictures so you have options to choose from when you use the cropping tool.
Submission and Authority Capture
The public sources do not establish whether the applicant must supply a finished photo print or file for each passport type[1][2][3].
The Vatican portal lists ordinary Vatican City State passports and Holy See diplomatic and service passports[1].
You can use the tool above to crop your image to a common 35 by 45 mm paper size. Confirm the required photo format with the issuing office before applying.
Before You Go
The Vatican portal lists ordinary Vatican City State passports and Holy See diplomatic and service passports[1].
The public sources do not say whether applicants must bring a photo or whether the office captures it. Ask the issuing office what to do[1][2].
Gather all your documents, check appointment details, and ask the staff directly about their preferred photo format if you are in doubt.