Estonian Seafarer's Service Book Photo Requirements
Get the correct photo for your Estonian seafarer's service book by following official size and quality rules. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the right dimensions before printing.
Official Size and Dimensions
The Estonian Transport Administration requires a printed photo for your seafarer's service book, known officially as the Meremehe teenistusraamat[1]. The official size of the portrait is 40×50 mm, which translates to about 1.57×1.97 inches[1][2].
Head height must be 35–40 mm from chin to crown, and the eye line must be 25–35 mm from the bottom of the photo[2].
Background and Lighting
You must use a flat, uniform, light-coloured background that contrasts clearly with your face and hair[2]. The official rules state that no specific colour is prescribed for this background, as long as it remains plain and distraction-free[2].
To achieve this at home, stand in front of a plain wall with no patterns, shadows, or objects behind you. Make sure your lighting is completely even across your face so there are no harsh shadows or bright spots. Facing a large window with natural daylight can help you get an even, clear look without casting dark shadows.
Facial Expression and Pose
Keep your face completely relaxed and maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed[2]. Do not smile, frown, or alter your natural facial posture in any way.
Look straight ahead into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and fully visible to the camera. Avoid tilting your head up, down, or to the side. Asking a friend or family member to take the picture helps you keep your posture straight, your shoulders level, and your gaze directed correctly into the lens.
Glasses and Head Coverings
Glasses are allowed conditionally[2].
Head coverings are permitted for religious or medical reasons only[2].
Taking Your Photo at Home
You can take your picture at home using a digital camera or a modern smartphone without needing expensive studio equipment. Keep the camera at your exact eye level and place it about 1 to 1.5 meters away from your face to prevent lens distortion.
Check that the lighting is soft and your background is plain, light, and uniform. Once you capture a clear shot that meets the sizing rules, you can use the tool above to crop it to the correct dimensions before printing.
Printing Your Photo for Submission
The application requires a physical, printed copy of your photo rather than a digital upload[1][2]. You should format your cropped 40×50 mm image onto a standard 4×6-inch photo sheet to prepare it for printing.
Take this digital sheet to a local print kiosk to print it out as an ordinary 4×6 photo. Cut the printed photo carefully along the edges to the exact 40×50 mm size before you submit your application to the issuing authority.
Common Reasons Photos Are Refused
The required head height is 35–40 mm from chin to crown. The photo rules also require a neutral expression and closed mouth[2].
Wearing sunglasses, tinted lenses, or frames that cover your eyes will also lead to rejection[2]. Double-check all measurements before you print to help your application go forward without delays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact photo size for an Estonian seafarer's service book?
Can I wear glasses in my seafarer's book photo?
What kind of background do I need?
You need a flat, uniform, light-coloured background that contrasts with your face and hair, though no specific colour is prescribed[2].