Taiwan Seafarer Service Book Photo Guidelines
Prepare your Taiwan seafarer service book photo correctly by following official sizing, printing, and appearance requirements.
Understanding the Size and Requirements for Your Photo
Getting a photo for your Taiwan seafarer service book requires careful attention to detail. The authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for[1]. For this document, applicants must submit two frontal, half-body, bareheaded 2-inch photos taken within the past year[1]. These pictures represent your official identity for your maritime work, so following the guidelines closely is very important.
The regulation specifies two-inch photos but does not give an exact millimeter size or head-height measurement[1]. The 35 by 45 millimeter crop shown here is a common option; confirm the required size with the issuing office.
How to Take Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can take your photo at home to save time and effort before you visit a print kiosk. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from a camera or smartphone mounted on a tripod or a steady surface at your exact eye level. Face a large window or a bright light source so your face is evenly lit without harsh shadows under your nose or chin.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of holding the camera yourself or using a selfie stick. Look straight into the lens with a natural look on your face. You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct dimensions easily and prepare it for printing.
Background and Lighting Guidelines
Your photo needs clear, even lighting so your facial features are easy to see for the officials reviewing your documents. Avoid standing directly under heavy overhead lights that cast deep shadows under your eyes, brows, or nose. Soft, natural light from a large window during daytime hours works best for portraits.
No background color specified in the regulation[1]. Even though the official rules do not name a specific background colour, a plain, neutral wall helps keep the focus entirely on you. Make sure there are no furniture pieces, wall art, patterns, or harsh shadows visible behind you in the frame.
Rules for Headwear, Glasses, and Expression
You must be completely bareheaded in the photo[1]. Hats, caps, beanies, and other head coverings are not permitted unless they are worn daily for verified religious or medical reasons. Even in those exceptions, your face must remain fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead without obstruction.
The rules regarding glasses are unspecified[1] by the official regulations. If you choose to wear your regular prescription glasses in the photo, make sure there is no distracting glare or flash reflection on the lenses and that your eyes are clearly visible through the glass. Keep your facial expression relaxed and your mouth closed.
Preparing Your Printed Submission
The submission method for this maritime application requires printed photos[1]. You need to provide two identical physical copies with your paperwork[1]. These photos must be taken within the past year so they accurately reflect your current appearance[1].
You can use the tool above to place your cropped 35 by 45 millimeter portrait onto a standard 4 by 6-inch template sheet. Take this digital file to a local photo kiosk, retail store, or print shop and print it on ordinary glossy or matte photo paper. Once printed, cut out the two photos carefully along the edges using scissors or a clean paper cutter.
Common Reasons Photos Get Refused
Applications often face unnecessary delays when the submitted photos fail to meet basic official standards. Common mistakes include wearing a hat or decorative headwear, which directly violates the strict bareheaded requirement[1]. Photos older than one full year are also rejected because they do not show your current likeness[1].
Other frequent problems include poor lighting that obscures your facial features, blurry camera focus, or submitting an incorrect number of copies. Always double-check that you have two identical half-body photos[1] ready and properly trimmed before you assemble your final application package for the bureau.
Frequently asked questions
What size should my Taiwan seafarer service book photo be?
The authority publishes no single official size; the studio uses the size most often asked for, which is typically 35 by 45 millimeters (1.38 by 1.77 inches)[1].
Do I need to submit digital or printed photos?
Can I wear glasses or a hat in the photo?
How old can the photo be?
Photos must be taken within the past year[1] to reflect your current appearance.
Are there specific rules for children or infants?
Infant rules are not applicable[1] for this specific document category.