Caribbean Netherlands Passport, Visa, and ID Photo Guide
Get accurate photo dimensions, head height rules, and submission methods for official documents in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.
Documents Covered for the Caribbean Netherlands
When you apply for official identification papers in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, or Saba, you need a precise photo that meets government rules[1][2][3]. This page covers several specific documents required by local and national authorities. These include the Caribbean Netherlands passport, the Caribbean Netherlands child passport, and the Caribbean Netherlands identity card[1][2][4].
This page also covers the driving licence, residence permit card, visitor visa, work permit, and boatmaster certificate. The listed photo size for each is 35×45 mm.
Head Height and Proportions
For passport and identity-card photos, the listed head height is 26–30 mm[1][2][4]. The listed driving-licence and residence-card head-height range is also 26–30 mm[4][3].
The listed head-height range for a Caribbean Netherlands child passport is 19–30 mm[1].
Documents with Unset Head Heights
The listed size for visitor-visa and work-permit photos is 35×45 mm. The cited sources do not give a head-height measurement for these photos[3][5].
The listed boatmaster-certificate photo size is a common 35×45 mm size, with no head-height figure in the cited source[6]. Check the application form for its instructions.
Submitting Printed and Digital Photos
The listed submission method is printed for the passport, child passport, residence permit card, and work-permit photos.
The listed submission method is digital for identity-card, driving-licence, and boatmaster-certificate photos[2][3][6]. The listed visitor-visa submission methods include printed and digital formats[5].
Background and Appearance Rules
The Government of the Netherlands recommends a plain, light-coloured background and a direct view of your face[4].
The photo guidance recommends a neutral expression and says religious head coverings may be worn if the face remains visible[4]. Follow the instructions for your specific document.
Taking the Photo at Home
Taking your own picture at home can save time and money if you follow basic setup steps. Stand about one meter away from a plain, light-coloured wall to avoid dark shadows behind you. Ask a helper to take the picture using a digital camera or smartphone held at your eye level.
Look straight into the lens with a relaxed mouth and closed lips. Good lighting is important, so face a window with soft natural light or use two balanced lamps to light both sides of your face evenly without creating harsh glare.
Checking Your Photo and Print Size
Before you submit your digital file or print your picture, check that the dimensions match the required 35 by 45 millimeters. Use our free cropping tool on this page to frame your face correctly, keeping the head height within the required range for your document.
If you need a printed copy, print the photo at actual size on good quality photo paper without adding filters or changing contrast. Measure the printed image with a ruler to check that the head size falls between the correct millimeter limits.
Avoiding Common Photo Rejections
Many photo applications get rejected because of simple mistakes that you can easily prevent. Common problems include shadows on the face or background, poor lighting, or hair covering the eyes[4].
Make sure your face is visible and check the photo instructions for your document[4].
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for a Caribbean Netherlands passport?
The listed passport photo size is 35×45 mm, with a head height of 26–30 mm[1].
Can I submit a digital photo for my identity card?
Yes, the Caribbean Netherlands identity card requires digital submission[2].
What is the head height for a child passport?
The head height for a child passport must be between 19 and 30 millimeters[4].
Are work permit photos strictly regulated for head height?
The Caribbean Netherlands work permit uses a 35 by 45 millimeter size, but the head height is not set by the official source[3].
Do I need to remove my glasses for my photo?
You should remove glasses, especially if they have tinted lenses or heavy frames that obscure your eyes[4].
How can I check my photo before printing?
You can use our online tool to crop your image to 35 by 45 millimeters and verify that your head height matches the rules for your specific document.