Passport photo sizes: compare rules before you take your photo
Passport photos share a few basics: show your face clearly, look toward the camera, and use a photo made for the country’s application. But sizes, head heights, background colors, and ways to submit the photo differ. Check the rules for your passport before you take or print it.
Start with the passport you are applying for
A photo that fits one passport may be the wrong size or color for another. The U.S. passport photo is square at 2×2 inches (50.8×50.8 mm). The UK, Australian, and Japanese passport photos are 35×45 mm. The Chinese passport photo is 33×48 mm.[1][2][3][4][5]
The head-height ranges differ too. Measure from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head: 25.4–34.9 mm for the United States, 29–34 mm for the United Kingdom, 28–33 mm for China, and 32–36 mm for Australia and Japan. China also sets a 3–5 mm top margin; Japan sets 2–6 mm. The other listed sources do not set a top margin in the facts here.[1][2][3][4][5]
Background color is another key difference. The listed rules allow white or off-white for the United States, cream or light grey for the United Kingdom, white for China, white or light grey for Australia, and white or light blue for Japan. A plain white wall may not match every country’s rule.[1][2][3][4][5]
Choose the correct size before cropping
First confirm which passport authority will receive your application. Then select that country’s photo size. Do not choose a size because it is common where you live, or because it matches another passport you hold. The tool above can crop to a listed size, but the issuing authority decides whether your photo meets its rules.
Check the crop against the required head height as well as the outer photo size. A correctly sized square or rectangle can still be refused if your face appears too large or too small. Leave enough space above your head where the authority gives a top-margin range, such as China’s 3–5 mm or Japan’s 2–6 mm.[1][2][3][4][5]
The facts listed here do not give exact pixel dimensions for these photos. They also do not set a file-size range for China, Australia, or Japan. For U.S. digital renewal, the source gives upload requirements; follow those when submitting online rather than guessing from print dimensions.[6][3][4][7]
Take a clear, simple photo
For a practical setup, stand facing a plain, light-colored wall and use even light. Ask someone else to take the picture at eye level. Keep your head straight and centered, and check that your full head and face are in frame.
Use the expression required by your country. The U.S. rule allows a neutral expression or a natural smile. The UK, China, Australia, and Japan require a neutral expression with the mouth closed.[1][2][3][4][5]
Rules for glasses and head coverings vary by country. The Chinese Embassy says glasses may be worn if they do not obscure the eyes; check each authority’s guidance for its rules on glasses and head coverings.[1][2][3][8][4][5]
Avoid common reasons for refusal
Before you crop, check for shadows on your face or background, blur, glare, a tilted head, or anything that hides your face. These problems can make your features hard to see or put the head outside the required position. The authority decides whether the photo is acceptable.[1][2][9][3][4][5]
For a U.S. paper application, submit an original, unedited photo. For online renewal, follow the separate digital-photo instructions. Check the relevant authority’s rules before editing a photo.[1][6]
For a UK application, follow the digital photo route or printed-photo instructions that apply to your application. A digital photo must meet HM Passport Office standards; having the right dimensions alone does not show that it meets every photo rule.[2][9]
Crop, print, and check the sheet
Take the photo first, then use the tool above to crop it to the passport size you selected. Review the crop at full size: check that your face is centered, your head height is in range, and the background matches the country’s rule. If the crop cuts off your head or changes the photo itself, take a new picture.
The tool makes a sheet for an ordinary 4×6-inch photo print. Save the sheet and print it at a kiosk as a 4×6 photo, with scaling or “fit to page” turned off if that option would change the sheet size. After printing, check that the small passport photo has the required physical dimensions and that the print is sharp.
Submission differs by document. The listed U.S., UK, Chinese, and Japanese passports accept digital and printed photos according to the supplied facts; the Australian passport photo listed here is for printed submission. Check your application instructions to confirm which form you need.[1][6][2][3][4][5][7]
Frequently asked questions
Can I use one passport photo for several countries?
Only if the photo separately meets each country’s size, head-height, background, and submission rules. The listed sizes and background colors differ.[1][2][3][4][5]
What size is a U.S. passport photo?
It is 2×2 inches (50.8×50.8 mm), with a head height of 25.4–34.9 mm from chin to top of head.[1]
Can I smile in my passport photo?
The U.S. rule allows a neutral expression or natural smile. The UK, China, Australia, and Japan require a neutral expression with the mouth closed.[1][2][3][4][5]
Which passport photo backgrounds are allowed?
It depends on the country: white or off-white for the United States, cream or light grey for the United Kingdom, white for China, white or light grey for Australia, and white or light blue for Japan.[1][2][3][4][5]
Can I print a digital passport photo at a kiosk?
The tool above makes a 4×6-inch sheet you can print as an ordinary photo. Check the passport authority’s submission instructions: the Australian photo listed here is for printed submission, while the other listed documents support both digital and printed submission.[1][6][2][3][4][5][7]