Clinic guide · 2026
Passport and ID photo size requirements (2026)
Passport and ID photos fail when print size, pixel size, head position, background, or file format miss the issuing authority’s rules. Use the official checklist for your country, then size a compliant JPG.
Read this first
Photo Rejected is not a government site and does not issue passports. Official pixel sizes, backgrounds, and “recent photo” rules change. Treat the table below as a starting orientation, then verify on the authority’s page for your document.
Common patterns in 2026
| Region / document (examples) | Often seen size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States passport / many US visas | 2 × 2 in | Square; plain background; recent color photo |
| Many EU / UK-style docs | 35 × 45 mm | Portrait rectangle; head-height rules matter |
| Digital upload portals | Exact pixels + KB cap | Follow the upload form, not only the print size |
If the portal gives pixels + KB, those numbers win over a print-size memory from last year.
Rejection reasons that are not “the camera”
- Sunglasses, hats, or hair covering the face (when disallowed)
- Shadows on the face or background
- Over-compressed blur after chasing a tiny KB limit
- HEIC upload to a JPG-only field
- Cropped too tightly or too loosely around the head
Suggested workflow
- Open the official size guide for your document type.
- Take or choose a recent, well-lit photo.
- Crop and resize to the required box.
- Export JPG and meet any KB limit last.
- Compare against the official sample diagram before submitting.
When you need a local ID-photo sizing helper after you already know the target size, use the Fernpix link below.
FAQ
Is a 2×2 inch US passport photo the same as a 35×45 mm photo?
No. US passport photos are typically 2×2 inches. Many other countries use 35×45 mm. Do not swap them.
Can I use a selfie with a messy background?
Usually no. Most ID rules want a plain light background, neutral expression, and no filters.
Are these rules identical worldwide?
No. Always prefer the issuing country’s current official page over a generic blog table.