UK Passport Photo

Snap your UK passport photo in a flash! With our quick guide, you can take a compliant UK passport photo in only 3 seconds, saving you time and hassle.
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UK Passport Photo—Technical details

Here’s a quick overview of all requirements for your photo
Size
35x45 mm
Resolution
600 dpi
Background Color
Is it suitable for online submission?
Yes
Is it printable?
Yes

FAQ

What are the rules for passport photos UK?

To meet UK government standards, your passport photo must adhere to these strict guidelines: 1. Background: Solid light grey or cream background (no patterns, shadows, or textures). Ensure even lighting with no glare or reflections. 2. Photo Quality: High-resolution, sharp, and in clear focus (professional printing recommended; home-printed photos often fail quality checks). Sized exactly 45mm x 35mm with your face occupying 70-80% of the frame. 3. Appearance: Face forward with a neutral expression (eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling). No accessories (e.g., hats, headphones) unless worn daily for religious/medical reasons (face must remain fully visible). No glasses unless medically required (lenses must not create glare). 4. Timing & Authenticity: Taken within the last 30 days to reflect your current appearance. No editing, filters, or alterations (natural skin tone only). 5. Technical Specs: Color only (no black-and-white or monochrome). No red-eye, shadows, or overexposure. Pro Tip: Use our AI-powered tool to auto-adjust your photo to UK standards and avoid rejection

Is an iPhone photo OK for UK passport?

Yes, iPhone photos are acceptable for UK passports if they meet strict requirements: - Resolution: Minimum 600x750 pixels (no compression or filters) - Lighting: Even brightness with no shadows/glare - Composition: Full-face view with neutral expression, plain white background - Camera Use: Must be taken by someone else (no selfies) - Eyewear: Remove glasses unless medically required Our AI-powered tool automatically checks 40+ UK photo rules and formats your image to official specifications.

How do you check if your passport photo is acceptable UK?

To ensure UK passport photo compliance, verify these 5 critical checks: 1. Composition: Full face + shoulders (70-80% of frame). Eyes open & visible (no hair obstruction). Neutral expression (mouth closed) 2. Technical Specs: 35mm x 45mm size (±2mm tolerance). 600+ dpi resolution. True skin tones (no filters/edits) 3. Background: Pure white only (#FFFFFF). No shadows/textures/patterns Prohibited Elements. No eyewear/headwear. No red-eye/poor lighting. No teeth showing 4. Validity: Taken within 30 days. Professionally printed (non-glossy paper). Except daily-worn religious coverings

Can I take a passport photo on my phone?

Yes, modern smartphones can capture passport-quality photos if they meet official guidelines. Most devices with proper lighting, and a neutral background will work. Use our AI-powered tool to instantly adjust composition, sizing, and compliance for guaranteed acceptance.

How can I look good in passport photos UK?

For UK passport photos: Face forward with eyes open, clearly visible, and looking directly at the camera. Maintain a neutral expression, mouth closed, and ensure hair doesn’t obscure your eyes. Avoid headwear (except religious/medical purposes), face coverings, or shadows on/behind your face. Follow these guidelines for a compliant, professional result.

Can you smile in a passport photo in the UK?

No! UK passport photos require a neutral facial expression: no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Eyes must be fully open and visible (no glare or red eye), mouth closed, and both sides of the face clearly shown. These rules ensure compliance with government standards for biometric verification.

Can I take my own passport photo?

Yes, you can take your own passport photo, provided it adheres to strict guidelines: 1. Neutral expression, facing the camera directly. 2. Plain white/gray background with no patterns or shadows. 3. Even lighting—no glare, shadows, or overexposure. 4. No accessories (e.g., hats, glasses) unless for religious/medical reasons. 5. High-resolution image with correct dimensions (e.g., 2x2 inches for U.S. passports). Use AI tools like iPassportPhoto to ensure compliance and avoid rejection.

Can you wear lipstick in a passport photo UK?

Yes, subtle lipstick is acceptable for UK passport photos, provided it maintains a natural appearance and does create glare or alter facial features. Avoid heavy or glossy makeup to ensure compliance with official guidelines.