UK Passport Photo Requirements

His Majesty's Passport Office checks digital photos automatically before a human ever sees them, so a submission usually fails on measurable things: head height outside the permitted band, insufficient contrast against the background, or shadow across the face.

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The official specification

Photo size	35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Pixel dimensions	413 × 531 px
Resolution	300 DPI
Head height	64–76% of the photo height
Background	Plain, #f0f0f0

Source: HM Passport Office. Requirements change — confirm there before you submit.

Rules that catch people out

Plain cream or light grey background

The UK does not want pure white. A cream or light grey backdrop gives the contrast their automated check looks for; a bright white wall often causes a 'not enough contrast' failure, especially for people with fair hair.

Neutral expression, mouth closed

Unlike the US, the UK does not accept a smile. Mouth closed, eyes open, looking straight at the camera.

Glasses are strongly discouraged

You may wear them only if you cannot remove them for medical reasons. Even then the eyes must be clearly visible with no glare and no tinted lenses, and frames must not cover any part of the eyes.

Nothing covering the face

Head coverings for religious or medical reasons are allowed, but the full face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must be visible with no shadow.

No shadows anywhere

Not on the face, not behind the head. Two light sources at 45 degrees, or an overcast day near a window, will get you there more reliably than a single lamp.

Why united kingdom passport photos get rejected

Using a pure white background, which fails the contrast check
Smiling — the UK requires a neutral expression
Hair falling across the eyes or the edge of the face
A photo taken on a phone in portrait mode, which blurs the background artificially
Head too large in the frame, pushing head height above the permitted band

Printing and submitting

Digital applications accept an uploaded file directly. If you use a photo booth, keep the printed code — it can be entered instead of uploading. Paper applications need two identical prints, one signed on the back by your countersignatory.

Ready to make yours?

The tool crops to 35×45 mm at 300 DPI and checks head height and background before it releases the file.

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Other photo requirements

This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.