France Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to france passport photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.
French passport photos (photos d'identite) must be 35x45mm with a light blue or light grey background, and the face height must measure between 32mm and 36mm. Since 2018, glasses are no longer permitted in new passport applications, and head coverings of any kind are prohibited. Digital submissions require 600x750 pixels at 300 DPI in JPEG format, with file sizes between 50 KB and 5 MB, and can be uploaded through the France Identite smartphone app. These specifications follow the ICAO 9303 standard and are enforced by the Agence Nationale des Titres Securises (ANTS). PassportPic formats your photo to ANTS and ICAO standards instantly, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 35mm x 45mm |
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 750 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | Light blue or light grey |
| Head Size | 70-80% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 50 KB - 5 MB |
| Document Type | Passport |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling
Glasses
Not allowed since 2018 for new applications
Head Covering
Not allowed
Additional Requirements
- Must comply with ICAO 9303 standard
- Face height must be 32-36mm in the photo
- Light coloured, plain, and uniform background
- Can use France Identite app for digital photos
- No digital alterations to facial features
- Photo must be less than 6 months old
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be light blue or light grey — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 70-80% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for France Passport photos: not allowed since 2018 for new applications. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 35mm x 45mm; digital submissions need 600x750 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
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Last updated
2026-01-10