UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to uk passport photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.
UK passport photos must measure 35x45mm and be taken against a plain light grey or cream background, distinguishing them from the white backgrounds used by most other countries. Glasses are permitted only if your eyes are clearly visible with no glare on the lenses, and children under six are exempt from the neutral expression rule. Digital submissions through the online application should be 600x750 pixels at 300 DPI, saved as a JPEG between 50 KB and 10 MB. These rules are set by His Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) under the Home Office. PassportPic formats your photo to HMPO standards automatically, 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 grey or cream |
| Head Size | 70-80% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 50 KB - 10 MB |
| Document Type | Passport |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral with mouth closed, no smiling
Glasses
Allowed if eyes are clearly visible with no glare on lenses
Head Covering
Not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons
Additional Requirements
- Plain light grey or cream background required
- No shadows on face or background
- Head and shoulders must be visible
- Children under 6 do not need a neutral expression
- Photos must be less than one month old
- Digital photos can be submitted via the online application
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be light grey or cream — 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 UK Passport photos: allowed if eyes are clearly visible with no glare on lenses. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral with 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