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UK Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Background and Rules
UK passport photo rules explained — the 35 x 45 mm printed size, plain light-grey or cream background, digital photo specs, expression and glasses rules, and the most common reasons photos are rejected.
The short answer
A printed UK passport photo is 35 x 45 mm in portrait orientation, taken against a plain light-grey or cream background — not pure white — with a neutral expression, no glasses, and taken within the last month. The face must be clear, in focus, and looking straight at the camera.
If you apply online through GOV.UK you can upload a digital photo or enter a code from a photo booth, instead of supplying a printed photo. Always confirm the current rules on GOV.UK, as the digital specifications are updated periodically.
UK passport photo size and specs
The printed-photo specification:
- Size: 35 x 45 mm, portrait orientation.
- Background: Plain light grey or cream — avoid pure white, patterns, and objects.
- Head size: Roughly 29–34 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, facing forward.
Digital photo specs for online applications
When you apply online, a digital photo should be clear, in focus, in color, and unaltered — no filters. The common requirement is a minimum of about 600 x 750 pixels and a file size up to 10 MB in JPEG format.
You can take the digital photo yourself against a plain light background, or use a photo booth that gives you a digital code. Check the current pixel and file-size limits on GOV.UK before uploading.
Glasses, head coverings and expression
Glasses are generally not allowed in UK passport photos; remove them unless you cannot for medical reasons, in which case the eyes must still be clearly visible without glare. Head coverings are accepted only for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible.
Keep a neutral expression with the mouth closed — no smiling — and make sure hair does not cover the eyes. Both edges of the face should be visible.
Common UK rejection reasons
Photos are most often rejected for:
- A background that is too white, too dark, or patterned instead of plain light grey or cream.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head.
- Wearing glasses, or glare hiding the eyes.
- Hair across the eyes, a non-neutral expression, or looking away from the camera.
- Filters, low resolution, or a photo older than one month.
How to prepare a UK passport photo with PhotoTools
Take the photo against a plain light-grey or cream backdrop with even lighting. Open the passport photo tool, set a custom 35 x 45 mm size, and crop with the head centered and correctly sized. Export the result; for an online application keep the digital photo at least 600 x 750 pixels.
Processing happens in your browser, so your photo is not uploaded to a server. The tool handles size, crop, and layout — not appearance — which keeps the photo within the rules.
FAQ
What size is a UK passport photo?
A printed UK passport photo is 35 x 45 mm in portrait orientation. For online applications you upload a digital photo of at least about 600 x 750 pixels instead.
What background should a UK passport photo have?
A plain light-grey or cream background — not pure white, and with no patterns, shadows, or objects behind you.
Can I wear glasses in a UK passport photo?
Generally no. Remove glasses unless you cannot for medical reasons, and even then the eyes must be clearly visible without glare.
Can I take a UK passport photo at home?
Yes. You can take a digital photo against a plain light background and upload it for an online application, or use a booth that provides a digital code.
Official source to check
Confirm the current UK passport photo rules on GOV.UK before applying.