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2026-07-07·4 min read

UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Rules, and Free Tool

Official UK passport photo requirements from HM Passport Office — dimensions, background colour, expression rules, and how to prepare your photo free.


HM Passport Office rejects around 1 in 6 passport applications due to photo errors. Getting the dimensions and rules right first time saves weeks of delay. Here are the official UK requirements.

Official UK Passport Photo Specifications

  • Size: 45×35mm (height × width)
  • Pixels: 531×413 pixels at 300 DPI
  • Head height: 29–34mm from chin to crown
  • Background: Plain cream or plain light grey
  • Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
  • Eyes: Open, clearly visible
  • Glasses: Not permitted (banned since 2015)
  • Recency: Taken within the last month

Digital Photo for Online Application

  • File format: JPG or PNG
  • Dimensions: 600px minimum on shortest side
  • Colour: Full colour
  • Resize to 35×45mm — the tool sets 413×531 pixels which satisfies UK Passport Office requirements.

Common UK Passport Photo Rejections

  • Wrong background colour: Must be cream or light grey — not white (unlike US/EU passports)
  • Shadows: No shadows on the face or background
  • Expression: Smiling or exaggerated expressions are rejected
  • Head size: Face too small or too large in the frame
  • Glasses: Not permitted even with thin frames

UK vs EU/ICAO Passport Photo

The UK uses 45×35mm (landscape orientation) while most EU countries use 35×45mm (portrait). The UK photo is wider than it is tall. Our 35×45mm tool produces the portrait format used by EU and India — always verify the specific requirement for your application.

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