UK Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Rules & How to Get One (2026)

Applying for a British passport? UK passport photos follow strict biometric standards. Here’s everything you need to know.

UK Passport Photo Size

UK passport photos use the standard European biometric format:

Size: 35mm × 45mm (1.38” × 1.77”)
Shape: Rectangular (portrait orientation)
Head height: 29mm to 34mm (chin to crown)

Photo Requirements

Background

Plain light grey or cream
No patterns or shadows
No other objects visible

Expression & Pose

Neutral expression
Mouth closed
Eyes open and clearly visible
Looking straight at camera
No tilting or turning head

What to Avoid

❌ Glasses (not allowed since 2016)
❌ Hats or head coverings (except religious)
❌ Heavy shadows
❌ Red eye
❌ Hair covering face or eyes
❌ Tinted lenses or sunglasses

Digital Photo Requirements

For online UK passport applications:

File type: JPEG
File size: Maximum 20MB
Minimum dimensions: 600×750 pixels
Quality: Clear, in focus, no blur

The UK government provides a photo checking service to verify your photo meets requirements before submitting.

Where to Get UK Passport Photos

In the UK

Boots: £9.99 (photo booths in stores)
Post Office: £12.99
Tesco Photo: £9.99
Snappy Snaps: £14.99
Photo booths: £5-8

Outside the UK

Many photo services outside the UK don’t offer UK passport size by default. Options:

One Dollar Passport Photo — Select UK, get 35×45mm format
Professional photographers — Request 35×45mm specifically
British consulate — Some offer photo services

Taking Your Own UK Passport Photo

You can take your own photo if you follow these rules:

Setup

Use a plain light grey or cream background
Natural daylight works best
Face the light source (window)
Camera at eye level, 1-2 meters away

Tips

Have someone else take the photo
Use rear camera for better quality
No flash (causes red eye and shadows)
Multiple shots — choose the best one

Processing

Upload to One Dollar Passport Photo
Select “United Kingdom” → “Passport”
Tool adjusts to 35×45mm and checks requirements
Download digital version and print template

Common Rejection Reasons

UK passport photos are rejected for:

Wrong background — Must be light grey or cream, not white
Incorrect size — Must be exactly 35×45mm
Shadows — On face or background
Glasses — Any eyewear causes rejection
Expression — Smiling or mouth open
Eyes — Not visible or looking away
Quality — Blurry, pixelated, or poor lighting

Children’s Passport Photos

For babies and children under 6:

Same size (35×45mm)
Same background requirements
Eyes must be open
Mouth can be slightly open (babies)
No toys or dummies visible
No other people in photo

For babies: lay them on a white/grey sheet and photograph from above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a UK passport photo?

UK passport photos are 35mm × 45mm (approximately 1.4 × 1.8 inches). This is the standard European biometric photo size, different from US 2×2 inch photos.

Can I use a white background for UK passport photo?

No. UK passport photos require a light grey or cream background, not pure white.

Can I wear glasses in my UK passport photo?

No. Since 2016, glasses are not permitted in UK passport photos. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.

How long is a UK passport photo valid?

UK passport photos should be recent and show your current appearance. While there’s no strict time limit, photos should be taken close to your application date.

Get Your UK Passport Photo

Need a UK passport photo? Use One Dollar Passport Photo — select United Kingdom and get the correct 35×45mm format automatically. Works for UK passport applications worldwide.

Create Your UK Photo →