Good and bad passport photo examples

Most rejected photos fail for one of the reasons below. Each group starts with a correct photo, followed by the mistakes to avoid. The photo maker checks for nearly all of these automatically.

Framing & head size

The head must be centred and measure 25–35 mm from the top of the hair to the chin on a 2 × 2 inch photo.

✓

CorrectCentred, full head visible, level eyes, neutral expression, plain white background, even light.

Not centredThe head sits to one side of the frame.

Too closeHead is larger than 35 mm and the hair is cut off.

Too far awayHead is smaller than 25 mm.

Pose & expression

Face the camera squarely with the head upright, eyes open and mouth closed.

✓

CorrectCentred, full head visible, level eyes, neutral expression, plain white background, even light.

Head tiltedThe eyes are not level.

Turned / portrait styleBoth edges of the face must be visible.

Looking awayEyes must look straight into the lens.

Eyes closedBoth eyes must be open and clearly visible.

Mouth openKeep a natural expression with the mouth closed.

Lighting & image quality

Light the face evenly from the front. The print must be sharp, in colour, with natural skin tones.

✓

CorrectCentred, full head visible, level eyes, neutral expression, plain white background, even light.

Too darkUnder-exposed — facial features are lost.

Too lightOver-exposed and washed out.

Shadow across faceSide lighting leaves half the face dark.

Blurry / pixelatedFine facial features must be discernible.

Unnatural colourColour cast from fluorescent or tinted light.

Black & whiteThe photo must be in colour.

Background

A plain white background with no objects, texture or shadows behind the head.

✓

CorrectCentred, full head visible, level eyes, neutral expression, plain white background, even light.

Distracting backgroundWalls with texture, furniture or scenery are rejected.

Patterned curtainThe background must be plain.

Coloured backgroundWhite is required for India and the US.

Shadow on backgroundStand away from the wall and light it evenly.

Clothing, glasses & head coverings

Wear plain coloured attire. Nothing may hide the eyes or the outline of the face.

✓

CorrectCentred, full head visible, level eyes, neutral expression, plain white background, even light.

White topPure white clothing merges with the background.

Patterned topAttire should not be patterned or textured.

Dark tinted lensesTinted or dark glasses are not permitted.

Hair across eyesEyes and eyebrows must be uncovered.

Hat or capHead coverings only for religious reasons, with the full face visible.

Illustrations are drawings, not real applicants. Examples follow the do's and don'ts in the official Passport / VISA / OCI photograph specification.

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