ISO 35x45mm Passport Photo Checker | ICAO Biometric Photo Tool

What is the 35x45mm Photo Standard?

The 35mm × 45mm format is the most widely adopted passport photo size globally. It is mandated by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) biometric standards and used by over 100 countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union.

This format ensures your passport photo meets strict facial recognition requirements for international travel documents.

• Dimensions: Exactly 35mm wide × 45mm high when printed.
• Head Coverage: Face must occupy 70-80% of photo height (32-36mm from chin to crown).
• Background: Plain light grey or off-white (UK prefers cream/grey; Australia accepts white).
• Resolution: Minimum 600 DPI for printing; 300 DPI acceptable for digital upload.
• Expression: Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling.

Countries Using 35x45mm Photos

This universal biometric format is accepted by passport authorities and visa offices in:

• United Kingdom (UK Passport) - Requires cream or light grey background, head 29-34mm.
• Australia (Australian Passport) - Accepts 35-40mm width, 45-50mm height, head 32-36mm.
• European Union (Schengen Countries) - France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.
• New Zealand, Canada, India, South Africa, Singapore, and many others.

Key Differences: UK vs Australia vs EU

While the 35x45mm size is universal, there are subtle differences in requirements:

• UK: Prefers cream or light grey background (not pure white). Head must be 29-34mm. Photo must be less than 1 month old.
• Australia: Accepts white or light grey background. Photo dimensions can be 35-40mm × 45-50mm. Head must be 32-36mm.
• EU/Schengen: Light grey or white background. Head must be 32-36mm (70-80% of frame).
• All three: Glasses are generally NOT allowed. Head coverings only for religious reasons.

Common Rejection Reasons

Embassy authorities reject thousands of passport photos daily. Avoid these mistakes:

• Wrong Background Color: Pure white background may be rejected by UK authorities (use cream/grey).
• Head Too Small or Too Large: Must be 70-80% of frame. Too zoomed in or out = rejection.
• Shadows: Any shadow on face or behind head will cause automatic rejection.
• Glasses: Removed in 2016 by most countries. Even prescription glasses are not allowed.
• Smiling or Open Mouth: Must have neutral expression. Closed mouth is mandatory.
• Poor Lighting: Overexposed (washed out) or underexposed (too dark) photos fail biometric scans.
• Photo Too Old: Most countries require photos taken within 6 months (UK requires 1 month).

ICAO Biometric Compliance Standards

Your photo must meet ICAO Doc 9303 specifications for machine-readable travel documents:

• Face must be centered and looking directly at camera. No head tilt.
• Both ears should be visible if possible (hair pulled back).
• Eyes must be open, clearly visible, and looking at camera. No red-eye.
• Resolution: Sharp focus with natural skin tones. No retouching or filters.
• File Format: JPEG for digital submission. Printed on high-quality matte photo paper for physical submission.

Why Use Our ISO 35x45mm Photo Tool?

Skip the trip to the photo booth. Our AI ensures your photo meets all ICAO and country-specific requirements:

• Automatic validation against 20+ ICAO biometric rules.
• Intelligent background replacement (white, cream, or light grey).
• Precise cropping to 35x45mm with correct head size (70-80%).
• Generates digital file for online applications + 4×6 inch printable sheet.
• Works for UK, Australia, EU, and 100+ countries.
• 30-day money-back guarantee if your photo is rejected.