South Africa Passport
South Africa Passport Photo 35x45mm Online Maker
Free online South Africa passport photo checker calibrated for DHA (Department of Home Affairs) requirements. AI produces a 35x45mm photo with white background, 29–34mm head height, and biometric compliance for SA passport applications.
Last updated May 11, 2026
Verified against the official source · May 11, 2026Official South Africa Passport Photo Dimensions & Requirements (35x45mm)
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) follows the ICAO biometric standard for South African passports. Photos must meet strict quality criteria to avoid delays at DHA offices.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm high.
- Head Height: Chin to crown 29–34mm.
- Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes looking at camera.
- Glasses: Not allowed.
- Attire: Everyday clothing — no uniforms or camouflage.
How to Fix Background for South Africa Passport Photo
For South African passport applications you typically need two identical physical prints plus a digital file for the online pre-application system:
- Physical: Two 35×45mm prints on matte photo paper.
- Digital: JPEG file matching 35×45mm spec.
- Recency: Must be taken within the last 6 months.
Photo Examples

Pass example
Correct photo

Common rejection risk
Incorrect photo
How South Africa Passport compares to similar documents
Every figure below is read from the same rule profiles this checker validates against, so it says what actually differs rather than what sounds different.
The same specification
A photo that passes for South Africa Passport meets the same measurable requirements as UAE Emirates ID, Russia Visa, Pakistan Visa, Mexico Passport, Qatar Visa, Nepal Visa, Cambodia eVisa and Portugal Schengen Visa. Size, head height and background are identical; check each portal's own file-size limit before uploading.
What changes for nearby documents
- Saudi Arabia Visa wants 40×60mm, not 35×45mm; head fills 60–75% of the frame, not 70–80%; file limit 200 KB, not 2000 KB.
- Egypt Visa wants 40×60mm, not 35×45mm; head fills 65–75% of the frame, not 70–80%; file limit 500 KB, not 2000 KB.
- Oman Visa wants 40×60mm, not 35×45mm; head fills 64–75% of the frame, not 70–80%; file limit 500 KB, not 2000 KB.
- Rwanda eVisa wants 51×51mm, not 35×45mm; head fills 60–80% of the frame, not 70–80%; file limit 500 KB, not 2000 KB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Document Requirements
35x45mm Photo
Check a 35x45mm (3.5x4.5 cm) passport or visa photo online, free. Exact size in mm and pixels, head height and backgroun...
Schengen Visa
Check and fix your Schengen visa photo online. Create a 35x45mm biometric photo for France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and o...
Canada Visa
Check and fix your Canada visa photo for IRCC applications. Create a 35x45mm TRV, study permit, or work permit photo wit...
UK Passport
Free online UK passport photo checker. Create HM Passport Office compliant photos with cream/light grey background (not ...
Australia Passport
Free online Australian passport photo checker. AI validates the 35–40mm × 45–50mm format and enforces the strict 32–36mm...
US Passport
Check and fix your US passport photo online. Create a 2x2 inch passport photo with white background, correct head size, ...
US Visa (DS-160)
Fix and check your US visa photo for DS-160 upload. Create a 600x600px JPEG at 240KB or less with a plain background, co...
US Green Card Lottery (DV)
Free AI-powered DV-2027 Lottery photo checker. Instant validation of your 600x600px photo against official State Departm...