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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, 2026
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Official 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

Correct photo

Pass example

Correct photo

Incorrect 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