What are the UK passport photo requirements for 2026?

UK passport photo requirements in 2026 are: Size: 35 × 45 mm. Background: plain light grey or cream — NOT white (the most common rejection reason — white is a US requirement, not a UK one). Head height: 29–34mm from chin to top of head. Eyes: open, looking directly at camera, no glasses. Expression: neutral, mouth closed. Taken within 1 month (new applicants) or 6 months (renewals). For UK visa applications (not UK passport), white background is acceptable. For digital online passport renewal: JPG file, 50KB to 10MB; the automated biometric system provides specific rejection feedback.

Is this passport photo cropper safe for my facial data?

Yes. Your photo is processed entirely in your browser using WebAssembly — the image never leaves your device and is never transmitted to any server. Passport photos contain highly sensitive biometric data (facial geometry used for identity verification). Unlike IDPhoto4You, 123PassportPhoto, PhotoAiD, and most other online passport photo services that upload your photo to remote cloud servers, this tool performs all cropping locally. Closing the browser tab after use clears all image data from memory.

How do I reduce my passport photo file size to under 100KB for DS-160 or e-visa?

The US DS-160 visa form requires a JPG file between 54KB and 240KB (not 100KB — 240KB is the actual limit). After cropping to correct dimensions using this tool, if the file exceeds the limit, use the Compress to 100KB tool. This brings the file below 100KB — safely within the DS-160 limit and above the USCIS minimum of 60KB in one step. For India OCI (max 1MB) and UAE e-visa (200KB–5MB minimum), use Compress to 200KB to maintain higher quality while meeting the minimum size. Workflow: Crop to correct dimensions → compress to target file size → verify the file is within the portal's range → submit. After cropping, compress to under 100KB for DS-160 and USCIS portals For India OCI (max 1MB) or UAE e-visa (min 200KB), use Compress to 200KB

My passport photo was rejected. What are the most common reasons?

The most common passport photo rejection reasons are: (1) Wrong background colour — white for US/most countries, light grey for UK passport specifically; (2) Photo older than 6 months (or 1 month for UK new applications) — sometimes verified by EXIF metadata; (3) Head too small or too large in the frame — head must occupy 70–80% of photo height; (4) Glasses worn — prohibited in US (since Nov 2016), UK, Canada, Australia, Schengen; (5) Non-neutral expression; (6) Shadows on face or background — use diffused front lighting; (7) Digital alteration detected by biometric analysis; (8) File too large or too small for the digital portal. See the full rejection reason table on this page for detailed avoidance guidance per country.

What is the difference between a passport photo and a visa photo?

In most cases the physical dimensions are the same — the distinction is in which authority issues the document and sometimes in the background requirement. Key differences: UK passport (HM Passport Office) requires light grey background; UK visa (UKVI) allows white background — same 35×45mm size, different background. India passport (51×51mm square) vs India OCI visa (35×45mm portrait) — different sizes from the same country. US passport and US visa (DS-160) both use 2×2 inches with white background — essentially identical. For most Schengen countries, the same 35×45mm photo is accepted for both national passport and Schengen visa, but verify with the specific embassy for visa applications.

Can I use a selfie for my passport photo?

A self-taken photo is allowed as the source image, with important technical caveats. Front-facing cameras introduce barrel distortion that can cause biometric compliance failures (widening facial geometry). Use the rear camera on a tripod or propped against a surface with a self-timer. Stand against a plain light wall (white sheet works), use natural daylight from a window facing you (not side-on), and take 5–10 shots to choose from. For UK and Australia online digital renewal systems, the automated biometric checker detects wide-angle lens distortion and will provide specific feedback if the facial geometry is not acceptable.

What is the EXIF date check for e-visa applications, and how do I fix it?

Some e-visa portals (including certain DS-160 and India OCI portal submissions) automatically read the EXIF DateTimeOriginal field embedded in the uploaded JPG. If this date is older than 6 months (or 1 month for UK new passport), the system may auto-reject the submission as the photo being too old. To check: use the EXIF Viewer tool to see the DateTimeOriginal field. If incorrect because the camera's date was wrongly set or processing stripped the date: use the EXIF Editor to update it to the correct actual date the photo was taken. Do not fabricate an EXIF date for a genuinely old photo — always use a current photo for official government applications.

What is the difference between Passport Photo Cropper and 2×2 Photo Cropper?

These are two complementary tools designed for different use cases. 2×2 Photo Cropper is pre-set specifically for the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format — US passports, US visas (DS-160), USCIS immigration forms, and Indian passports. It includes US-specific guidance on DS-160 file size (54–240KB) and USCIS portal requirements. Passport Photo Cropper (this tool) supports 20+ country presets including UK (35×45mm, light grey background), Canada (50×70mm), Australia (35×45mm), EU/Schengen (35×45mm), China (33×48mm), UAE (43×55mm), and a custom dimensions option for any country not in the list. If you are applying for a US document, use the 2×2 Photo Cropper. For all other countries, use this tool. For US passport and DS-160 visa (2×2 inch / 51×51mm), use the dedicated 2×2 Photo Cropper

Which countries use 35×45mm vs 2×2 inch passport photo size?

2×2 inch (51×51mm) square: United States (passport, visa, DS-160, USCIS), India Passport. Use the 2×2 Photo Cropper for these. 35×45mm portrait rectangle (7:9 ratio): United Kingdom (passport and visa), Australia, Germany, France, Netherlands, and all EU/Schengen countries, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand, Philippines, India OCI/Visa. Other non-standard sizes: Canada (50×70mm), China (33×48mm), UAE visa (43×55mm), Saudi Arabia visa (40×60mm), Malaysia (35×50mm, blue background). The 35×45mm ICAO biometric standard covers the majority of countries globally — if your country is not listed above, 35×45mm is the most likely requirement, but always verify on the official government passport photo guidance page.

BulkPicTools

Free Passport Photo Cropper — 20+ Countries, Zero Upload, Biometric Ready

Free online passport photo crop tool. Create standard 35x45mm, and visa photos for UK, EU, US, and Asia. Exact dimensions & biometric ready.

Upload Photo for Passport/Visa

Support JPG, PNG, WebP. Batch processing supported.

100% Private: Face Data Stays on Device

Related Tools2x2 Photo Cropper

Circle Image Cropper

Bulk Image Cropper

Key Features of Passport Photo Cropper

Global Standards

Includes official dimensions for UK/Europe (35x45mm), US (2x2"), China, and Canada. Never get rejected for wrong sizing.

Biometric Ready

Our tool locks the aspect ratio strictly. Just center your face, leave space above your head, and crop.

Print & Apply

Download high-resolution images ready for online submission or printing at your local store.

Guides & Tips

Quick reference chart for passport photo specifications of multiple countries (2026, 20 countries)

Country / Document	Photo Size	Head Height	Background	Digital Size (px)	Key Notes
🇺🇸 US Passport / Visa / USCIS	2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)	25–35 mm	White or off-white	600×600 to 1200×1200	Square 1:1. No glasses since Nov 2016. → Use 2×2 Photo Cropper. For US passport and DS-160 visa (2×2 inch / 51×51mm), use the dedicated 2×2 Photo Cropper
🇬🇧 UK Passport	35 × 45 mm	29–34 mm	Light grey or cream (NOT white)	≥ 600×780 px	Taken within 1 month (new). Digital renewal: 50KB–10MB.
🇬🇧 UK Visa (UKVI)	35 × 45 mm	29–34 mm	White or off-white	≥ 600×780 px	UK visa allows white — different from UK passport.
🇨🇦 Canada Passport	50 × 70 mm	31–36 mm	White or light grey	≥ 900×1200 px	Unique non-square format. Two identical prints required.
🇦🇺 Australia Passport	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White or light grey	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard. Taken within 6 months. No glasses.
🇮🇳 India Passport	51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in)	25–35 mm	White	1000×1000 px, max 1MB	Same as US format. → Use 2×2 Photo Cropper
🇮🇳 India OCI / Visa	35 × 45 mm	25–35 mm	White	≥ 800×1000 px, max 1MB	Different from India Passport — portrait format.
🇩🇪 Germany / EU Biometric	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	Light grey preferred	≥ 827×1063 px at 300 DPI	Germany prefers light grey (not white). ICAO biometric standard.
🇪🇺 Schengen Visa	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White, light grey or plain light	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard across EU. Check specific embassy for minor variations.
🇨🇳 China Passport / Visa	33 × 48 mm	28–33 mm	White	354×472 px at 300 DPI	Unique 33×48mm format. Neutral expression.
🇯🇵 Japan Passport	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White or light grey	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard. No glasses. Taken within 6 months.
🇰🇷 South Korea Passport	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard. Eyes fully open.
🇸🇬 Singapore Passport	35 × 45 mm	25–35 mm	White	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard. No glasses.
🇲🇾 Malaysia Passport	35 × 50 mm	25–35 mm	⚠️ Blue background	≥ 600×857 px	Blue background required — rare exception.
🇧🇷 Brazil Passport	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard. Mouth closed, neutral expression.
🇲🇽 Mexico Passport	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard. Taken within 6 months.
🇦🇪 UAE Visa	43 × 55 mm	70–80% of frame	White	200KB–5MB for e-visa portal	Unique 43×55mm format. File must be between 200KB and 5MB.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Visa	40 × 60 mm	70–80% of frame	White	Min 200×300 px	4×6cm wide format.
🇷🇺 Russia Passport / Visa	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White or light grey	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard.
🇿🇦 South Africa Passport	35 × 45 mm	25–35 mm	White or off-white	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO biometric standard.
🇳🇿 New Zealand Passport	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White or off-white	≥ 900×1200 px, 500KB–5MB	Higher resolution recommended.
🇵🇭 Philippines Passport	35 × 45 mm	32–36 mm	White	≥ 600×780 px	ICAO standard. No glasses.

How to Crop a Passport Photo to Official Requirements in 2026 — US, UK, EU & International

2026 update: passport photo requirements for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most Schengen countries are unchanged from 2025. The core formats — 35×45mm for UK/EU/most international, 2×2 inches (51×51mm) for US/India passport — remain in effect. This tool supports all formats.

Before you start — which format do you need?

📌 US passport / visa / DS-160 / USCIS: You need the 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format. Use the dedicated 2×2 Photo Cropper — it is pre-set for US dimensions and covers DS-160 file size requirements (54–240KB) and USCIS portal limits (60KB–2MB).

📌 UK, Canada, Australia, EU / Schengen, Singapore, Japan, and most other countries: You need 35×45mm (or country-specific dimensions). Continue with this tool and select your country from the preset list below.

Why crop at home rather than a photo booth? Photo booths cost £8–15 (UK) or $15–20 (US) per set. Online services that upload your photo to a cloud server process your facial biometric data — the most sensitive category of personal data. This tool runs entirely in your browser: your photo is never transmitted to any server, never stored, and never processed by any remote system. The crop result is identical to a professional service at zero cost.

Step 1: Select Your Country Format
From the preset menu, choose your target country. Each preset locks the aspect ratio and output pixel dimensions automatically:
- · UK Passport: 35×45mm, light grey background guide
- · UK Visa (UKVI): 35×45mm, white background guide
- · Canada Passport: 50×70mm
- · Australia Passport: 35×45mm
- · India OCI / Visa: 35×45mm (India Passport 2×2 → use 2×2 Photo Cropper)
- · EU / Schengen Visa: 35×45mm
- · China Passport / Visa: 33×48mm
- · UAE Visa: 43×55mm
- · Custom Dimensions: enter exact values from the country table on this page
Step 2: Upload and Position Your Photo
Upload a photo taken within the past 6 months (1 month for UK new passport applicants) against the appropriate background. The tool displays the crop frame at the correct aspect ratio. Drag to position your face: the head (chin to top of hair) should fill the green head-height guide zone, corresponding to 70–80% of the frame height required for biometric compliance. Both eyes should be fully visible and level.
Step 3: Download and Check File Size
Click Download. The output JPG is cropped to exact preset dimensions. Before submitting, check file size against your portal's limits (see Guide C for portal-by-portal requirements). If the file exceeds the limit, use the Compress to 100KB or Compress to 200KB tool to reduce it without changing pixel dimensions.

For US passport and DS-160 visa (2×2 inch / 51×51mm), use the dedicated 2×2 Photo Cropper

UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — The Light Grey Background Rule Explained

The most common mistake on UK passport photo applications is using a white background. UK passport photo requirements specify 'plain light grey or cream background' — not white. This is the opposite of US passport requirements, which require white. If you use a white background for a UK passport photo, the application is likely to be rejected by the biometric assessment system.

UK Passport Photo Requirements 2026 (source: HM Passport Office, gov.uk/photos-for-passports):

· Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (7:9 portrait ratio — not square)
· Background: Plain light grey or cream. Not white, not patterned, not coloured. A single plain non-white light colour.
· Head height: 29mm to 34mm from chin to top of head (excluding hair). Head must occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height.
· Eyes: Open, clearly visible, looking directly at the camera. No glasses (UK also prohibits all eyewear in passport photos).
· Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
· Recency: Within 1 month for new applicants; within 6 months for renewals.
· Print: Two identical photos required for paper applications. For online digital renewal, a single digital file.

UK Visa vs UK Passport: the background colour difference. UK visa applications (UKVI — UK Visas and Immigration) accept white or off-white background — the same as most other countries. The light grey requirement applies specifically to UK passport applications (HM Passport Office). If you are applying for a UK visa from overseas, white background is acceptable. If you are applying for a UK passport (new or renewal), light grey or cream is required.

UK digital passport renewal. The UK launched a fully digital passport renewal service, allowing applicants to take their own photo on a smartphone (no printed photo required). The digital photo must meet the same 35×45mm proportion requirements, be at least 600×780 pixels, and be between 50KB and 10MB. The online system uses automated face detection — if the system rejects your photo, it provides specific feedback identifying which requirement was not met.

India OCI vs India Passport — same confusion, different format. India Passport uses 51×51mm (2×2 inch square format, same as US) — use the 2×2 Photo Cropper. India OCI and visa applications use 35×45mm portrait format — use this tool. See the full country table above for details.

Before You Submit: File Size Requirements, EXIF Date Checks, and Common Portal Errors

Cropping to the correct dimensions is only the first step. Digital submission portals have additional requirements that cause rejections even when dimensions are correct: file size limits, file format requirements, and in some cases EXIF metadata validation.

File size requirements by portal:

Portal	File Size Limit	Format	Notes
US DS-160 (visa)	54 KB – 240 KB	JPG only	PNG not accepted. Use Compress to 100KB after cropping.
US Passport (paper renewal)	Print only — no digital file	Print at 300 DPI	600×600px minimum for 2×2 inch print.
UK online passport renewal	50 KB – 10 MB	JPG	Lenient on size but strict on biometric compliance.
India OCI portal	Max 1 MB	JPG	Strict enforcement — 1.1MB is rejected.
UAE e-visa	200 KB – 5 MB	JPG	Both too small AND too large are rejected.
Australia ImmiAccount	Max 5 MB	JPG or PNG
Canada passport online	Max 4 MB	JPG

Compress to the right size: After cropping, if the file exceeds the portal limit, use Compress to 100KB (brings file below 100KB — within DS-160's 240KB limit and above USCIS's 60KB minimum). For portals with a minimum size requirement (UAE e-visa: 200KB minimum), use Compress to 200KB to ensure the file is not too small.After cropping, compress to under 100KB for DS-160 and USCIS portals

EXIF date check — what e-visa systems verify: Some portals automatically read the EXIF DateTimeOriginal field in the uploaded JPG. This field records when the photo was taken. If the date is older than 6 months (or older than 1 month for UK new passport), the system may auto-reject the file.

Two scenarios to watch for:

Your camera date was wrong when the photo was taken — the EXIF date is incorrect even though the photo is genuinely recent. Use EXIF Viewer to check the DateTimeOriginal field. If it is wrong, use EXIF Editor to correct it to the actual date the photo was taken.
You are using a genuinely old photo — do not attempt to alter the EXIF date. Use a current photo for official applications. Submitting a false date in EXIF metadata on an official government application is document fraud.

Pre-submission checklist:

1. Dimensions match exact requirement for your specific portal (not just the country — check the portal's stated dimensions)
2. File format is JPG (DS-160 does not accept PNG — use the Image to JPG Converter if needed)
3. File size is within the portal's range (above any minimum, below any maximum)
4. EXIF DateTimeOriginal is within the recency window — check with EXIF Viewer before submitting
5. Background matches the portal's requirement — UK visa (white) ≠ UK passport (light grey)

Passport Photo Common Rejection Reasons & Fixes

Rejection Reason	How to Avoid It	Strictly Enforced By
Photo too old (>6 months, or >1 month for UK new applications)	Use a photo taken within the required period. Some e-visa portals check the EXIF DateTimeOriginal field to verify recency.	US DS-160, UK UKVI, Canada, Australia, India OCI, UAE e-visa
Wrong dimensions or aspect ratio	US requires 51×51mm square (1:1); UK and most countries require 35×45mm portrait (7:9). A photo cropped to the wrong format is rejected immediately by automated systems.	All countries — most common cause of digital portal rejection
File too large or too small for digital submission	DS-160: max 240KB. India OCI: max 1MB. UAE e-visa: 200KB–5MB. UK renewal: 50KB–10MB. Use a dedicated compression tool after cropping.	US DS-160, India OCI, UAE e-visa, Australia ImmiAccount
Wrong background colour	US/most: white. UK passport: light grey or cream (NOT white). Germany: light grey preferred. Malaysia: blue. Check country-specific requirement.	UK (most common mistake), Germany, Malaysia
Head too small or too large in frame	Head (chin to crown) must occupy 70–80% of frame height. Use a head-height guide overlay during cropping.	US, UK, Canada, Australia, Schengen — biometric compliance
Glasses worn	Prohibited in US (since Nov 2016), UK, Canada, Australia, Schengen, Japan, UAE. Only contact lenses that do not alter eye colour are permitted.	US (strictly enforced), UK, EU, Japan
Head covering (non-religious)	Not permitted unless worn daily for religious reasons. Face from forehead to chin must be fully visible even with permitted coverings.	US, UK, Canada, Schengen
Non-neutral expression	Neutral expression, mouth closed. US prohibits both smiling and frowning. UK requires neutral with mouth closed.	US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, UAE
Shadows on face or background	Use diffused front lighting. Stand 50cm+ from background to prevent shadow cast. Natural daylight from a window works well.	All countries — biometric compliance
Digital alteration of facial features	Adjusting exposure/contrast is acceptable. Beauty filters, skin smoothing, and feature enhancement are prohibited. Some portals use biometric analysis to detect alterations.	US (explicit prohibition), UK, UAE, Schengen
EXIF metadata issues	Some e-visa portals read EXIF DateTimeOriginal. If date is wrong (incorrect camera clock or processing stripped EXIF), use EXIF Viewer to check and EXIF Editor to correct.	US DS-160, UAE e-visa, India OCI
Low resolution or blurry	Minimum 600×780px for 35×45mm. 600×600px for US 2×2. Use rear camera (not front selfie camera). Do not upscale low-res originals.	All digital portals

How to use

Upload Photo

Take a photo against a white wall and upload it here.

Select Country

Choose the standard size for your country (e.g., EU 35x45mm or US 2x2").

Align & Download

Move the crop box to center your face. Download and print.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passport Photo Cropper

Passport photo size varies by country. The two most common international standards are: US & India Passport: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), square 1:1 aspect ratio. UK, EU, Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore & most international: 35 × 45 mm, portrait 7:9 aspect ratio. Exceptions: Canada uses 50 × 70 mm; China uses 33 × 48 mm; UAE visa requires 43 × 55 mm; Malaysia requires 35 × 50 mm with a blue background. See the full 20-country reference table on this page. For digital submissions, minimum pixel dimensions are typically 600×600 px (US) or 600×780 px (35×45mm countries).