What are the general requirements for a passport photo?

A passport photo must show your full face, front view, with a neutral expression, eyes open, against a plain light background. Exact size and background color depend on the country.

What background color should a passport photo have?

Most countries require a plain white or light background. The UK accepts light grey, and some countries (e.g. China, Indonesia) require specific colors.

Can you smile in a passport photo?

Most countries require a neutral expression with the mouth closed. A natural slight smile is sometimes tolerated, but neutral is safest.

ID PhotoGuide

Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Background & Rules (2026 Guide)

Fastly AI Team

June 23, 2026

A compliant passport photo comes down to a few rules: the right size, a plain background, a neutral expression, and an unobstructed, well-lit face. Get any of these wrong and your application can be rejected.

This guide covers the general rules, then the exact requirements for the most-searched countries. You can make a compliant photo in seconds with our free ID photo tool.

General passport photo requirements

Face: Front view, full face visible, eyes open and clearly visible.
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No big smiles.
Background: Plain and uniform — usually white or light grey. No shadows.
Lighting: Even lighting with no harsh shadows or glare.
Glasses: Increasingly not allowed; most authorities ask you to remove them.
Head coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.

Requirements by country

Exact dimensions and background colors vary. Here are the specifics for the most common destinations:

United States: 2×2 inches (51×51mm), white background.
United Kingdom: 35×45mm, light grey background.
Canada: 50×70mm, white background.
India: 2×2 inches (51×51mm), white background.
Schengen visa: 35×45mm, white background.

Common questions

For the rules people ask about most, see our focused guides:

Make a compliant photo in seconds

Upload any front-facing photo and our AI ID photo tool auto-crops to the correct size, sets the required background color, and gives you a print-ready file — no studio visit needed.