Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Michelle Krause
British Passport photo requirements | MyBritishPassport assists UK citizens living abroad with a wide range of British Passport services. These include British passport renewals, replacements and first-time applications, and guidance on British passport photo requirements.
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If you are a British citizen who will soon need to renew their UK passport, did you know that you will need to submit a digital photograph for online applications? In addition, are you aware that there are very specific British passport photo requirements?
Many people are not aware that they need to follow the guidelines of digital passport photos, as set out by HM Passport Office. Sadly, failure to submit the correct photos can result in your application being rejected.
British Passport Photo Requirements
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Below is the passport office’s guidelines for British passport photo requirements:
What is the correct UK passport photo size?
UK Passport photo size: The passport office is very particular about the measurements of digital passport photos.
- Your digital photo must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in length.
- The passport photos should be at least 50KB in size and should not exceed 10MB.
Most camera shops should easily be able to help you with these photos. Alternatively, you could use a photo booth and set your photos to these measurements.
If you choose to take your digital photos with your own camera, once you have downloaded them, you can adjust the size on your computer.
This is done with your computer’s cropping tool, which is quite simple to use. Simply select the image, go into the cropping tool, click and then drag the selector until you are happy with the dimensions.
Has your British passport phot been rejected? Read more here.
British Passport Photo Size
The image of you (from the crown of your head to your chin) must be between 29mm and 34mm high. The image must be at least 50KB and no more than 10MB.
What are the additional British Passport photo requirements?
In addition to the physical measurements of the photo, there are other measurements to take note of.
- The image of your face (ie. from the crown of your head down to your chin) should measure between 29mm and 34mm in height. If you find that you are having difficulty ensuring that these measurements apply to your digital photo, it might be a good idea to visit a camera shop. Most of them are well-versed in British passport photos and this could save you a lot of hassle!
- Your digital photo should be a clear close-up of your entire head plus upper shoulder area.
- There should not be any other people or objects present in the photo and it should be taken against a light grey or cream screen or background.
- It is also important that the digital photo is in focus, not blurry and a clear contrast to the background.
- The passport office does not accept photos where the individual has “red eye” as your true eye color should be visible.
- When taking your photo, make sure that you are sitting up straight and facing directly forwards. Look directly into the camera and try and avoid smiling – neutral expressions with your mouth gently closed are best.
- The flash of the camera often causes people to blink but try your best not to as the passport office requires that your eyes are fully open.
Hats, caps and scarves are not allowed in the photo (unless they are specifically worn for medical or religious reasons) and you may also not have anything else obstructing your face. Sunglasses are a no-no but you are allowed to wear normal spectacles (just make sure that there is no glare). Any shadows on your face or on the photo’s background may be rejected, so try and avoid this, too.
Lastly, your digital photos must be color photos as black and white is not allowed.
Need more information regarding passport photos or assistance with making your British passport renewal a seamless process? Contact MyBritishPassport here for assistance!
Should you require further information on British passport requirements click here for another informative blog article.
Are you renewing a UK passport in the USA? Click here to find out everything you need to know.
Conclusion.
The UK passport photo requirements can be confusing to understand and follow. However, by knowing the proper specifications and following them closely, you can ensure your passport photos will be accepted without any issues.
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- Free advice from our expert team: Our team has extensive experience processing British passports for applicants from abroad and can offer you free, expert advice.
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