Passport and Visa Photo Sizes at a Glance (with Pixel Sizes)
Passport and visa photos come in slightly different sizes depending on the country and the document. A photo studio handles this for you, but when you apply online you often have to prepare a correctly sized file yourself. Here are the most common sizes and the pixel dimensions you need.
Common passport and visa photo sizes
| Use | Size | Pixels at 300dpi |
|---|---|---|
| US passport and US visa | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51mm) | 600 x 600px |
| UK and most EU passports | 35 x 45mm | 413 x 531px |
| South Korea passport | 35 x 45mm | 413 x 531px |
| China visa | 33 x 48mm | 390 x 567px |
| Japan visa | 45 x 45mm | 531 x 531px |
Pixel sizes are calculated at 300dpi, the usual print resolution: divide the size in centimeters by 2.54 and multiply by 300. If an online form asks for a specific pixel size, use that instead.
Head size matters too
Passport photos are checked for head size, not just the outer dimensions. A US passport photo needs the head, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, to measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35mm), which is roughly half to two thirds of the photo height. UK photos ask for a head height of 29 to 34mm. Most countries also require a plain light background, a neutral expression with your mouth closed, no glare on glasses and a recent photo. Rules change, so check the latest guidance from the agency that issues your document, such as the U.S. Department of State or HM Passport Office, before you apply.
Taking the photo at home
- Stand at least 50cm (about 2 feet) in front of a white or light, plain wall so your shadow does not fall on it.
- Face a window for soft, even light. Ceiling lights alone cast shadows under the eyes.
- Hold the phone at face height, step back 1 to 1.5m and use 2x zoom. Shooting up close makes the nose look bigger.
- Leave plenty of room above the head and below the shoulders so the photo can be cropped to size.
Crop to size and print
In the passport photo tool, pick your size and line up the top of the head and the chin with the red guides. The saved JPG includes 300dpi information, so it prints at the correct physical size.
Need several copies? Save a 4x6 inch (10x15cm) print sheet filled with photos. Print it as one standard 4x6 photo at a store kiosk or online print service, then cut along the gray lines.
If the upload has a file size limit
Some online applications limit photo files to 100KB or 240KB. After cropping, use the size tool to shrink the file without changing its dimensions.