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France vs Italy passport photo — full spec comparison
Side-by-side comparison of passport photo requirements for France and Italy, sourced from each issuing authority.
In short
France and Italy use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Usually not. Both documents use 35 × 45 mm, but the background requirements differ — France: Фон должен быть однотонным светлым: светло-серый или светло-голубой; белый фон запрещён; Italy: Ровный однотонный фон без теней. A photo prepared for one may be rejected by the other.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | France | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height | 71–80% (32–36 mm) | 71–78% |
| Background | Фон должен быть однотонным светлым: светло-серый или светло-голубой; белый фон запрещён. | Ровный однотонный фон без теней. |
| Glasses | Clear lenses without reflections; eyes must be fully visible. | Глаза должны быть полностью видимы без сильных бликов. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Голова должна быть непокрытой: шапка, платок и ободок запрещены (La tête doit être nue); исключений нет. | Not specified by the issuing authority |
| Pose | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. | Анфас, без заметного наклона; лицо направлено в объектив. |
| Lighting / shadows | No shadows, creases, or marks on the photo. | Без резких теней и пересветов. |
| Attire | Face must be fully open, hair must not cover the eyes; ears must be visible. | Сохранять исходную одежду и видимую линию плеч. |
| Authority | Service-Public.fr / Ministère de l’Intérieur | Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale |
| Verification | Official — exact | Official — exact |
| Last verified | 2026-05-21 | 2026-07-27 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for France and Italy?
Usually not. Both documents use 35 × 45 mm, but the background requirements differ — France: Фон должен быть однотонным светлым: светло-серый или светло-голубой; белый фон запрещён; Italy: Ровный однотонный фон без теней. A photo prepared for one may be rejected by the other.
Which photo is larger — France or Italy?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do France and Italy require?
France requires: Фон должен быть однотонным светлым: светло-серый или светло-голубой; белый фон запрещён. Italy requires: Ровный однотонный фон без теней.