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Russia vs Belarus passport photo: 35 × 45 mm vs 40 × 50 mm
Russia: 35 × 45 mm. Belarus: 40 × 50 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the passport photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
No — the print sizes differ. Russia requires 35 × 45 mm, while Belarus requires 40 × 50 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document.
In short
Russia requires 35 × 45 mm while Belarus requires 40 × 50 mm. The two specifications are NOT interchangeable — a photo accepted for one will 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 | Russia | Belarus |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size≠ differs | 35 × 45 mm | 40 × 50 mm |
| Head height≠ differs | up to 80% of photo height | 64–70% (32–35 mm) |
| Background | Even white background without stripes, spots, foreign objects, or shadows. | Plain light background without textures or noticeable gradients. |
| Glasses | Citizens who permanently wear glasses must be photographed wearing glasses without tinted lenses; frame must not cover the eyes. | Clear glasses only, no reflections; sunglasses prohibited. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Permitted for religious reasons, provided the head covering does not conceal the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, neutral expression, mouth closed. | Strictly full face, head without rotation or tilt, shoulders level. |
| Lighting / shadows | Shadows and foreign objects in the background not permitted. | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Attire | Uniforms, outer clothing, and scarves covering part of the chin not permitted. | Neutral clothing, shoulders visible, without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| Authority | Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (MVD) | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus |
| Last verified | 21 Sep 2026 | 25 Sep 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for Russia and Belarus?
No — the print sizes differ. Russia requires 35 × 45 mm, while Belarus requires 40 × 50 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document.
Which photo is larger — Russia or Belarus?
Belarus uses the larger photo: 40 × 50 mm versus 35 × 45 mm for Russia.
What background colour do Russia and Belarus require?
Russia requires: Plain white. Belarus requires: Plain light. A plain white background satisfies both.