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UK vs France passport photo: both 35 × 45 mm
UK and France both ask for 35 × 45 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?
Partially. UK and France publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — UK: Cream or light grey; France: Light grey or light blue. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
In short
UK and France use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
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 | UK | France |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 750 px | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Head height≠ differs | 64–76% (29–34 mm) | 71–80% (32–36 mm) |
| Background | Plain light background in cream or grey tone without patterns. | The background must be plain and light — light grey or light blue; a white background is not allowed. |
| Glasses | No reflections or tinting; remove glasses if there is a risk of reflections. | Clear lenses without reflections; eyes must be fully visible. |
| Expression | Neutral expression; the applicant must be recognisable. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious or medical reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | The head must be bare (La tête doit être nue): hats, headscarves, and headbands are prohibited; there are no exceptions. |
| Pose | Full face, filling as much of the frame as possible without cropping. | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | No digital enhancements, shadows, or print artefacts. | No shadows, creases, or marks on the photo. |
| Attire | Neutral clothing without uniform or distracting accessories. | Face must be fully open, hair must not cover the eyes; ears must be visible. |
| Authority | HM Passport Office (Home Office), GOV.UK | Service-Public.fr / Ministère de l’Intérieur |
| Last verified | 1 Oct 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for UK and France?
Partially. UK and France publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — UK: Cream or light grey; France: Light grey or light blue. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
Which photo is larger — UK or France?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do UK and France require?
UK requires: Cream or light grey. France requires: Light grey or light blue.