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USA vs UK passport photo: 51 × 51 mm vs 35 × 45 mm
USA: 51 × 51 mm. UK: 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?
No — the print sizes differ. USA requires 51 × 51 mm, while UK requires 35 × 45 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: USA expects 600 × 600 px, UK expects 600 × 750 px.
In short
USA requires 51 × 51 mm while UK requires 35 × 45 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 | USA | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size≠ differs | 51 × 51 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 600 px | 600 × 750 px |
| Head height≠ differs | 49–69% | 64–76% (29–34 mm) |
| Background≠ differs | White or off-white background. | Plain light background in cream or grey tone without patterns. |
| Glasses | Glasses prohibited, except for rare documented medical exceptions. | No reflections or tinting; remove glasses if there is a risk of reflections. |
| Expression | Neutral expression or slight natural smile; both eyes open. | Neutral expression; the applicant must be recognisable. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious or medical reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, head centred. | Full face, filling as much of the frame as possible without cropping. |
| Lighting / shadows | Shadows, overexposure, and reflections not permitted. | No digital enhancements, shadows, or print artefacts. |
| Attire | Ordinary everyday clothing; uniforms and uniform-like clothing not permitted. | Neutral clothing without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | HM Passport Office (Home Office), GOV.UK |
| Last verified | 21 May 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for USA and UK?
No — the print sizes differ. USA requires 51 × 51 mm, while UK requires 35 × 45 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: USA expects 600 × 600 px, UK expects 600 × 750 px.
Which photo is larger — USA or UK?
USA uses the larger photo: 51 × 51 mm versus 35 × 45 mm for UK.
What background colour do USA and UK require?
USA requires: White or off-white. UK requires: Cream or light grey.