Passport Photo Size: Quick Answers by Country 2026
The US uses a 2×2 in (51×51 mm) square, while the UK, Schengen and most countries use 35×45 mm.
Key points
5 points- US: a 2×2 in (51×51 mm) square on a white or off-white background.
- UK, Schengen, Australia and India: 35×45 mm.
- Canada: 50×70 mm — an unusual format, check separately.
- Remove glasses by default: they are banned in the US and UK.
- The photo must be recent — usually taken within the last 6 months.
Passport photo size depends on the country, but two formats cover most searches: the US 2×2 in (51×51 mm) square and the 35×45 mm rectangle used by the UK, Schengen and dozens of other states. Below is a quick reference and direct answers to the most common questions; the figures are checked against official sources.
| Country | Photo size | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) | White / off-white | Not allowed |
| UK | 35×45 mm | Light grey / cream | Not allowed |
| Schengen / EU | 35×45 mm | Light (grey or white) | Usually remove |
| Canada | 50×70 mm | White | Usually remove |
| Australia / India | 35×45 mm | White | Usually remove |
What size is a US passport photo?
A US passport photo is a 2×2 in (51×51 mm) square, with the head measuring roughly 25–35 mm from chin to crown. The background must be white or off-white with no shadows.
What size is a UK passport photo?
A UK passport photo is 35×45 mm on a light grey or cream background. The same 35×45 mm format applies to Schengen and many other countries.
Can I wear glasses?
By default it is safer to remove glasses: they are banned in the US and UK, and increasingly rejected for Schengen. A medical exemption may be possible but needs your authority's approval.
What background colour?
The US asks for a white or off-white background, the UK for light grey or cream, and Schengen accepts light grey or white. The colour varies by country, so check the specific rules.
How recent must it be?
Most authorities require a photo taken within the last 6 months that reflects your current appearance. If your looks have changed noticeably, take a new photo regardless of the date.
06Questions
5 answers01Is the photo size the same for a passport and a visa?
Often yes: the US uses 2×2 in for both, and Schengen uses 35×45 mm for visas; still, check the specific country's requirements.
02Can I smile in a passport photo?
No — you need a neutral expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open, which is the ICAO standard.
03Can a passport photo be black and white?
Almost all authorities require a colour photo; black-and-white shots are usually rejected.
04How large should the head be in the photo?
In the US the head is 25–35 mm; in the 35×45 mm format it is roughly 32–36 mm from chin to crown.
05Can I wear a head covering?
Only for religious or medical reasons, and your face from chin to crown must stay fully visible.
07Official sources
- U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos
travel.state.gov - GOV.UK — Passport photo rules
passport.service.gov.uk - SchengenVisaInfo — Photo specifications
schengenvisainfo.com - ICAO — Machine Readable Travel Documents (Doc 9303)
icao.int
Author: Yevhen Kravchenko. Published . Checked against official sources on .
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