Where to take a passport photo: every option compared
There are six common ways to get a passport photo: a chain pharmacy, a post office, a supermarket photo booth, a dedicated photo studio, an online tool, or DIY at home. Each has tradeoffs in cost, speed, country support and result quality.
Quick answer
Pharmacies for speed; online tools for unusual countries; studios for premium
Need it today? Walgreens, CVS, Boots — about 10 minutes, $10-18. Applying through an online portal? An online tool exports the right pixel/KB format directly. Premium photo (best quality print)? A dedicated photo studio. Travelling on a budget? DIY with a phone if you have a plain wall.
Options at a glance
| Option | Time | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy chain (Walgreens, CVS) | 10-15 minutes | $12-18 | Same-day need, standard country |
| Post office | 15-30 minutes | $8-15 | Combined with passport application |
| Supermarket photo booth | 5-10 minutes | $4-8 | Cheapest fast option, simple specs |
| Photo studio | 20-45 minutes | $15-25 | Premium quality, complex specs |
| Online tool (Anfas.Pro) | 5 minutes | €4.99 | Portal upload, unusual countries |
| DIY at home | 30-90 minutes | Free | Tech-comfortable, retake-tolerant |
Best option by purpose
For a US passport renewal application by mail: pharmacy or post office is convenient. For a Schengen visa DS-160-style portal upload: online tool exports the right format directly. For a Chinese, Indian or Vietnamese visa: online tool with country support is much safer than a studio that defaults to Schengen size. For a passport photo near a deadline: pharmacy or AAA (members) is fastest.
Best option by budget
Under $5: supermarket photo booth (UK) or DIY at home (most countries). $5-10: AAA member benefit (US), Asda/cheaper supermarket photo. $10-20: Walgreens/CVS, dedicated online tool. $20+: premium photo studio.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a passport photo at the airport?
A few major airports have photo booths in landside terminals. Quality and country support is hit-and-miss; mainly useful for emergency replacement during travel.
Are passport photo booths in shopping centres any good?
For US, UK and Schengen passports — yes, usually adequate. For Chinese, Indian or Vietnamese visa photos — they default to a Schengen-style size that often fails the consulate check.
Where do I take a baby passport photo?
DIY at home is usually best for newborns under 6 months — pharmacies and studios are not set up for infant handling. See our baby photo guide for the white-sheet method.
Can I take a passport photo at home if I do not have a printer?
Yes — most online tools accept digital files for portal upload without printing. If a printed copy is needed for an in-person appointment, send the digital file to a local photo printer (Boots, Walgreens, Snappy Snaps) — often £1-3 per sheet.
Related guides
Try Anfas.Pro — preview is free
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