Passport photo guides
Everything you need to know to get your passport photo right first time.
How to take a passport photo at home
Step-by-step guide to taking a compliant passport photo with just your phone. Lighting, background, posture — everything you need.
Read guide →UK passport photo requirements 2026
Full HMPO requirements for UK passport photos — size, background colour, expression, glasses rules, and file format.
Read guide →How to use your IDPC code on GOV.UK
Step-by-step walkthrough of entering your digital passport photo code during a UK online passport application.
Read guide →Why passport photos get rejected — and how to avoid it
The most common reasons HMPO and other authorities reject passport photos, and exactly how to avoid each one.
Read guide →US visa photo requirements (2x2 inch) explained
Everything you need to know about the US visa photo requirement — 2x2 inch size, head size, white background, and how it differs from a passport photo.
Read guide →India OCI and visa photo size guide
Photo size and format requirements for Indian OCI cards and visa applications — dimensions, background, and file size limits.
Read guide →Passport photo for newborns and infants
How to take a compliant passport photo for a newborn or infant — relaxed expression rules, plain background technique, and country-specific requirements.
Read guide →Can you smile in a passport photo?
Whether smiling is allowed in a passport photo for the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and other countries — and what 'neutral expression' really means.
Read guide →Can you wear glasses in a passport photo?
Current glasses rules for passport photos in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and other countries — and what contact lenses are allowed.
Read guide →UK passport renewal guide 2026
Step-by-step guide to renewing a UK passport — fees, processing times, photos required, online vs postal, countersignatories and tracking.
Read guide →Can you wear a hijab in a passport photo?
Yes — hijabs and other religious head coverings are allowed in UK, US and Canadian passport photos as long as the full face is visible. Full country-by-country rules.
Read guide →How long is a passport photo valid?
UK passport photos must be taken within the last month. The US and Canada allow up to 6 months. Here's the validity window for every major country.
Read guide →Passport photo background colour — every country
UK requires light grey, the US requires white, Canada and Australia accept either. The correct background colour for every major passport and visa photo.
Read guide →EU and Schengen visa photo requirements 2026
35×45mm, white or light grey background, no glasses — full Schengen visa and EU passport photo spec, plus common rejection reasons.
Read guide →Ready to create your photo?
HMPO compliant · Free preview before you pay · £3.99
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