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United Kingdom Passport

UK passport photos are 45×35 mm with the head 29–34 mm, plain cream or light grey background, and must be taken within the last month.

Photo size45 × 35 mm
Head sizeCrown of the head to the chin must be 29–34 mm. HM Passport Office looks for the eyes in the top 40–70% of the photo.
BackgroundPlain cream or light grey for printed photos; plain light-coloured for digital ones.
Digital fileAt least 600×750 pixels, between 50 KB and 10 MB, in colour.
How it is submittedDigital photo for online applications; two identical prints for paper forms.
Photo ageTaken within the last month — the strictest recency rule we verified anywhere.

Can the photo be edited?

Yes — background edits are explicitly accepted

“You can accept a photo that has been digitally edited if this does not affect the image of the customer … For example, you can accept a photo if the background has been edited to remove shadows or marks.”

No competitor publishes this, and it decides whether a tool like ours is usable at all for your application. The quote below is the official text.

Most common reasons for rejection

  • Background edits are allowed, but any digital enhancement of the face must be rejected — the same guidance document says both.
  • Printed photos must not be a cut-down version of a larger picture, and must be printed to a professional standard.
  • Mirror images are not accepted; glasses only if you must wear them; no shadows on the face or behind you.

Official source: GOV.UK — passport photo requirements

Last checked by us:

This page states what the official source says. It is not legal advice and rules change — check the source link before you submit.

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Preset to pick in the tool: Schengen visa — 35×45 mm

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