South Africa passport photo size — 35×45 mm
South Africa passport photos must be exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px at 300 DPI) on a light-grey background.
Checked September 18, 2026 against Department of Home Affairs (South Africa).
Specification
| Size (mm) | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Size (inches) | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Size (pixels @ 300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px |
| Head height | 29–34 mm |
| Background | light-grey |
Requirements
- Photo must be 35mm × 45mm, with the head measuring 29mm to 34mm from chin to crown — a smaller head than most European specs call for.
- Background must be plain light grey or cream, evenly lit, with no shadows or pattern.
- Head and shoulders must both be in frame, facing the camera straight on.
- Expression must be neutral with the mouth closed; no smiling, no head tilt.
- Photo must be recent and in colour, showing your current appearance.
Print several at once
8 South Africa passport photos fit on a single 4×6 inch print. 30 fit on an A4 sheet.
Build a print-ready sheetFrequently asked questions
What head size does a South African passport photo need?
29mm to 34mm from chin to crown on a 45mm-tall photo. That's noticeably smaller than the 32–36mm most European countries use, so a photo cropped to an EU spec will often have the head too large for South Africa.
Does a South African passport photo need a white background?
No — the Department of Home Affairs specifies a plain light grey or cream background rather than pure white. Keep it uniform and shadow-free whichever you use.
Is a South African passport photo the same size as a UK one?
The frame is the same 35×45mm, but the head sizing differs — South Africa specifies 29–34mm chin to crown, so don't assume a UK-cropped photo will pass without re-checking the head height.
Checked September 18, 2026 against Department of Home Affairs (South Africa). We can’t guarantee any office will accept your photo — rules change, so always check the official source before you apply. See our disclaimer.