United Kingdom passport photo size — 35×45 mm
United Kingdom passport photos must be exactly 35×45 mm (620×797 px at 450 DPI) on a cream background.
Checked August 21, 2026 against HM Passport Office — Photos for passports (GOV.UK).
Specification
| Size (mm) | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Size (inches) | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Size (pixels @ 450 DPI) | 620 × 797 px |
| Head height | 29–34 mm |
| Background | cream |
Requirements
- Photo must have been taken within the last month and not digitally altered.
- Background must be plain cream or light grey — a stark white background is a common rejection reason.
- Head height (crown of head to chin) must be between 29mm and 34mm.
- Glasses should not be worn unless medically necessary, and must never be tinted or obscure the eyes.
- For the online application, the digital photo must be at least 600 pixels wide by 750 pixels tall, between 50 KB and 10 MB; for a paper application, print on plain white photographic paper.
Print several at once
8 United Kingdom passport photos fit on a single 4×6 inch print. 30 fit on an A4 sheet.
Build a print-ready sheetFrequently asked questions
What's the exact head size for a UK passport photo?
The crown-to-chin measurement must fall between 29mm and 34mm on the 35×45mm photo — noticeably tighter than the EU/Schengen 32–36mm range, which is why a Schengen-format photo often won't pass for a UK passport.
Can I use a white background for my UK passport photo?
No — the official guidance calls for a plain cream or light grey background, not white. A stark white background is a common reason UK applications get rejected.
Do I need a printed photo or a digital upload for a UK passport?
Both exist — the online application needs a digital photo at least 600×750 pixels, while a paper application needs a printed photo on plain white photographic paper.
Checked August 21, 2026 against HM Passport Office — Photos for passports (GOV.UK). We can’t guarantee any office will accept your photo — rules change, so always check the official source before you apply. See our disclaimer.