A simple rule involving the colour red could delay your passport application, potentially ruining your holiday plans. Officials warn that failing to meet all photo requirements may put your application at risk and disrupt your travel if your passport is not issued on time.
Key Photo Rules
According to GOV.UK, you need a digital photo to apply for a passport online. You must get a new photo for each new passport, even if your appearance has not changed. Photo quality matters, and issues like red-eye can cause problems. Photos must be taken within the last month, and applications may be delayed if images do not meet the rules.
Requirements for Digital Photos
- Clear and in focus
- In colour
- Unaltered by computer software
- At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
- At least 50KB and no more than 10MB
- No other objects or people
- Plain light-coloured background with clear contrast
- No red-eye
Pose and Presentation
You must face forwards, look straight at the camera, have a plain expression with mouth closed, eyes open and visible, no hair in front of eyes, no head covering unless for religious or medical reasons, nothing covering your face, and no shadows on your face or behind you. Glasses are not allowed unless medically necessary; if worn, they must be clear, with eyes fully visible and no glare or shadows.
Photos for Babies and Children
Children must be alone in the picture. Babies should not hold toys or use dummies. Children under 6 do not need to look directly at the camera or have a plain expression. Those under one do not need to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible. Babies under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet, with the photo taken from above.
How to Get a Digital Photo
You can obtain a digital passport photo at a photo booth or participating shop before applying, or take and upload a photo using your own device during the application process. GOV.UK notes that photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than those taken with your own device. If using a shop or booth, choose the option for a photo code, which you enter in your application to link the photo automatically. Printed photos must meet extra rules, including exact size requirements. General photo rules, like avoiding red-eye, still apply.
