UK nationals are being warned that their passport applications may be rejected if they fail to comply with strict photo regulations. HM Passport Office issued a reminder on its official X account, urging applicants to take time to ensure their photos meet all requirements before submission.
According to government guidelines, passport photos must be high quality, clear, focused, coloured, unedited, and have a resolution not exceeding 10MB. The image should feature a plain, light-coloured background with no other people or objects, and must be free from 'red eye' effects.
Applicants must face forward, look directly at the camera, and maintain a neutral expression with a closed mouth. Hair should not cover the eyes, and head coverings are only permitted for medical or religious reasons. Glasses, if worn, must not be sunglasses or tinted, and must not obscure the eyes through frames, shadows, glares, or reflections.
Children under six are exempt from the requirement to look straight at the camera or maintain a neutral expression. Infants under one do not need to have their eyes open, and if supporting their head, the hand must not be visible. Babies should be placed on a plain light-coloured sheet, with the photo taken from above.
Gov.uk advises that a new photo is required for each new passport, even if appearance has not changed, and the photo must have been taken within the last month. Failure to comply with the rules will delay the application.
