There is no single "passport photo size." The 2 x 2 inch photo the United States uses is rejected by most of Europe, which wants 35 x 45 mm — and Canada is different again at 50 x 70 mm. This guide is a quick reference to the most common national sizes, background colours, and their pixel equivalents at 300 DPI. Always confirm against the issuing authority before you submit, because requirements change.
The two dominant standards
Most countries use one of two formats:
- 35 x 45 mm — the ICAO-influenced European standard, used across the UK, the Schengen Area and much of Asia and Africa.
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) — the square format used by the United States and India.
Everything else is a national variation on head size, background colour or exact dimensions.
Passport photo sizes by country
| Country | Size | Background | Pixels @ 300 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) | White / off-white | 600 x 600 |
| United Kingdom (printed) | 45 x 35 mm | Light grey / cream | 531 x 413 |
| Canada | 50 x 70 mm | White | 591 x 827 |
| Schengen / EU | 35 x 45 mm | Light grey | 413 x 531 |
| India | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) | Plain white | 600 x 600 |
| Australia | 35–40 x 45–50 mm | Plain light | ~413–472 x 531–591 |
| China | 33 x 48 mm | White | 390 x 567 |
| Japan | 35 x 45 mm | Plain light | 413 x 531 |
| Germany | 35 x 45 mm | Light grey | 413 x 531 |
Pixel values are the print size at 300 DPI and are rounded. Some countries also publish separate digital pixel minimums for online applications that differ from the printed size — the UK, for example, asks for a digital photo at least 600 x 750 px, which is not the same as its printed 45 x 35 mm.
Why "just resize it" is risky
A photo that is the right number of pixels can still be rejected because:
- Head size is wrong. Each country specifies a chin-to-crown range. A correctly sized photo with the head too small or too large fails.
- The background colour is wrong. White, off-white, light grey and cream are not interchangeable everywhere.
- The digital and printed specs differ. Submitting a printed-size crop to a digital system (or vice-versa) can fail automated checks.
Check your country's exact spec
For the precise size, background, head-height range and official source for a specific country, open its page in the country requirements directory and prepare a print-ready file in your browser. GetShot Passport crops and sizes your photo on your device — it does not alter your appearance, and acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.
Sources
- US Department of State — Passport Photos
- GOV.UK — Photos for passports
- Government of Canada — Passport photos
FAQ
What is the most common passport photo size? 35 x 45 mm is the most widely used printed size internationally; the US and India use 2 x 2 inches.
Are pixel sizes the same as print sizes? No. Pixels depend on DPI. At 300 DPI a 35 x 45 mm photo is about 413 x 531 px, but some countries publish a separate digital pixel minimum for online applications.
Can I use one photo for two countries? Only if both use the same size, background and head-height rules. Otherwise prepare a separate crop for each.