THE APPLICATION TOOLKIT / GUIDE 07
Passport photos.
Check the rules first.
Requirements depend on the country and whether you apply online or on paper. Start with the exact instructions from the issuing authority.
Do not crop or edit by default. Some authorities require an original, unedited photo or crop it for you. Check your application instructions before using any editing tool.
START HERE
How to prepare
- Find your country’s official guidance for your exact application method.
- Take a clear, recent photo that meets its background, lighting, expression and framing rules.
- Check the file format and dimensions, and use an editing tool only when the authority permits it.
- Review the final image and submit it through the official channel. Only the authority can decide whether to accept it.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Check your application’s rules
- United Kingdom: GOV.UK passport photo guidance ↗. For a digital photo taken on your own device, GOV.UK says not to crop it; the service will do that for you.
- United States: U.S. passport photo requirements ↗. Follow the guidance for your application method and submit an original, unedited photo as required.
For other countries and application types, consult the relevant official authority. Rules can change.
OPTIONAL TOOL
Need to crop or resize?
If your specific application allows or requires editing, our separate tool lets you crop and resize in your browser. It is not an official tool and cannot assess facial composition or guarantee acceptance.
Open crop and resize ↗The crop tool processes images in your browser. It does not submit photos to an authority.
Important reminders
Do not assume that visa, passport, paper and online application rules are interchangeable. Never alter facial features or background unless the exact application explicitly allows it. Check the official instructions again before you submit.
For demonstration purposes only. This illustration is not an official requirement.