Why passport photos get rejected: a self-check

Unacceptable photos are the most common reason applications are delayed. Tick through this list before you print or upload. Each item comes from official guidance from the US State Department, HM Passport Office, IRCC (Canada) or the Australian Passport Office.

Size and framing

• The photo is the exact size for your document (US 2 × 2 in; UK, Schengen, Australia 35 × 45 mm; India 630 × 810 px).
• The head is the right size: US 1–1⅜ in; UK 29–34 mm; Schengen and Australia 32–36 mm. Too close and too far away are both common faults.
• Head and shoulders are centred, the whole head is visible, and you face the camera square on.

Light and background

• No shadows on the face, behind the ears, or on the wall. Stand a few feet from the wall and face the light.
• The background is plain and the right colour: white or off-white for the US and India; cream or light grey for UK prints; plain and light for Schengen and Canada.
• The background is real, not digitally replaced. The US, Canada and Australia all reject edited backgrounds.
• The photo is not too dark, too bright, or colour-shifted, and there is no red eye.

Face and expression

• Eyes open and clearly visible, with no hair across them.
• Mouth closed. Neutral expression (the US accepts a natural smile; Canada and the UK want neutral).
• Head not tilted, and you are looking straight at the lens.

Glasses, hats and clothing

• Glasses off for the US, UK (unless you must wear them), India and Australia (unless medically required). Canada and Schengen allow clear glasses with no glare; tinted lenses are refused everywhere.
• No hat or head covering unless for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible.
• No headphones, no uniform or camouflage (US), and clothing that contrasts with the background.

Quality and editing

• Sharp, not grainy or pixelated, and not a scan or photo of an old print.
• No filters, beauty mode, retouching or AI enhancement. Turn off "portrait" or "beauty" modes on your phone camera.
• Taken within the time limit: 6 months for the US, Canada and Schengen; within the last month for UK passports.
• Printed on photo paper with no creases, smudges or uneven cuts, where a print is needed.

If your photo was already rejected

1. Read the letter or email: it usually names the exact problem.
2. Take a new photo that fixes that problem. Do not edit the old one; editing is a rejection reason in itself.
3. Send it the way the letter asks, usually with your application reference. For US applications, the letter explains where to mail the new photo.

Official sources: US State Department, GOV.UK, Canada.ca, Australian Passport Office.

Check size and framing →

← All guides