UK biometric passports and many EU / Schengen applications use a 35×45 mm photo. This guide covers the outer size, typical face rules, background, and how to get a print-ready file without a high-street counter.
The same 35×45 mm crop is also common in Poland and much of the EU — see our sizes chart for country-by-country notes. Always confirm the form you are filing.
Quick specs
| Rule | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Color | Color photo (not black & white) |
| Background | Plain light — usually cream or light grey for UK; many EU apps accept white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and visible |
| Glasses | Often discouraged; no tinted lenses |
| Recentness | Usually taken within the last month |
UK rules for digital uploads vs paper photos can differ slightly (background shade, file size). Follow the instructions on your GOV.UK or visa form for the channel you use.
Need the photo now? Make a UK / EU 35×45 photo online from a selfie — free watermarked preview, then unlock the digital file and a 4×6 print sheet.
Digital upload vs printed copies
- Online passport renewals usually need a single JPEG at the correct 35×45 crop.
- Paper applications / appointments often want two identical printed photos.
- US drugstore kiosks still print on 4×6 (4R) paper — you can tile several 35×45 copies on one sheet.
Just ID Photo unlocks both: one clean digital photo and a multi-copy 4×6 print layout. Already have a compliant 35×45 JPEG? Skip to the free sheet maker.
How to take the selfie
- Face the camera straight on — no tilt, no “selfie angle.”
- Use even indoor light; avoid harsh shadows under the chin.
- Stand in front of a plain light wall.
- Remove hats, headphones, and tinted glasses.
- Turn off Portrait Mode if your phone softens edges.
Then upload in the homepage maker with UK / EU Passport selected. We crop to true 35×45 mm before you pay.
Background tips: passport photo white / light background.
Printing 35×45 photos on 4×6
Most US kiosks (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco photo) use 4×6 / 4R paper. UK high-street printers may offer 6×4″ or A4 — same idea: print at 100% / actual size.
- Get a compliant 35×45 photo (online maker or an existing file).
- Open the Photo Sheet Maker, choose UK / EU 35×45, paper 4×6.
- Download the JPEG and print at 100% (no fit-to-page).
- Cut along the guides.
Drugstore walkthroughs: CVS · Walgreens · Walmart. Full home guide: print passport photos at home on 4×6.
FAQ
Is UK passport photo the same as EU / Schengen?
Often yes for the outer size (35×45 mm), but background shade and digital file rules can differ. Use the size your form lists.
Is 35×45 the same as US passport size?
No. US passport / many US visas use 2×2 in (51×51 mm). See US passport photo size.
Can I use a phone photo?
Yes, if the face is sharp, well lit, and the final crop is true 35×45 mm. Soft Portrait Mode edges and busy backgrounds are common rejection reasons.