Pakistan Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Your passport application will be rejected if your photographs do not meet DGIP and ICAO specifications. This guide covers the exact requirements for printed and digital photos used for Pakistan passport, NICOP, and visa applications.
Photos are the #1 reason for application delays. Incorrect background colour, wearing glasses, or wrong dimensions will result in immediate rejection. Follow the specifications below exactly.
Printed Photo Specifications (DGIP / ICAO Standard)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35mm wide x 45mm tall (3.5cm x 4.5cm) |
| Face height | 32-36mm from chin to crown (70-80% of frame) |
| Eye position | Eyes should be approximately 28-35mm from the bottom edge |
| Background | Plain white only — no off-white, cream, blue, grey, or patterns |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Head position | Straight, front-facing, looking directly at the camera |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling |
| Eyes | Both eyes open, clearly visible, looking straight at the camera |
| Glasses | Not permitted — no glasses of any kind (prescription, reading, tinted, sunglasses) |
| Head covering | Not permitted except for religious reasons — full face must be visible from forehead to chin |
| Face visibility | Full face from hairline to chin, both ears visible (unless covered by religious head covering) |
| Lighting | Even, uniform lighting — no shadows on face or background |
| Print quality | High-quality glossy or matte photo paper — not inkjet plain paper |
| Colour | Full colour (not black and white, not sepia) |
| Quantity needed | 2 identical photographs per application |
Standards follow ICAO Doc 9303 and DGIP requirements. Source: dgip.gov.pk
Digital Photo Requirements (Online Applications)
For online applications via DGIP, NADRA (NICOP/POC), and Pakistan e-Visa portal:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| File size | Between 10KB and 1MB |
| Resolution | Minimum 600 x 600 pixels (recommended: 600 x 800 pixels) |
| Aspect ratio | Approximately 35:45 (width:height) |
| Background | Plain white — same as printed photos |
| Composition | Same rules as printed: neutral expression, no glasses, face fully visible, front-facing |
| Quality | Sharp, in focus, no pixelation, no compression artefacts |
| Editing | No filters, no digital alteration of facial features, no retouching that changes appearance |
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection
Composition Problems
- Wrong dimensions (not 35x45mm)
- Face too small or too large in frame
- Head tilted or turned to the side
- Eyes not looking at camera
- Mouth open or smiling
- Red-eye effect
Technical Problems
- Coloured, off-white, or patterned background
- Shadows on face or background
- Wearing glasses (any kind)
- Low resolution, blurry, or pixelated
- Printed on plain paper (not photo paper)
- Photo older than 6 months
Appearance Problems
- Photo does not resemble current appearance
- Hair covering eyes or forehead
- Non-religious head covering
- Earphones, headbands, or accessories visible
Digital Upload Problems
- Wrong file format (not JPEG)
- File too large (over 1MB) or too small (under 10KB)
- Resolution below 600x600 pixels
- Heavily filtered or digitally altered
Special Cases
Children and Infants
- The child must face the camera directly with eyes open
- No toys, dummies (pacifiers), bottles, or other objects in the photo
- For babies under 1 year: lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above
- An adult's hands may gently support the baby but must not be visible in the final photo
- The same 35x45mm dimensions and white background rules apply
Religious Head Coverings
- Hijab, turban, or other religious head coverings are permitted
- The face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead
- The head covering must not cast shadows on the face
- Both ears do not need to be visible if covered by a religious head covering
Medical Exceptions
- Eye patches: permitted if supported by a medical certificate (e.g., post-surgery)
- Facial disfigurement: photo should show the applicant's current appearance; no special requirements
- Wheelchair users: standard composition rules apply; the wheelchair should not be visible
Where to Get Passport Photos
Ask for "Pakistan passport photos, 35x45mm, white background" at any of these locations:
United Kingdom
- Post Office — most branches offer passport photo service (instant, ~£10-15)
- Snappy Snaps — high street photo shops, specify 35x45mm
- Photo booths — found in supermarkets and train stations (select "International passport 35x45mm" option)
- Boots / Timpson — in-store passport photo service
- Max Spielmann — available in many shopping centres
United States & Canada
- Walgreens / CVS — passport photo service available (specify 35x45mm, not US 2x2 inch)
- Walmart Photo Centre — ask specifically for international passport size
- Costco Photo — available at select locations
- Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada) — passport photo service available
- Note: US/Canada standard is 2x2 inches (51x51mm). You must specifically request 35x45mm for Pakistan applications
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
- Photography studios near Pakistan consulates — familiar with Pakistan passport specs
- Amer centres (UAE) — many offer photo services
- Supermarket photo kiosks — select international passport size option
- Near embassy/consulate: Many photo shops near Pakistan missions specifically offer Pakistan passport photo services
Within Pakistan
- DGIP passport office — most offices have an on-site photographer
- Photo studios near any NADRA office or passport office
- Note: Photos taken at the passport office during biometric capture may differ from the printed photos you submit — bring your own to be safe
Online / Apps (for Digital Uploads)
- Passport Photo Online — online tool to crop and resize
- iVisa Photos — select "Pakistan passport" template
- Note: Online tools are suitable for digital uploads only. For printed photos, always use a professional photographer or high-quality printer
Tips for Getting the Right Photo
- Tell the photographer exactly what you need: "Pakistan passport photo, 35 by 45 millimetres, plain white background, no glasses."
- Remove all accessories before the photo — glasses, earphones, headbands, hats, Bluetooth earpieces.
- Tie back long hair so both ears are visible (unless wearing a religious head covering).
- Relax your face with a neutral expression — not smiling, not frowning, mouth closed.
- Check the background in the preview — it must be pure white with no shadows or gradients.
- Get extra copies — take 4-6 photos instead of just 2. You may need extras for NICOP, visa, or other applications.
- Ask for a digital copy too — many photographers can provide a USB or emailed JPEG for online applications.
- For children: lay infants on a white sheet. For toddlers, have one parent hold the child facing the camera while the other attracts their attention from behind the photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions
35mm wide by 45mm tall (3.5cm x 4.5cm). This is the standard ICAO passport photo size. The face should occupy 70-80% of the frame (approximately 32-36mm from chin to crown).
No. Glasses of any kind are not permitted, including prescription glasses, clear lenses, reading glasses, and tinted sunglasses. This follows ICAO standards for facial recognition compatibility.
Yes. Religious head coverings (hijab, turban) are permitted. However, your full face must be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the covering must not cast shadows on your face.
You need 2 identical printed photographs per passport application. We recommend getting 4-6 copies as you may need extras for NICOP, visa, or other applications.
While technically possible, most embassies prefer professionally taken photos. If you take your own, use a tripod, a plain white backdrop (sheet or wall), even lighting with no shadows, and print on glossy photo paper at exactly 35x45mm. Selfies are not acceptable.
JPEG format, 10KB-1MB file size, minimum 600x600 pixels. Same composition rules apply: white background, neutral expression, no glasses, face fully visible. No filters or digital alterations.
Yes, both require 35mm x 45mm. However, Pakistan requires a white background, while the UK accepts light grey. If you get a photo with a white background, it will work for both. Note: US/Canada passport photos are a different size (2x2 inches / 51x51mm) and are NOT suitable for Pakistan applications.
Last verified: April 2026 | Standards per DGIP and ICAO Doc 9303
Quick Checklist
- 35mm x 45mm
- White background
- Taken within 6 months
- Front-facing, eyes at camera
- Neutral expression
- No glasses
- No smiling
- No selfies
- No shadows
- 2 copies minimum
Digital Upload Specs
- Format: JPEG (.jpg)
- Size: 10KB - 1MB
- Resolution: 600x600px min
- Background: White