NZ Immigration

It’s All About US Passport Photo Size

The passport photo is a key means of identification at the customs and immigration of any foreign land. It is hence very important to keep to the guidelines prescribed by the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Basic photo quality: The most basic rule is that you must appear clearly in your photograph. It is mandatory that you appear full faced and looking straight ahead. The photograph should allow another person to distinguish your full features clearly, meaning that there should be no pixilation, overexposure or dark shadows that might hide your features.

What to wear: No headgear, wigs, dark or tinted glasses (unless prescribed for medical reasons) would be permitted in the photo. Everyday attire should be worn when taking the photograph. Articles such as spectacles or hearing aids should also appear in the photograph.

Color and size: The colored photograph must be taken against a white or off-white background. The final photo that appears on your passport would be a black and white image. The photo size should be 2 by 2 inches and the size of the face should not be less than 1 inch or more than 1 and 3/8 inches.

Taking the picture: Vending machine photos are generally unacceptable. When taking the photo, do appear relaxed and comfortable. Smiling at the camera is allowed, as long as your facial expression does not appear distorted in the photograph.

Applying for your passport: Photos must be recent, and cannot be over six months old. Two identical photos must be attached to your application, and processing a passport would set you back by $100 or $85 if you are a minor.

Passport application must be done in person if you are a minor and under the age of 16. It must also be done in person if this is your first passport.

Guidelines must be strictly adhered to, and failure to do so might result in a delay in your US passport application process.