Biometric Photo Requirements Guide
A biometric photo is a standardized photo that meets international (ICAO) standards for machine-readable travel documents. Learn what makes a photo biometric-compliant and how to create one that passes facial recognition verification.
What is a Biometric Photo?
A biometric photo is designed to be read by facial recognition systems. It follows strict international standards (ICAO 9303) to ensure consistent identification across borders. Key features include:
- • Precise face positioning: Face must occupy 70-80% of the frame
- • Neutral expression: No smiling, mouth closed
- • Clear visibility: Both eyes open, face fully visible
- • Plain background: White or light gray, no patterns
- • Consistent lighting: Even, no shadows on face
Expert Tips & Insights
Understanding why biometric requirements exist helps you create better photos. These standards were developed to enable automated border control systems used at airports worldwide.
Why Face Coverage Matters
The 70-80% face coverage requirement ensures facial recognition algorithms have enough detail to measure distances between key points: eyes, nose, mouth, and jaw. These measurements create a unique "faceprint" for each person. Smaller faces lack detail; larger faces lose important context about head shape.
The Science Behind Neutral Expression
Smiling changes your facial geometry—cheekbones rise, eyes narrow, and the nose-to-lip ratio shifts. Since you typically won't be smiling at border control, a neutral expression in your photo provides the baseline that matches your everyday appearance.
Lighting for Biometric Success
Even lighting is critical because shadows can make facial features appear different—deeper eye sockets, narrower nose, different cheekbone prominence. Automated systems may interpret shadowed areas as actual facial structure, leading to verification failures.
Biometric Photo Sizes
There are two main biometric photo sizes used worldwide:
35 x 45 mm (ICAO Standard)
Used by: EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Schengen countries
- Pixels: 413 x 531 at 300 DPI
- Face height: 32-36mm
2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
Used by: United States, India
- Pixels: 600 x 600 at 300 DPI
- Head height: 25-35mm
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These issues cause biometric photo rejections most frequently:
Glasses Creating Glare
Even if allowed, glasses that create reflections or shadows block the eyes—key identification points. Most countries now prohibit glasses entirely.
Head Tilted or Rotated
Any rotation changes the apparent distances between facial features. Even a slight tilt can cause verification failures at e-gates.
Uneven Lighting
Light from one side creates shadows that alter perceived facial geometry. Biometric systems may interpret shadows as actual facial structure.
Wrong Face-to-Frame Ratio
Face too small loses detail for identification; too large loses head shape context. Aim for exactly 70-80% of frame height.
Hair Covering Features
Hair over forehead, eyebrows, or cheeks obscures facial landmarks that systems need to measure. Pull hair back to reveal full face.
Digital Alterations
Filters, smoothing, or any editing that changes facial features is prohibited. The photo must show your actual, unaltered appearance.
Biometric Photo Specifications
| Face Coverage | 70-80% of photo height |
| Eye Position | Horizontal line at 50-70% of photo height |
| Head Tilt | None - face camera directly |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open, clearly visible, no red-eye |
| Glasses | Often prohibited or no glare/tinting |
| Background | Plain white or light gray |
| Lighting | Even, no shadows on face or background |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI |
Step-by-Step: Taking a Biometric Photo at Home
Set Up Background
Stand in front of a plain white or light gray wall. Avoid walls with patterns, shadows, or uneven coloring.
Position Lighting
Use natural daylight facing you, or two light sources on either side. Avoid harsh direct light that creates shadows.
Set Camera Position
Place camera at eye level, about 1.5m away. Use a tripod or have someone hold the camera steady.
Prepare Yourself
Remove glasses. Pull hair back from face. Remove hats or head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons).
Adopt Correct Pose
Face the camera directly, keep a neutral expression with mouth closed. Eyes open, looking at lens.
Take Multiple Shots
Use a timer and take 20-30 photos. Review to find the one with best expression, focus, and lighting.
Resize and Crop
Use our free tool to crop and resize your photo to the exact biometric dimensions required for your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between biometric and regular passport photos?
Biometric photos follow stricter international standards (ICAO) for facial recognition systems. They require specific face proportions, neutral expression, and precise positioning that regular photos may not have. Regular photos focus on human viewing; biometric photos are optimized for machine verification.
Can I smile in a biometric photo?
No. Biometric photos require a neutral expression with mouth closed. Smiling changes facial geometry (cheekbones rise, eyes narrow) which can interfere with facial recognition software during border control verification.
Why are glasses often not allowed in biometric photos?
Glasses can cause glare, shadows, or obscure the eyes—all of which interfere with facial recognition systems that measure eye position and distance. Many countries now require glasses to be removed for all passport photos.
What does "70-80% face coverage" mean?
Your face (from chin to crown of head) should occupy 70-80% of the total photo height. This ensures facial features are large enough for recognition while including head shape context. Our tool provides guidelines to help achieve this ratio.
Are biometric requirements the same for all countries?
Most countries follow ICAO 9303 standards, but there are variations. The US uses 2x2 inch square photos; Europe uses 35x45mm rectangular photos. Background color requirements also vary—most require white, but China requires light blue.
How do e-gates at airports use my biometric photo?
E-gates capture a live image of your face and compare it against the biometric data stored in your passport's chip. The system measures facial landmarks (eye distance, nose width, jaw shape) and compares them to your stored photo data.
Can I edit my biometric photo digitally?
Only minimal editing is allowed: cropping to correct dimensions and minor brightness/contrast adjustments. Filters, smoothing, blemish removal, or any alterations that change facial features are prohibited and will cause rejection.
What happens if my biometric photo doesn't match at border control?
You'll be directed to manual verification by a border officer. This causes delays but isn't usually a serious problem. However, frequent mismatches suggest your passport photo may need updating.
Do babies and children need biometric photos?
Yes, children of all ages need biometric-compliant photos. For infants, requirements are slightly relaxed—eyes may be partially closed, and expression may vary. However, the background and face coverage requirements still apply.
How often do biometric requirements change?
Requirements evolve as technology improves. Major changes include the US banning glasses in 2016 and most EU countries following by 2018. We monitor official sources and update our guides when requirements change.
Ready to Create Your Biometric Photo?
Use our free tool to resize your photo to exact biometric specifications for any country.
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