Core technical checks
Digital passport photo requirements usually combine exact or ranged pixel dimensions, JPEG format, color image, sufficient resolution, and file-size limits. The file should be exported directly from a clean source photo, not copied from a low-quality preview.
Core biometric checks
The person should face the camera directly, eyes open, expression neutral, head centered, and lighting even. The background should be plain and light, with no objects, shadows, or patterns that interfere with the face outline.
Country-specific rules win
International standards give a baseline, but the issuing authority controls the final requirement. Always choose the specific country and document page before relying on a digital output.
Before you start
Use the original camera file whenever possible. Photos saved from messaging apps, screenshots, social-media downloads, and heavily compressed gallery previews often lose the detail around the eyes, hairline, and jaw that official upload systems inspect first.
Retake checklist
Retake the photo if the face is blurred, the head is tilted, the mouth is open, the background crosses the face, glasses create glare, or the lighting changes skin tone. Retaking a weak source is safer than trying to repair identity-bearing details after capture.
Authority and portal check
The final rule is always the passport office, embassy, consulate, or upload portal that receives the application. After exporting the file, compare pixel size, file type, file size, background, expression, and head position against the exact destination before submission.