How we check the rules
Every photo we make is built from a set of published rules, so those rules have to be right. This is how we keep them that way, and where the limits are.
1. We start from the official source
For each of our 151 documents we look for the rules published by the authority that issues it, such as a government department, embassy or official application portal. We record the size, pixels, head height, background, file limits and any rule on glasses. Each document page links to that source and shows the date we last checked it.
2. We watch those pages for changes
Every month an automated check visits the official pages and flags any that changed. We then read the changes and update the rules if needed. Some official sites block automated checks, so we open those by hand.
3. We say when we can't confirm something
Some authorities only show their rules inside an application, or their sites can't be reached. 15 of our documents currently carry a notice on the page asking you to check the official source, because we couldn't fully confirm every value.
4. We check what each authority says about editing
Many authorities reject altered photos, so we reviewed the listed official page for every document, including pages in other languages. This is what we found in November 2026:
| What the official page says | Documents |
|---|---|
| Explicitly bans altered photos | 23 |
| Bans changing your appearance, and doesn't address backgrounds | 5 |
| A rules page we read says nothing about editing | 61 |
| Could not be confirmed: no photo rules on the page, or it could not be read | 62 |
We use this to decide what we offer. We never offer background replacement where we found a ban, or where we found a ban on another document from the same country. If a page says nothing, that doesn't mean editing is allowed, so we always tell you that retaking your photo is the safest choice.
What this doesn't cover
- Rules can change. An authority can update its rules between our checks, so please look at the official source before you apply.
- Local rules can differ. An embassy or visa centre may ask for something different from the main published rule.
- Our photo checks are estimates. They look for common problems automatically, and they can be wrong.
- Acceptance isn't ours to decide. Only the issuing authority makes that decision, and we're not affiliated with any government.
Found a rule that looks out of date? Tell us and we'll check it.