South Africa Passport photo requirements
The Home Affairs photo template (published by the South African High Commission in London) asks for two identical colour photos, 35 x 45 mm, not more than one month old, on a light grey or plain cream-coloured background, with the head 29–34 mm from chin to crown. Printed photos are for applications at South African missions abroad: inside South Africa, passports are applied for at Home Affairs live capture offices, which capture your photo on site.
| Photo size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 x 531 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 64.4–75.6% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | Not specified |
| Background | light grey or plain cream-coloured |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | No limit published |
| Background editing | Optional paid replacement if your background fails our check; retaking is safest |
| Last verified | 2026-10-19 |
Official source: dirco.gov.za
How to take your South Africa Passport photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a light grey or plain cream-coloured wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a South Africa Passport photo in pixels?
- 413 x 531 px, JPEG, on a light grey or plain cream-coloured background. The printed size is 35x45 mm (1.38x1.77 in). The head should take up 64.4–75.6% of the photo height.
- What are the South African passport photo requirements?
- Two identical colour photos, 35 x 45 mm, not more than one month old, printed professionally on high-quality photo paper. The head must be 29–34 mm tall, on a light grey or plain cream-coloured background, with even lighting and no shadows.
- Do I need printed photos if I apply in South Africa?
- Usually not. Passport applications in South Africa are made at Home Affairs live capture offices, which capture your photo and fingerprints on site. Printed photos are mainly needed when applying at a South African embassy, high commission or consulate abroad, so check with the office you will use.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Only if your eyes are clearly visible with no flash reflection off the lenses. Dark-tinted lenses and heavy frames are not allowed.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: light grey or plain cream-coloured. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://dirco.gov.za/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/04/Passport_Photo_Requirements.pdf. Last verified: 2026-10-19.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.