There’s no doubt that one of the trickiest parts of the passport application process is actually getting a passport photo. Whether you use the dreaded photo booth or visit a local high street photographer, the whole business can send your stress levels off the charts.
There is a better way. If you follow a checklist for taking passport photographs then you can take a much more relaxed passport photo at home.
Why size matters
One of the main reasons passport applications are denied is that the passport picture doesn’t conform to the guidelines. We all know that it can be a nightmare to produce a neutral expression or keep the hair off your face, but if you’re taking your photos at home then you’ll have endless chances to get that right.
But when it comes to printing out and cutting passport photos for your application, size definitely matters. The rules are clear – your passport photo itself must measure 45mm x 35mm. You can also add a 5mm border around the image, so if you’re printing at home you can also specify an image size of 55mm x 45mm if you’re printing a border.
So far so good. But then you also need to make sure that the distance between your chin and the top of your head in the image is between 29mm – 34mm so your face is centrally positioned in the picture. And you can’t manipulate the image in any way or submit a cropped or cut down version of a bigger photo because that’s an instant fail.
Cut to size
Once you’ve selected a photo that looks like you and meets the guidelines, you’re going to need to print and cut out your passport photos. You must use glossy white photo paper and your printer’s highest resolution. Choose 4cm x 6cm paper and then manually cut out your pictures.
If you have a sharp craft knife and a cutting mat then you’ll get the best results. Otherwise, scissors and a steady hand should do the job. Just remember your photo needs to measure 45mm x 35mm and that you’re allowed a 5mm border all around and you’ll be good to go.
Trust the professionals
If that all sounds like too much hassle, why not let Paspic take care of your photos for you? We can ship to anywhere in the world and we have a 99.5% approval rate. Upload today and make your passport photos truly fuss-free!
