IRELAND PASSPORT PHOTO REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE
Follow these key rules to make sure your photo is accepted.
DIMENSIONS
Photo size: 35 × 45 mm
Head size: 31 – 36 mm
FACE POSITION & SIZE
Keep your head centered with even space around.
BACKGROUND
Important Note
Ireland passport photos must be taken within the last 6 months. Ensure a plain light grey white or cream background, glasses permitted, and exact 35 × 45 mm sizing.
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Quick reference: Ireland passport photo specifications
Before submitting your application via AVATS online or paper form, ensure your photo meets these exact parameters set by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size (Paper) | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Digital resolution | 715 × 951 px @ 300 DPI |
| Face height | 31 – 36 mm (70–80% of total height) |
| File format & size | JPEG, 50 KB – 9 MB |
| Background colour | Light Grey White or Cream |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses policy | Permitted with thin, non-reflective frames |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Official Ireland passport photo dimensions
INIS guidance specifies that Irish passport photos must be 35 mm wide × 45 mm high — the same dimensions required for Irish passports by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (the crown) must occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height, which equates to roughly 31–36 mm on a 45 mm tall print.
Some sources quote a 2×2 inch (51 × 51 mm) square format for Ireland. This is the US standard and is incorrect for Irish passports. Always use the portrait 35 × 45 mm format for any Irish passport or passport application.
Ireland passport photo size in mm, cm, and inches
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) | 35 mm | 45 mm | 31 – 36 mm |
| Centimetres (cm) | 3.5 cm | 4.5 cm | 3.1–3.6 cm |
| Inches (in) | 1.38 in | 1.77 in | 1.24–1.42 in |
| Pixels (px @ 300 DPI) | 715 px | 951 px | 666–761 px |
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Print vs. digital: what changes between paper and online applications?
If you apply for an Irish passport through the AVATS online portal or the ISD online system, you upload a single digital JPEG file. If you apply with a paper cover sheet or attend an interview or in-person appointment, you will typically need to bring two identical printed photos. The face, expression, and background rules are identical for both — only the output format differs.
| Aspect | Print (paper form) | Digital (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 × 45 mm | 715 × 951 px |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (50 KB – 9 MB) |
| Background | Light Grey White or Cream | Light Grey White or Cream |
| Resolution | Min 300 DPI | 715 × 951 px (300 DPI) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral, mouth closed |
Background requirements for Ireland passport photos
The background must be plain white or off-white, evenly lit, and completely free of shadows, patterns, gradients, or objects. It must provide clear contrast with your face, hair, and clothing. Do not use a grey, cream, or any tinted wall — INIS guidance is explicit that the background must be white. Digitally removed or replaced backgrounds are not permitted as any form of retouching is prohibited.
To achieve a truly shadow-free white background at home, stand at least 50 cm away from the wall and ensure it is independently lit, or use natural window light from two sides. A single flash pointed directly at the subject often causes a shadow halo behind the head — this is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
Face position, expression, and lighting requirements
Your face must be centred in the frame, looking directly into the camera lens. Both ears should be visible and symmetrically positioned. Hair must be kept away from the sides of the face and must not cover the forehead, temples, or eyes. Eyes must be fully open and looking straight ahead. Your mouth must be closed with a completely neutral, relaxed expression — no smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, or pursed lips.
Lighting must be uniform and diffused. There must be no shadows on your face, under your chin, or on the white background. Your natural skin tone must be accurately represented, with no overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows. Avoid direct flash — use diffused natural window light or two balanced artificial light sources at equal height on either side of your face.
Glasses policy for Ireland passport photos
Glasses are not permitted in Irish passport photos under current INIS and Department of Foreign Affairs policy. This aligns with Irish passport photo rules introduced to improve biometric facial recognition accuracy. Unlike some other countries, there is no medical exemption provision specified in current INIS passport photo guidance — all applicants must remove glasses before the photo is taken.
Even clear frames with minimal lens glare will cause rejection in automated processing. If you normally wear glasses, simply remove them for the photo — this does not cause issues with identity verification as the biometric check focuses on facial geometry, not accessories.
Ireland passport photo checklist: do's and don'ts
Double-check these common pitfalls to ensure your photo is not delayed or rejected by INIS.
Do
- Use a plain white or off-white background that contrasts clearly with your face
- Ensure your face is centred, forward-facing, and fully visible from chin to crown
- Keep your eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera
- Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed
- Use even, shadow-free lighting on both face and background
- Show your full head from chin to crown, including the tops of your shoulders
- Ensure hair does not cover the edges of your face or obscure your eyes
- Use a JPEG file under 4 MB for online submission
- Have the photo taken within the last 6 months
- Wear everyday clothing appropriate for the season
Don't
- Wear glasses — they are not permitted under current INIS guidance
- Smile, tilt or turn your head, or close your eyes
- Use a coloured, patterned, grey, or dark background
- Retouch, filter, or digitally alter the photo in any way
- Submit a scan or a photo of a printed photo as your digital upload
- Upload a file above 4 MB or one that is heavily compressed
- Wear hats, beanies, or fashion headwear (religious coverings excepted)
- Allow hair, jewellery, or clothing to cover your eyes or face edges
- Use a photo older than 6 months
- Use a black-and-white or heavily compressed image
How to take a correct Ireland passport photo at home (step-by-step)
Following these six steps will produce a photo that meets the official INIS requirements for both paper and digital submissions without needing to visit a professional studio.
Choose the right background
Stand or sit in front of a plain white or off-white wall. Ensure the surface is evenly lit so there are no shadows behind you. The background must contrast clearly with your skin tone and hair. Do not use grey, cream, or any tinted surface.
Set up lighting
Use natural daylight from a large window positioned to the side. If indoors, place two light sources at equal height on either side of your face. Avoid direct flash — it causes red-eye, harsh highlights, and shadows on the background. Stand at least 50 cm from the background wall.
Position yourself correctly
Face the camera directly. Keep your head upright — not tilted or turned. Your full head from chin to crown must be visible, with the tops of your shoulders in frame. Stand roughly 45–60 cm from the camera and remove glasses before shooting.
Take the photo
Open your eyes fully and look straight into the lens. Maintain a neutral expression — mouth closed, no smile or frown, no raised eyebrows. Ask someone else to take the photo if possible to reduce camera shake and ensure correct framing.
Crop and size the image
For paper submissions, crop to exactly 35 × 45 mm at 300 DPI minimum. Your face should occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height (about 31–36 mm chin to crown). For online submissions, export as JPEG at a minimum of 600 × 800 px (900 × 1200 px recommended) under 4 MB.
Check before submitting
Verify the background is plain white and shadow-free, your face height is approximately 70–80% of the frame, no glasses are visible, eyes are open, expression is neutral, and the JPEG file is under 4 MB. Print two identical copies for paper applications.
Common Ireland passport photo rejection reasons in 2026
INIS automated processing checks photo dimensions, face position, background colour, and file quality. These are the most frequent causes of rejection or return for applicants:
Incorrect background colour
Any background other than plain white or off-white is rejected. Grey, cream, coloured, patterned, or digitally replaced backgrounds all fail INIS checks.
Glasses in the photo
Glasses are not permitted in Irish passport or passport photos under current INIS and Department of Foreign Affairs policy. Even clear lenses with minor glare cause rejection.
Non-neutral expression
Smiling, open mouth, raised eyebrows, tilted or rotated head, or partially closed eyes trigger rejection. A completely neutral expression is required.
Shadows on face or background
Shadows behind the head or on the face are a frequent rejection trigger. Stand at least 50 cm from the background wall and use diffused, even lighting.
Incorrect crop or face size
Photos where the face is too small (below 70% of the frame height) or too large (cropping the crown or chin) are rejected. Face must measure approximately 31–36 mm chin to crown on a 45 mm high print.
Photo older than 6 months
INIS requires a recent likeness. A photo that is clearly out-of-date or does not match your current appearance will be returned.
Hair or accessories obscuring the face
Hair covering the forehead, temples, or eyes, and large earrings or jewellery creating shadows, are common rejection triggers.
File too large or poor quality
Files above 4 MB will be rejected or fail to upload. Heavily compressed files, scanned prints, or photos of photos also fail quality validation.
Ireland passport photo requirements for babies and children
Children of all ages — including newborns — need their own passport photo and cannot share a photo with a parent or guardian. The child must be photographed alone against a plain white background, with no other person, hand, toy, pacifier, chair back, or object visible in the frame.
For infants who cannot yet control their head position, lay them on a plain white sheet or surface and photograph from above, ensuring no supporting hands appear in the frame. For very young children, an open mouth may be acceptable where it is impractical to ensure a closed-mouth expression. For children aged 3 and over, the standard adult requirements apply: mouth closed, eyes open, neutral expression, looking directly at the camera.
Religious head coverings in Ireland passport photos
Religious head coverings are permitted provided they are worn for genuine religious reasons and meet all of the following conditions: the covering must be plain material with no patterns (including small or subtle patterns); your full face must remain visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead; both sides of the face — including the outer edges of both eyes — must be fully visible; and the covering must cast no shadows on your face or on the white background.
Fashion hats, beanies, caps, bandanas, or any headwear worn for non-religious reasons are not permitted. Medical headwear may be worn only if accompanied by a supporting letter from a registered medical practitioner.
Official sources
These pages are the authoritative references.
Frequently asked questions: Ireland passport photo 2026
What is the Ireland passport photo size requirement in 2026?
Irish passport photos must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high for paper applications. For online applications submitted via the AVATS (Automated Passport Application Tracking System) or the ISD online portal, upload a JPEG file under 4 MB. A minimum resolution of 600 × 800 pixels is required, and 900 × 1200 pixels is recommended. Your face from chin to crown should occupy approximately 70–80% of the photo height.
Is a 35 × 45 mm photo accepted for an Ireland passport?
Yes. The standard Irish passport photo size is 35 mm wide by 45 mm high — the same format used for Irish passports. This is the only accepted size for paper applications. Do not use a square 2×2 inch (51 × 51 mm) US-format photo.
What is the Ireland passport photo size in cm and inches?
The standard size is 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm high. In inches that is approximately 1.38 inches wide by 1.77 inches high.
What is the Ireland passport photo size in pixels?
INIS does not mandate a single fixed pixel dimension, but requires a minimum of 600 × 800 pixels for digital submissions. A resolution of 900 × 1200 pixels is recommended to ensure quality. The file must be a JPEG under 4 MB.
What colour background is required for an Ireland passport photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white. Grey, cream, coloured, patterned, or digitally removed-and-replaced backgrounds are not accepted. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows and must clearly contrast with your face and hair.
Are Ireland tourist passport and study passport photo requirements different?
The core photo specifications are the same across most Irish passport categories: 35 × 45 mm print or JPEG under 4 MB, white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months. Always check the specific checklist for your passport category — C (short-stay) passports and D (long-stay) passports follow the same photo rules, but application procedures differ.
Do I need a 2×2 inch photo for an Ireland passport?
No. A 2×2 inch (51 × 51 mm) square format is a US passport standard. Irish passport photos use a portrait format: 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (approximately 1.38 × 1.77 inches).
Should an Ireland passport photo be matte or glossy?
For print applications, glossy or semi-glossy photo paper from a professional lab is recommended. Home inkjet prints are generally not accepted due to quality concerns. For digital submissions, paper finish is irrelevant — only the JPEG file is uploaded.
What should I wear for an Irish passport photo?
Wear everyday clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid plain white or very pale tops that merge with the background, uniforms, camouflage, or anything that obscures the face or neck. Modest religious dress is permitted provided the full face remains visible from chin to forehead.
Can babies have an open mouth in an Ireland passport photo?
Yes. For infants and very young children, an open mouth is acceptable where it is difficult to ensure a closed-mouth expression. No other person, hand, toy, or object should be visible in the frame. The child must still be photographed against a plain white background.
Can I wear glasses in an Ireland passport photo?
No. Glasses are not permitted in Irish passport photos. The Department of Foreign Affairs and INIS align with the Irish Passport Office on this point: all applicants must remove glasses before the photo is taken. There is no medical exemption provision in current Irish passport photo guidance.
Can I smile in an Ireland passport photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera. Smiling, frowning, or any other facial expression is not permitted.
How recent must an Ireland passport photo be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must be a true reflection of your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly since the photo was taken — for example due to surgery, illness, or a significant change in weight — you should use a new photo.
Can I use an online photo tool for an Ireland passport?
You can use a compliant online cropping and sizing tool to prepare the JPEG file, but INIS recommends that photos be taken by a professional photographer or at a recognised photo booth. Always verify that the output file meets the exact specifications — white background, correct crop, under 4 MB — before submitting.
What is the file size limit for an Ireland passport photo uploaded online?
The file must be a JPEG under 4 MB. Heavily over-compressed files may also be rejected due to poor image quality. Aim for a resolution of 900 × 1200 pixels at moderate JPEG quality for the best balance of file size and clarity.
Are religious head coverings allowed in an Ireland passport photo?
Yes, provided the covering is worn for genuine religious reasons. The covering must be plain material without patterns, must cast no shadow on your face or the background, and your full face from chin to forehead — including both side edges — must remain fully visible.
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