🇿🇦 South Africa · Make this photo online
Make a South African Passport photo online — free check · from $1.50 (35×45 mm)
Validated rules for South African Passport (verified Aug 18, 2026).
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Validated rules for South African Passport (verified Aug 18, 2026). Confirm the authority's latest guidance before you submit.
Short answerA South African Passport photo must be 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in), usually 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI, with a white background and head height 70–80% of the frame. Full rules
Expected look · sample portraits
Illustrative sample faces — not real applicants. Your download keeps your own identity pixels.
Exact photo specifications
- Print size
- 35 × 45 mm
- Digital pixels
- 413 × 531 px @ 300 DPI
- Head height
- 70–80% of frame
- Eye line from bottom
- 55–70%
- Background
- white (#FFFFFF)
- Expression
- Neutral expression required
- Glasses
- Not allowed
- Head covering
- Not allowed (except religious/medical where policy permits)
- Typical max file size
- 5000 KB
- Common print
- 1.38 × 1.77 in
No glasses or fashion headwear. Neutral expression; mouth closed.
Composition checklist
- Face camera straight on — both eyes open, no tilt.
- Head 70–80% of frame.
- Plain white background.
- Neutral, closed mouth.
- Remove glasses (unless medical exception).
- No filters, beauty retouch, or group crops.
4 steps in PicsForm
- Create with South African Passport
- Upload a clear portrait
- Fix hard failures on the report
- Download digital or Print Ready
We match published rules — not a government acceptance guarantee.
FAQ
What size is a South African Passport photo?
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in). Digital export in this catalog is 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI.
What is the South African Passport photo size in pixels?
413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI in the PicsForm catalog. Re-check the live portal if it publishes a different pixel cap.
Can I wear glasses in a South African Passport photo?
Not permitted
Can I smile in a South African Passport photo?
Neutral expression, mouth closed
What background does a South African Passport photo need?
Plain white (#FFFFFF). Keep it even — no pattern, shadow, or extra people.
What head size does South African Passport require?
Chin-to-crown should occupy 70–80% of the photo height (31.5 mm (1.24 in) to 36.0 mm (1.42 in)).
Can I take a South African Passport photo with my phone?
Yes, if the camera is at eye level, the face is sharp, lighting is even, and the crop matches the published size. PicsForm can check a phone portrait against this document’s catalog rules. It cannot invent missing shoulders or guarantee an embassy will accept the file.
Can I use an old South African Passport photo?
Most authorities want a recent likeness (often within six months) that still looks like you. Reuse an old file only if it still matches the current size, background, and appearance rules.