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How to Take a Passport Photo at Home That Actually Gets Accepted

1
Choose the right wall background

Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall with no patterns, shadows, or objects behind you. Remove wall decorations temporarily.

2
Set up even lighting

Use two light sources (lamps or windows) on either side of your face to eliminate shadows. Avoid a single light source which casts one-sided shadows.

3
Set the phone at eye level

Place the iPhone on a stable surface or tripod at exact eye level. Looking up or down changes facial proportions and may cause rejection.

4
Open Snapport and select your country

Choose the country you're applying to. Snapport loads the official requirements for that specific passport type.

5
Follow the face framing guide

Centre your face in the guide frame. Eyes should be at the horizontal centre of the frame. Look directly at the lens.

6
Check and retake if needed

Review the result against the requirements. Shadows on the face or background, red-eye, or face position off-centre are the most common reasons for rejection.

Apps mentioned

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common reasons passport photos get rejected?

Shadows on the face or background, incorrect background colour, face not centred in the frame, expression not neutral, and eyes not fully open.

Is natural light good for passport photos?

Natural light from a window can work well if it is even and doesn't cast directional shadows. Overcast daylight is better than direct sunlight.

Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?

Most countries no longer accept glasses in passport photos, including the US, UK and EU. Check the specific requirements for your country in Snapport.