South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires passport photos measuring exactly 35×45 millimeters (1.38×1.77 inches). This rectangular format aligns South Africa with most ICAO-member countries, simplifying the process for citizens who also hold dual nationality.
At 300 DPI print resolution, this translates to 413×531 pixels for digital submissions. The DHA's online application system accepts JPEG files between 40KB and 2MB. Staying in the middle range (roughly 100KB to 800KB) ensures reliable uploads.
The head height requirement specifies that your face must occupy 60-80% of the photo's vertical space. This proportion ensures facial features are large enough for clear identification while leaving adequate margins.
Understanding South African Passport Photo Size Standards
South Africa adopted the 35×45mm standard as part of regional harmonization efforts and international travel document conventions. This dimension ratio allows proper facial recognition scaling across different countries' biometric systems.
The 60-80% head height ensures consistency. Facial recognition algorithms work by mapping distinctive features and measuring their relative distances. Proper proportions allow these systems to function correctly.
This standardization benefits South African citizens. If you've obtained passport photos for other countries' travel documents, those photos might work for South African passports as well.
Get a compliant passport photo online
Glasses and Appearance Rules for South African Passport Photos
South Africa does not allow glasses in passport photos. This applies to all types — prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and clear non-prescription frames. Remove all eyewear before the photo is taken. There is no medical exemption.
Expression must be neutral with mouth closed. No smiling, no frowning, no raised eyebrows. Your face must be evenly lit with no shadows. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera.
Hair must not cover the forehead, eyebrows, or eyes. Long hair should be tucked behind the ears or tied back so the full face is visible.
Religious head coverings are permitted in South African passport photos. Items such as hijab, turban (dastar), yarmulke, or other religious head coverings may be worn, provided they do not cast shadows on the face and leave the entire face visible from chin to forehead.
Heavy makeup, face filters, or digital retouching that alters your natural appearance will result in rejection. The photo must represent how you look in person.
South African Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Print Size | Pixels (300 DPI) | Head Height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Nigeria | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 64–76% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
| Germany | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
| India | 35×35mm | 413×413 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United States | 51×51mm | 600×600 | 50–69% | White | ❌ Banned |
South Africa and Nigeria share identical requirements — same size, background, and glasses policy. The UK matches on dimensions but uses light grey rather than white for the background. India uses a unique 35×35mm square format. The US uses a larger 51×51mm square. Photos taken for a South African passport will match Nigerian dimensions exactly, but always verify background and glasses rules when using photos across countries.
Common South African Passport Photo Sizing Errors
Using US-format square photos. The 2×2 inch (51×51mm) US standard is square and incompatible with South Africa's 35×45mm rectangle. South Africans living in the US often make this mistake.
Wrong aspect ratio. Even when dimensions seem close, the ratio must be exactly 7:9. Photo apps that default to 4:3 or 16:9 crops will produce rejected images.
Low resolution. Never upscale a smaller image to 413×531px — this creates pixel artefacts detectable by DHA's automated system. Always capture at full camera resolution and crop down.
Head too small. Photographing from too far away results in head height below 60%. Move closer or zoom in before shooting.
Incorrect file size. DHA's online system accepts 40KB–2MB. Over-compressed files (under 40KB) lack detail; massive files (over 2MB) get rejected. Stay in the 100KB–800KB range for reliable uploads.
Where to Get Correctly Sized South African Passport Photos
DHA offices. Department of Home Affairs offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and other cities handle passport applications. Many have nearby photo services or kiosks inside the building. Staff know the exact requirements.
Professional photo studios. Dedicated photography studios are the most reliable option for guaranteed compliance. Prices range from R50–R200 depending on location and number of prints. Studios near DHA offices handle high volumes and know the specifications.
Pharmacy and retail chains. Clicks, Dis-Chem, and some PEP stores offer passport photo services. Prices typically R30–R80. Quality varies — verify the output dimensions before accepting prints.
Photo kiosks. Self-service photo booths in shopping centres (Sandton City, V&A Waterfront, Gateway Theatre, Canal Walk) offer passport photos. Prices around R30–R60. Check the preview screen carefully.
South Africans abroad. South African embassies and consulates can direct you to approved local photo services. In cities with large SA communities — London, Perth, Auckland, Dubai — studios near the consulate are typically familiar with the 35×45mm format. Always confirm the background is white (not grey) before accepting prints.
DIY at home. Stand against a plain white wall with soft, even lighting. Use indirect natural light from a window. Shoot at the highest resolution your camera supports, at chest level, and crop to exactly 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. Position your head to fill 70–75% of the frame.
DHA Digital Upload Requirements for South African Photos
When applying through the DHA's online portal, your digital photo must meet:
- File format: JPEG
- Dimensions: 413×531 pixels minimum
- File size: 40KB to 2MB (aim for 100KB–800KB)
- Background: White, no shadows or gradients
- Colour space: sRGB
The DHA's automated system checks photos before human review. Rejections receive general error messages without specifying which requirement failed. Getting dimensions, background, and file size right before uploading avoids frustrating resubmissions.
South African Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Infants and young children must meet the same 35×45mm size requirement, with practical allowances:
Newborns and infants (under 1). Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Eyes should ideally be open, though very young infants may receive some leniency. No toys, hands, or pacifiers in the frame.
Toddlers (1–5). Seat the child against a white background using a car seat or high chair. An assistant can hold the child's attention with a toy above the camera — the toy must not appear in the photo. The child's face must fill 60–80% of the frame.
Children's passports in South Africa have shorter validity (5 years for under-16s vs 10 years for adults). Photos must reflect the child's current appearance. A new photo is required at each renewal.
Verifying Your South African Passport Photo Size
Before submitting, verify:
- Dimensions: exactly 35×45mm at 300 DPI (413×531 pixels)
- Head height: 60–80% of the vertical frame
- Background: white with no gradients or shadows
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses: removed entirely
Use our passport photo checker to validate your image before applying.
For background colour rules, see our guide on South African passport photo background requirements. View all South African passport photo specifications on the South Africa passport photo hub.
