Philippine Passport & Visa Photo Requirements
Getting your Philippine passport or visa photo right is important. This guide gives you all the details you need about the correct photo size, background, and other rules. We'll help make sure your application process is easy and successful.
Create Your Philippine Passport PhotoImportant Rules for Philippine Passport Photos
Correct Philippine passport photo example
Philippine passport and visa photos need to follow specific rules. These rules make sure the photo works well for identification and keeps your travel documents secure.
Your photos should be recent, taken in the last six months, so they look like you do now. For a Philippine passport, you usually need two identical color photos. It's very important that these photos are printed well on good photo paper to meet the government's standards.
Philippine Passport Photo Size and Measurements
Philippine passport photos must be a certain size to work with international systems. Here's what you need to know about the measurements:
The photo must be 45 x 35 mm (4.5 x 3.5 cm). This size is needed for all Philippine official documents.
Your head should measure 29 to 31mm from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin. This ensures your face is clear for biometric checks.
Your face must be right in the middle of the photo. Your eyes should be at a certain height in the photo to work with the biometric system.
💡 Tip: The Philippine passport photo size is not the same as the U.S. one (2x2 inches). To be sure your photo fits, use the 45x35 mm size.
Size and measurement guide
Background Rules for Philippine Passport Photos
✓ Perfect white background
The background of your Philippine passport photo is important for your application. Here are the rules:
Color and Style
The background must be plain white. It should be a clean white, not off-white or gray. The background should also be smooth, making your face and clothes stand out.
Light and Shadows
The background should have even light with no shadows or textures. Photo studios usually have the right lighting to avoid shadows and light up the whole photo evenly.
Clothing
Your clothes should be a different color from the white background. Wear dark or medium colors to make sure you don't blend into the background. Don't wear white or very light clothes.
⚠️ Important: Philippine passport offices are very strict about the background. Photos with shadows or patterns will be rejected. When you get your photo taken, ask for a Philippine passport photo so they follow the rules.
How You Should Look in Your Philippine Passport Photo
Your Philippine passport photo is a key way to identify you. Follow these tips so your photo will be accepted.
Perfect pose example
Philippine passport photos need to follow certain rules so they meet international standards. These rules help make sure the photos are clear and can be used for checking your identity.
How to Look
You need to have a neutral face. Keep your mouth closed and your eyes open. Don't smile or make any faces. Look straight at the camera.
Head and Eyes
Your head should be straight, looking right at the camera. Your ears should be visible, unless your hair covers them naturally. Your shoulders should also be straight to the camera. Don't tilt or turn your head.
Religious Clothing
The Philippines allows religious head coverings if they don't hide your face. Your face must be completely visible, and the covering can't make shadows on your face.
Glasses and Jewelry
If you wear glasses, they should not cause glare or hide your eyes. Don't wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. The Philippine government says it's best to take off your glasses if you don't need them for medical reasons. Wear only a small amount of jewelry.
Special Notes
Children's Photos
Children's passport photos need to be the same size as adults. The child should be alone in the photo, with no hands or support showing. Babies should be photographed lying down on a white sheet, making sure their face is clear. No toys or pacifiers are allowed.
Medical Needs
If you have a medical condition that changes how you look, bring a recent doctor's note explaining it. This is for things like medical devices or bandages that show in the photo.
Philippine Passport Photo Quality: What You Need To Know
Philippine passport photos need to be of a certain quality so they can work with digital and physical systems. Knowing these rules is key for a smooth application process.
Quality standard example
Philippine passport photos must meet strict rules to work well for identification and keep your documents safe. These rules ensure good quality photos are used for checking identities.
Paper Quality
Philippine passport photos must be printed on good photo paper with a semi-matte or matte finish. The paper should be at least 200 g/m². Although glossy paper is okay, semi-matte is better because it avoids glare during scanning.
Digital Photo Rules
For digital photos, they must be at least 300 DPI, 413 x 531 pixels, and between 100 KB and 500 KB. They must be JPEG files with as little compression as possible to keep the quality. The color should be sRGB for the best color.
Light and Color
The light should be even, with no shadows. The photo must show natural skin colors without any color issues. There should be no shadows on your face, like under your eyebrows or chin.
Clear and Sharp
The photo must be very sharp and clear. Your face must be in focus, with no blur or pixel issues. Details like your hair and eye color should be easy to see.
Use a Professional Photographer
Because the rules for Philippine passport photos are so specific, it's best to use a professional photographer. Many passport offices have photo services that make sure your photos meet all the rules. This helps save time and avoid getting your application rejected.
The Philippine government is very strict about photo quality. Even small mistakes can cause problems. Photographers who know the rules can make sure your photos are perfect.
Common Questions About Philippine Passport Photos
Here are some answers to common questions about Philippine passport and visa photos.
Can I get my photos taken at the Philippine embassy or consulate?
Some Philippine embassies and consulates offer passport photo services. This is helpful because they will follow all the rules, but it might take longer and cost more than other options. Check with your local embassy or consulate about their hours and prices first.
Where can I get my Philippine passport photos taken?
You can get Philippine passport photos at: - Philippine embassies and consulates - Professional photo studios - Some drugstores or post offices - Online services that make sure your photos fit the rules When getting your photo taken, always say you need the Philippine passport format (45x35mm) because this is different from the U.S. standard.
Can I use any photo size for a Philippine passport?
No, Philippine passport photos must be exactly 45x35 mm. If you use a different size, your application will be rejected. The government is very strict about the size to make sure it works with international standards.
How many photos do I need for a Philippine passport?
For a Philippine passport, you need two identical color photos. It’s a good idea to have a few extra in case you need them for visas or other papers. All the photos should be from the same session and meet the current rules.
Is the Philippine passport photo size the same as a U.S. photo size?
No, Philippine and U.S. passport photo sizes are different. Philippine passport photos need to be 45x35 mm, while U.S. passport photos are 2x2 inches (51x51 mm). Using U.S. sized photos for a Philippine passport will cause your application to be rejected.
Can I submit digital photos for my Philippine passport?
Digital photos are accepted for online applications, but you need printed photos for your actual passport application. Digital photos must meet certain rules like 300 DPI resolution, 413 x 531 pixels, and the right JPEG format.
Can I wear glasses in my Philippine passport photo?
You can wear prescription glasses, but it's best to take them off if you don't need them for medical reasons. If you wear them, the frames should not cover any part of your eyes, and there should be no glare. Sunglasses are not allowed.
How long does it take to get passport photos at a Philippine embassy or consulate?
Getting your photos taken at an embassy or consulate usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but waiting times can vary. It's usually quicker in the morning. Some places might need you to book an appointment before you go for photos.
Need Perfect Philippine Passport Photos?
Getting your Philippine passport or visa photos right doesn't have to be hard. Our service follows all the rules, so you can be sure your application will be successful.
Follows Philippine Rules
Photos meet all government rules.
Different Photo Types
Get digital and printed photos.
Photo Quality is Guaranteed
Your photos will be accepted.
Digital Photos
- Good for online visa applications
- Get your photos right away
- Files are high quality (300 DPI)
Printed Photos
- Photos are printed professionally
- Photos are the correct size (45x35 mm)
- Quick delivery across the Philippines
This guide helps you understand all the rules for Philippine passport and visa photos. We follow the current rules, but the final decision is made by the Philippine government.