South African Passport & Visa Photo Requirements
Getting your South African passport or visa photos right shouldn't be complicated. Whether you're applying for a new passport, temporary residence visa, or permanent residence permit, we'll guide you through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) specifications to ensure your photos meet all requirements. Let's make your application process smooth and successful.
Take Your South African Passport PhotoEssential South African Photo Requirements
Correct South African passport photo
South African passport and visa photos must comply with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) standards. These requirements ensure your photo is suitable for both digital and physical identification systems, while accurately representing your current appearance.
Your photos must be recent, taken within the last 6 months, and you'll need two identical color photographs. For most applications, including passport renewals and visa applications, these photos must be printed on high-quality photo paper and meet strict size and quality requirements.
Photo Measurements
South African passport photo dimensions must meet these exact specifications:
💡 Pro Tip: South African photo requirements align with international standards, making them suitable for most visa applications. However, always specify you need South African passport photos when getting them taken professionally to ensure the correct dimensions.
South African photo size guide
Background Requirements - Light Grey Only
✓ Perfect light grey background
✗ White background not acceptable
South African passport photo background requirements have some unique specifications that differ from many other countries:
The background must be light grey, not white or off-white. This is a crucial difference from many other countries' requirements and helps ensure optimal biometric processing.
The background must be completely smooth, evenly lit, and free from shadows, patterns, or textures. Any variations in the background lighting can cause your application to be rejected.
Your clothing should contrast with the grey background. Light-colored clothing may not provide enough contrast and could lead to rejection.
⚠️ Important: South Africa specifically requires a light grey background, unlike many countries that require white. This is particularly important for the DHA's biometric processing systems and digital identification procedures.
Personal Appearance Requirements
Your expression should be neutral with your mouth closed - a natural, relaxed face without smiling or frowning is required. South African authorities particularly emphasize the importance of a neutral expression for biometric processing.
Look straight at the camera with both eyes fully open and clearly visible. The DHA requires that both ears are visible unless prevented by religious headwear. Your face must be perfectly straight, not tilted or turned.
Your face must fill approximately 70-80% of the frame vertically, ensuring proper visibility of facial features while maintaining required margins.
Traditional or religious headwear is permitted only if worn daily for religious purposes. Your full facial features from bottom of chin to forehead must be clearly visible. The face must not be obscured by the headwear.
If you wear prescription glasses, they must not reflect light or obscure your eyes. The frames must not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses or tinted lenses are not permitted unless required for medical reasons with supporting documentation.
Hair must not cover any part of your face or eyes. The DHA specifically requires that facial features are clearly visible from bottom of chin to forehead and across the full width of the face.
Children's Photos
Special considerations apply for children under 5 years:
Professional Photo Quality Standards
Print Quality
The DHA requires photos to be printed on high-quality, smooth photo paper with a glossy finish. The paper must be photography-grade, showing no pixelation or printer patterns. Matte finish is not acceptable for South African passport photos.
Image Clarity
Photos must be crystal clear with sharp focus and natural contrast. All facial features must be clearly defined. The DHA's biometric systems require high-quality images for successful processing, so blurry or low-resolution photos will be rejected.
Lighting Requirements
Lighting must be even across the entire face with no harsh shadows. South African requirements specifically emphasize the importance of balanced lighting to ensure facial features are clearly visible against the light grey background.
Photo Condition
The Department of Home Affairs requires photos to be completely original and unaltered. Any signs of digital manipulation, creases, marks, or damage will result in immediate rejection. Each photo must be a separate exposure - copies are not accepted.
Professional Certification Requirements
South African passport photos have specific verification requirements:
- Photos must be taken by a professional photographer or at an approved photo studio
- The photographer's studio name and address should be printed on the back of one photo
- The date the photograph was taken must be recorded on the back
Need a Perfect South African Passport Photo?
Getting your South African passport or visa photo right is essential for a successful application. Our service ensures your photos meet every Department of Home Affairs requirement, from the specific light grey background to the exact sizing specifications that make South African photos unique.
DHA Compliance
Experts in South African requirements
Professional Studio
Certified photographers with studio certification
Guaranteed Acceptance
Meets all DHA specifications
Digital Service
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Printed Photos
- Professional studio-quality prints
- Studio certification included
- Exact 35mm x 45mm format
Guaranteed to meet all Department of Home Affairs requirements or your money back!
This guide is designed to help you understand and meet South African passport and visa photo requirements. While we ensure compliance with current Department of Home Affairs standards, final acceptance is at the discretion of passport and visa officers. For the most up-to-date official requirements, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website .