South Africa Passport Photo Size & Free Maker — 35×45 mm

Photo Dimensions & Positioning

Photo size35 × 45 mm

Face height (chin to crown)29 – 34 mm

BackgroundLight grey or plain cream-coloured

Rules & Guidelines

ExpressionNeutral expression with mouth closed. No obvious grinning, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Looking directly at the camera.

GlassesEyes must be clearly visible with no flash reflection off the glasses. No dark-tinted lenses or heavy frames. Frames must not cover any part of your eyes.

Head coveringNot permitted except for religious reasons. Facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of face must be clearly shown.

LightingUniform lighting. No shadows or flash reflections on face. No red-eye. Both edges of face clearly visible.

Print qualityPrinted on high-quality photo paper.

RecencyNot more than one month old.

Children & Infants

Same requirements apply. No chair backs, toys, or other people visible.

Additional Requirements

Two identical colour photos for passports.
Two identical colour or black and white photos for IDs.
Face takes up 70–80% of the photograph.
Close-up of head and top of shoulders.
High quality with no ink marks, creases, or damage.
Show both edges of your face clearly.
Show you alone — no chair backs, toys, or other people visible.
Appropriate brightness and contrast. Natural skin tone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Background wrong colour — Must be light grey or plain cream-coloured, not pure white.

❌ Shadows or flash reflections — Uniform lighting required. No shadows on face or background, no red-eye.

❌ Glasses obscuring eyes — Frames must not cover eyes. No dark-tinted lenses or heavy frames.

❌ Photo too old — South Africa requires photos no more than one month old.

Official Source

Government website https://dirco.gov.za/japan/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2024/... ↗

Make your South Africa passport photo now

Use the free PassportSnap maker to crop, resize, and export your photo at the exact 35×45 mm South Africa passport photo spec — directly in your browser. Get a single compliant JPEG, or a 4×6 print sheet with two photos for home or photo-lab printing.

Open the South Africa Passport Photo Maker →

Free · no upload · no AI retouching · works in your browser

South Africa Passport Photo — FAQ

What size is a South Africa passport photo?

35×45 mm. Face height: 29–34 mm. Background: Light grey or plain cream-coloured.

Can I take a South Africa passport photo at home?

Yes. Use a plain light grey or plain cream-coloured backdrop, even lighting, and a neutral expression, then use the PassportSnap free maker to crop and resize to 35×45 mm exactly.

What file format does South Africa require?

JPEG, max no specific limit. PassportSnap exports a JPEG sized to your country’s exact pixel and file-size limits.

Are glasses allowed in South Africa passport photos?

Eyes must be clearly visible with no flash reflection off the glasses. No dark-tinted lenses or heavy frames. Frames must not cover any part of your eyes.

Are head coverings allowed?

Not permitted except for religious reasons. Facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of face must be clearly shown.

South Africa Passport Photo Requirements

Make your South Africa passport photo now

South Africa Passport Photo — FAQ

Create your South Africa passport photo now