Canadian Passport Photo Requirements
When applying for a Canadian passport or visa, you have to provide a recent photo compatible with the official photo requirements such as
- size,
- format,
- head and eye placement,
- clothing and background.
So, there are a lot of parameters to be considered. If the photo does not meet these criteria, your application may be rejected.
Table of contents
- The Required Passport Photo Size And Format in Canada
- Pose And Facial Expression
- Background
- Colour and lighting
- Passport Photo Dress Code
- Getting a Canadian passport photo online
- Canada passport photo guidelines
- Canada visa picture requirements
This article will explain in detail what are the photo requirements for a Canadian passport that all applicants should meet.
Please note that the rules for Canadian visa photos differ from the passport photo requirements. The required Canadian passport photo size is 5x7 cm, while the Canadian visa photo format is 35x45 mm. See more information below.
The Required Passport Photo Size And Format in Canada
For a paper passport application, you must provide 2 identical printed photos taken within the last 6 months. The photos must be produced by a commercial photographer and printed on high-quality photographic paper. Home-printed photos, scanned photos, digitally altered images, and photos printed on heavy-weight paper are not accepted.
The required Canadian passport photo size is 50 mm wide and 70 mm high (2 × 2¾ inches). The head size, measured from the chin to the natural top of the head, must be between 31 mm and 36 mm (1¼ to 1 7/16 inches). Your face and shoulders must be centred and squared to the camera.
The Government of Canada does not publish an official DPI requirement for passport photos. However, photo labs commonly use approximately 591 × 827 pixels at 300 ppi for printing a compliant 50 × 70 mm image.
Your photo should look like this:
If you renew your Canadian passport online, you must upload a digital photo in JPEG or JPG format. The file must be between 1200 × 1800 px and 3000 × 4500 px, have a 3:2 aspect ratio, and be between 200 KB and 5 MB in size. The head must occupy approximately 45–50% of the image height.
For online renewal, the digital file must come directly from the original camera image. A scanned printed passport photo is not accepted.
Pose and facial expression
Your expression must be neutral when taking a Canadian passport photo. Keep your eyes open and clearly visible, look directly at the camera, and keep your mouth closed. Smiling, laughing, exaggerated expressions, or an open mouth are not accepted.
The Government of Canada does not publish a numerical eye-line requirement. Instead, the official standard states that the eyes must be clearly visible and facing straight toward the camera.
Background
The background must be plain white or light-coloured, with even lighting and no visible shadows, textures, or objects. There must be clear contrast between your face and the background so that your facial features remain fully distinguishable.
White clothing is not officially prohibited, but it may reduce contrast with the background. For this reason, many professional photo studios recommend wearing darker or more colourful clothing.
Colour and lighting
Canadian passport photos must have uniform lighting, natural skin tones, and sharp focus. Shadows on the face, behind the ears, or on the background are not acceptable. Flash glare, reflections, overexposure, and red-eye effects are also prohibited.
Both colour and black-and-white photos are accepted, provided the image remains clear and accurately represents your appearance.
Passport Photo Dress Code
According to Canadian passport photo rules, the following are not allowed:
- Sunglasses or tinted glasses, even if the eyes remain visible;
- Glare or reflections on eyeglass lenses that obscure the eyes;
- Red-eye effects or digitally corrected red-eye;
- Hats, caps, or head coverings, unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons.
Prescription glasses are allowed only if the eyes are fully visible and there is no glare on the lenses.
Religious or medical head coverings are acceptable if the full face remains visible and no shadows are cast on the face. Facial features must remain clearly identifiable from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face.
A medical nasal cannula is also allowed if accompanied by a signed explanation. In some cases, passport authorities may additionally request a letter from a physician.
Make-Up and Hair
There are no official Canadian passport rules regarding makeup, hairstyles, or beards. However, your appearance in the photo must accurately reflect your current everyday appearance.
Hair must not cover the eyes or obscure facial features. You may keep your ears covered or uncovered, as long as the full face remains clearly visible.
Beards and moustaches are fully acceptable and do not need to be shaved for the photo.
Getting a Canadian passport photo online
Specialized online soft is the surest way to create a compliant passport photo. Visafoto instantly edits pictures so that every detail meets requirements.
First, take a photo of yours like this:
Source
Result
And you will also get this file for printing:
Canadian Passport Photo Guidelines
Here are four short steps to taking a passport photo at home:
- First of all, make sure that you are dressed according to the specifications provided above and that you are not wearing prohibited items;
- Then take a photo of yourself facing directly the camera and keeping a straight posture. Close your mouth and do not smile or frown.
- Upload your picture to Visafoto.com and you will immediately get the photo matching all the official rules. The service will make the picture clear and focused, adjust the size and format of the photo, and set the required background.
You will receive both a digital photo and a printable copy. The technical support is ready to answer all of your questions in the 24x7 mode. In case you are not satisfied with the result, we will replace your photo for free or you will be reimbursed 100%.
Passport Photo Signature Requirements
Canadian passport photo specifications state that the back of one print must contain a stamp or written text indicating the date the picture was taken, as well as the name and address of the photo studio. If you create the passport photo at home, you can simply use the signature of your photographer or any guarantor who knows you personally. Visafoto clients have successfully used this approach, and their photographs have been accepted.
Canada visa photo requirements
A photo for a Canadian visa should be 35 × 45 mm. However, other requirements such as facial expression, head position, lighting, background, and overall photo quality are generally the same as for Canadian passport photos.
Looking for a Canadian passport photo service near you?
Last update: May 2026