Passport Photo Cropping Tool

Do you need to format your photo for a passport or visa application? Below, we’ll explain how our online passport photo size editor can help you apply for identity documents as efficiently as possible.

Table of contents

• What is a standard passport photo size?
• Can I take my own passport photo at home?
• Online passport and visa photo editing tool
• Can I use a U.S. photo tool to crop my passport photo?
• Tips to take a proper passport photo at home

What is a standard passport photo size?

There is no universal passport photo size that applies to all countries. However, several formats are widely recognized and commonly used.

In European countries, particularly EU member states, the standard passport photo size is 35 x 45 mm . This format aligns with ICAO standards, so if a country adheres to ICAO guidelines for its visa or passport photos, this size is typically accepted.

In the United States and Mexico, the standard size is 2 x 2 inches. This format is used not only for passport photos but also for visa applications—US visa applicants must submit photos in this size.

Other commonly used formats include 3 x 4 cm, 2 x 3 cm, and 4 x 6 cm. As these examples show, passport photos are generally either portrait-oriented (taller than they are wide) or square, as in the case of the US format.

Can I take my own passport photo at home?

Yes, as long as your passport application does not require you to take the photo exclusively at the processing office, you can take your own passport photo at home. This gives you the freedom to choose the picture you like best and full control over the process.

To do this successfully, you’ll need to ensure the correct background, clothing, lighting, and other details that meet the requirements for identity photos.

The key challenge is making sure your photo meets the exact size and proportion standards. While getting the dress code, pose, and lighting right may be fairly straightforward, getting the dimensions correct can be more complicated.

Fortunately, there are tools available to help you meet these specifications easily.

Online Passport And Visa Photo Editing Tool

With Visafoto, you can edit your homemade portraits into fully compliant passport and visa application photos instantly without thinking about how to crop, change backgrounds, or adjust proportions. Visafoto can change your background or even fix red-eye effects.

This tool can be handy when you need your photo done fast but properly and you want a guaranteed result. Visafoto’s customer service is also ready to help you through the process.

Passport Photo Resizing App

Looking for a hassle-free way to take passport photos at home? Try 7ID, a mobile app developed by Visafoto.com. Designed for both iOS and Android, 7ID helps you instantly create professional-quality passport, visa, and ID photos from your smartphone.

Simply upload a photo, select your country and document type, and the app will automatically format your image to meet official specifications. It adjusts the size, background, and positioning of your face and eyes with precision.

Your results include a high-resolution digital file and a ready-to-print layout compatible with common photo paper formats like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. Need help? Our support team is available 24/7 to guide you through the process.

Can I use a U.S. photo tool to crop my passport photo?

The U.S. Department of State provides a tool that crops photos to the required dimensions for U.S. passports. So yes, to a certain extent, if you only need to crop your photo to meet the size requirement, this tool can be helpful.

However, as explained above, passport photo requirements vary by country. Having the correct size is just one part of compliance. Your photo must also meet precise head-to-frame proportions, including the distance between your eyes and the edges of the photo. Additionally, a uniform background—typically plain white—is required.

For these reasons, the Department of State's tool may not be useful if you're applying for a passport in another country or if your image doesn’t already have the correct background. The tool’s current version may also miscalculate head proportions, which can result in a photo that is technically incorrect—even though it was processed using an official resource.

Learn more: U.S. Passport and Visa Photo Tool Problems

How to take a correctly sized passport photo ready for cropping

To ensure your passport photo can be resized to meet official size and proportion requirements, you need to start with a well-framed image. Here’s how to take a picture that’s ready for precise cropping:

To begin, use a camera (including a smartphone) with a decent resolution. We recommend a camera with at least 5 megapixels.

Place the camera or smartphone approximately 1.5 to 2 meters (5–7 feet) away from the subject. Use a tripod or stable surface to keep the camera level with the person’s face—ideally at eye level.

Frame generously. Include not just the head, but also the upper torso and shoulders in the shot. Leave some space above the head and on both sides to allow flexibility during cropping. Avoid tightly cropped photos straight from the camera.

Take the photo in a well-lit room with natural or diffuse lighting. Ensure the light is even across the face and background to avoid shadows, glare, or reflections. Lighting from the front or sides works best.

Look directly at the camera with a straight head position. Keep your mouth closed and eyes open. A neutral expression is typically required, though a slight natural smile is acceptable in many cases.

Avoid zoom. Take the photo using the default lens and avoid digital zoom. Cropping and sizing should be done later using a passport photo editor or app to ensure proper proportions.

Good luck with your application!

Last Update: May 2025