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ICAO standard (any country) ICAO-compliant portrait (35 × 45 mm) requirements

ICAO standard (any country) icao-compliant portrait (35 × 45 mm): 35 × 45 mm, plain light-coloured background, head 70–80% of the height, taken within 6 months. Source: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), verified 2026-09-12.

ICAO standard (any country)

ICAO-compliant portrait (35 × 45 mm)

From an official source

Print size
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Pixels
413 × 531 px at 300 DPI
Background
plain light-coloured
Head height
70–80% of photo height
Photo age
Taken within the last 6 month(s)
  • ICAO guidance: 35–40 mm wide, no more than 6 months old, face 70–80 % of the photograph, plain light-coloured background.
  • Use this when your authority says "ICAO-compliant" and publishes no further numbers.

ICAO Photograph Guidelines (Annex A)International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) · last verified 2026-09-12

DocPixEdit provides technical guidance and automated checks based on the requirements and sources listed on this page. Requirements can change, and final acceptance is determined by the relevant authority. Always verify current requirements before submission.

How to prepare this photo

  1. Take or choose a recent, sharp, colour photo facing the camera with a neutral expression and even lighting.
  2. Open it in DocPixEdit with this standard selected — the crop frame is locked to 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) — 413 × 531 px.
  3. Check the background is plain and matches what the authority allows (plain light-coloured); use the background tool if needed.
  4. Adjust zoom so the head (chin to crown) fills roughly 70–80% of the photo height, centred and level.
  5. Download the file (JPG for online forms, or a print sheet for paper) and double-check the rules on the official page before you submit.

General photo tips

  • Face the camera directly; keep both ears and the full outline of the face visible.
  • Use even, shadow-free lighting — daylight from a window in front of you works well.
  • Start from a high-resolution original; small or heavily compressed images look blurry when resized.
  • No filters, retouching or beauty effects — authorities reject altered photos.
  • Follow the authority's own rules for glasses, head coverings and expression.

These are general tips, not rules of any government. Always follow the official guidance linked above.