Philippine passport (DFA) photo requirements

You do not bring a photo to a Philippine passport appointment. The Department of Foreign Affairs captures your photo, signature and fingerprints at the consular office or embassy during the appointment, and the same applies to renewals. The rules on what you wear and how you present matter instead: no glasses, no coloured contact lenses, no heavy make-up, and a collared top is recommended because the image is taken against a white background.

Make and check a PH passport photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.

Can I take it myself? No

No. The DFA does not accept applicant-supplied photos for the passport itself; the data-capture station takes the image. We do not sell a Philippine product. This page tells you how to turn up so the captured photo is not rejected and the appointment does not have to be rebooked, and the free checker can be used on a photo of yourself to practise the pose.

How to take the photo

1. Book an appointment through the DFA passport appointment system and bring the printed confirmation and your documents.
2. Wear a top with a collar or sleeves in a colour that contrasts with white; sleeveless tops, white shirts and clothing with large logos are commonly turned away.
3. Remove glasses, coloured contact lenses, earrings that cover the ears and any headwear not worn for religious reasons. Heavy make-up and facial piercings may be asked to be removed.
4. Keep hair away from the face and ears; the capture operator will ask you to tuck it back.
5. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight at the camera. The operator retakes if you blink or smile.

Why PH passport photos get rejected

1. Glasses or coloured contact lenses. Remove them before the capture.
2. White or sleeveless top. Wear a coloured top with sleeves or a collar.
3. Hair over the face or ears. Tie it back.
4. Headwear. Remove unless worn for religious reasons, and then show the whole face.
5. Smiling or eyes partly closed. Hold a neutral expression; the operator will retake.
6. Heavy make-up or facial piercings. Keep make-up natural and remove piercings that obscure features.

Infants and children

Infants are photographed at the counter. A parent holds the child in front of the white backdrop with their own body out of frame, or the child lies on a white sheet. The operator takes several captures until the eyes are open and the face is clear; dummies and toys are removed for the capture.

What it costs

There is no photo cost because the DFA captures the image. Our site sells nothing for this document. The free checker is available if you want to practise framing a photo for another purpose, such as a visa.