Condensed guide. Read the full South African passport requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | plain and light |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, colour, no borders — Two identical colour photos for applications lodged at a South African mission abroad. |
| Digital upload | 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing two 35×45 mm photos for a mission abroad) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted with conditions (see below) |
| Prints needed | 2 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | Department of Home Affairs – Passports |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- The DHA passport page returned 404 at the known URL. Most offices in South Africa capture the photo live; applicants at missions abroad supply two 35×45 mm colour photos on a plain light background. Head band and file rules are inferred from ICAO and need confirmation with DHA or the mission.
- Values flagged unverified: confirm with the mission or office before printing.
Can I take it myself? Yes, with conditions
Only when you are supplying printed photos, which in practice means applying at a South African mission abroad or at an office that does not have live capture. In those cases the mission accepts any photo that meets the standard, so you can take it yourself and print it on photo paper. Inside South Africa with live capture there is nothing to supply. Because the DHA page could not be re-checked, the values here are flagged for confirmation with the mission you will use.
Why ZA passport photos get rejected
- Photo not needed and refused at live-capture office. Check first; most South African offices capture the photo themselves.
- Head too small. Keep chin-to-crown between 31 and 36 mm on the 45 mm frame.
- Shadows or dark background. Plain light background, light from the front, stand away from the wall.
- Borders or uneven cut. Cut on the marks; no white border.
- Photos not identical. Print both copies from the same sheet.
ZA passport photo FAQ
Do I need printed photos for a South African passport?
Not at a live-capture office inside South Africa. You do at missions abroad and at offices without live capture: two identical 35×45 mm colour photos.
What size is the photo?
35×45 mm, colour, plain light background, head about 31–36 mm from chin to crown. Confirm with the mission as the DHA page could not be re-checked.
Can I take the photo myself?
Yes when printed photos are required; the mission accepts any photo meeting the standard.
Are glasses allowed?
Usually tolerated without glare, but removing them avoids a query.
What background colour?
Plain white or light grey, no pattern or shadow.
Is there a digital upload?
No. Home Affairs' online services (eHomeAffairs) take details only; the photo is captured at the office or supplied in print abroad.
Related documents
Last verified 2026-10-28 against Department of Home Affairs – Passports. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.