Baby Passport Photo Requirements by Country (2026 Guide)

Passport photo requirements for babies vary significantly between countries. Some countries relax rules for infants (like the open-eyes requirement), while others apply the same strict standards regardless of age. This guide covers the specific baby photo rules for 20 major countries.

Key Differences for Baby Photos

Before diving into country-specific rules, here are the common ways baby photos differ from adult requirements:

1. Eyes open: Most countries relax this for infants under 1 year
2. Expression: Neutral expression rules are loosened for very young babies
3. Support visibility: Some countries allow white support (sheets, car seats) if not prominent
4. Head position: Slight tilts are often tolerated for infants

United States (2×2 inches / 51×51mm)

The US State Department requires baby passport photos to follow the same 2×2 inch dimensions as adults. However, for infants:

• Eyes do not need to be open for children under 1 year
• The photo should show the baby's face clearly, mouth closed
• No parent's hands, toys, or pacifiers should be visible
• White background required
• Head height should be 1 to 1-3/8 inches from chin to top of head

The US is relatively lenient with infant photos compared to some countries. The most common rejection reason is visible parent support (hands or fingers holding the baby).

United Kingdom (35×45mm)

The UK Passport Office has specific baby photo rules:

• Children under 1 year do not need to have their eyes open
• The photo must show the baby on their own (no parent visible)
• Plain cream or light grey background
• No head covering, dummy/pacifier, or toys
• Head can be supported by a hand IF the hand is not visible

UK baby photos are processed more leniently, but the background color is a common issue — the UK accepts cream and light grey, not just white.

Canada (50×70mm)

Canadian passport photos for babies follow these rules:

• Eyes do not need to be open for children under 1 year
• A white or light grey background
• The baby must be the only person in the photo
• A plain white sheet background is acceptable for infant photos
• No visible support, pacifiers, or toys

Canada uses a larger photo format (50×70mm) which gives more room for the baby's head and shoulders. This can actually make positioning easier.

European Union / Schengen Countries (35×45mm)

Most EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.) follow similar rules:

• Infants under 6 months: eyes do not need to be open, expression rules relaxed
• Children 6 months to 5 years: eyes should be open, slight expression variation acceptable
• White or light-colored background
• No visible support
• Head should be centered and facing forward

Individual countries may have slight variations. Germany is notably strict about background uniformity, while France is more lenient about infant expressions.

Australia (35×45mm)

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs has specific baby rules:

• Children under 4: eyes do not need to be open
• Children under 4: neutral expression not strictly required
• White background
• No visible support or props
• The face must be in sharp focus

Australia is one of the most lenient countries for baby photos, with relaxed rules for children under 4 rather than just under 1.

India (35×35mm for passport)

India uses a smaller passport photo format:

• No specific age-based relaxations documented
• Eyes should preferably be open at any age
• White background
• No visible support
• Face must be centered

India applies the same standards to all ages, which makes infant photos more challenging. Taking many burst-mode photos increases the chance of catching open eyes.

Japan (35×45mm)

Japan has strict photo requirements generally, but some relaxation for infants:

• Infants under approximately 1 year: eyes not strictly required to be open
• White background required
• No visible support, toys, or other people
• 600 DPI minimum resolution

Japan's 600 DPI requirement is higher than most countries. Ensure your photo tool outputs at the correct resolution.

Tips for Any Country

Regardless of the specific country rules:

1. Always use a white background — it is universally accepted
2. Remove ALL props — pacifiers, bibs, hats, toys, blankets (except the background sheet)
3. Take 20+ photos — burst mode is your friend with babies
4. Use natural light — avoid flash and overhead lighting
5. Check the specific requirements for your country using a passport photo tool that knows the exact dimensions

When in doubt, apply the strictest interpretation. A photo that meets the most demanding country's requirements will be accepted everywhere.