Albania Passport Photo

Albania Passport Photo -- Biometric Standards for EU Candidate Country

Albania uses a 40x50mm passport photo format -- larger than the 35x45mm standard common across most of Europe. This difference catches many applicants off guard, particularly Albanians returning from EU countries where they have grown accustomed to the smaller format. The Albanian State Police (Policia e Shtetit), specifically the Directorate for Local Police and Migration (Drejtoria e Policise Vendore dhe Migracionit), manages biometric passport issuance through local police commissariats (komisariateve te policise) in each municipality. Albania began issuing biometric e-passports in 2009, and the current generation includes an RFID chip with facial biometric data.

Passport applications are submitted in person at the local police commissariat or through the e-Albania government services portal at e-albania.al. Since Albania became an EU candidate country, its passport photo standards have been gradually harmonized with ICAO 9303, though the 40x50mm dimension remains a national deviation. Albanian citizens traveling visa-free in the Schengen zone since 2010 need their passport photo to pass both Albanian domestic checks and international border screening systems.

Photo Dimensions and Resolution

Physical specifications:

• 40 x 50 mm (472 x 591 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height from chin to crown: 30-36 mm
• Face width across cheekbones: approximately 26-30 mm
• Eyes positioned in the middle horizontal third of the photo
• 3-5 mm of space between the top of the head and the upper edge of the photo

Digital file (for e-Albania online applications):

• JPEG format
• Minimum 472 x 591 pixels
• Maximum file size: 2 MB
• Full colour, no desaturation or sepia effects
• sRGB colour space preferred

Print quality:

• Matte or semi-matte photo paper
• No visible pixelation, compression artifacts, or banding
• Clean edges with no fraying or irregularities

Background and Lighting Rules

• Pure white background -- Albanian commissariats are strict about this; off-white, cream, or pale grey backgrounds are rejected
• Uniform lighting across the entire background surface -- no gradients or hotspots
• No shadows cast by the applicant onto the background
• The background must not contain any visible patterns, objects, or textures

Expression, Pose, and Face Visibility

• Neutral expression with mouth firmly closed -- no teeth visible, no raised eyebrows
• Both eyes open wide, iris and pupil clearly visible, gaze directed at the camera
• Face perfectly straight and frontal -- no head tilt in any direction
• Both ears should be visible, though this is less strictly enforced than in some Asian countries
• Hair must not cover the eyebrows or any part of the eyes
• The full face from the chin to the natural hairline must be visible

Albania-Specific Regulations

Glasses: Albania prohibits glasses of all types in passport photos. This includes prescription frames with clear lenses, reading glasses, and tinted lenses. The rule has been in effect since the introduction of biometric passports and is enforced consistently.

Head coverings: Not permitted except for religious or medical reasons, supported by documentation. A head covering for religious purposes must leave the full face visible and must not cast any shadows. Albania's secular legal framework means religious head covering exemptions require clear justification.

Earrings and accessories: Small stud earrings are permitted. Large earrings, headbands, hair clips that alter the head silhouette, or any accessory that changes the facial outline must be removed.

Photo recency: The photo must be taken within 6 months of the application date. The biometric enrollment at the commissariat includes a live facial capture that is compared against the submitted photo -- significant appearance changes will cause a mismatch.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Albania

Photo studios (foto studio) near police commissariats: Every city and town in Albania has small photography shops near the police commissariat. These studios know the exact 40x50mm specification. In Tirana, studios on Rruga Barrikadave and near the Commissariat of Police in Blloku offer passport photo services. Expect to pay 300-600 ALL for a set of 4 prints. Studios in smaller cities like Durres, Vlore, Shkoder, and Elbasan charge 200-400 ALL.

Shopping centres and mall kiosks: Tirana's QTU (Tirana East Gate) and TEG (Tirana East Mall) shopping centres have photo kiosks that produce passport-format photos. Pricing: 400-700 ALL per set. Confirm the output dimensions are 40x50mm, not 35x45mm.

Print shops and internet cafes: In smaller towns, internet cafes and print shops can print passport-sized photos if you provide a compliant digital file. Cost: 100-200 ALL for printing alone. The quality of paper and printers varies -- bring your own photo paper if possible.

Albanian diaspora: Albanians applying through embassies in Greece, Italy, Germany, the UK, or the US should find a local studio and explicitly request the 40x50mm format. Many European studios default to 35x45mm. Always verify the dimensions before submitting.

E-Albania Online Application and Digital Photos

Albania's e-Albania portal allows applicants to begin the passport process online, including uploading a digital photo. The digital requirements are:

• JPEG format, minimum 472 x 591 pixels
• Maximum 2 MB file size
• White background, colour photograph
• No scanned prints -- must be captured directly with a digital camera or smartphone
• No beauty mode, portrait mode blur, or any filter applied

Even with an online start, applicants must visit a police commissariat in person for biometric enrollment -- fingerprint capture and a live facial photograph. The digital upload is pre-screened before your appointment is confirmed.

Baby and Child Passport Photos

Albanian children must have their own biometric passport for international travel. Photo rules for children are the same dimensions as adults, with the following adjustments:

Infants (under 1 year): The baby should be laid on a white sheet and photographed from above. Only the baby should be in the frame. Eyes partially open are accepted for newborns under 6 months. No bottles, pacifiers, or parent hands visible.

Toddlers (1-5 years): Seat the child in a chair covered with a white cloth, positioned in front of a plain white background. Both eyes open, neutral expression. Most foto studios in Albanian cities are accustomed to photographing children for documents and will work efficiently.

Children (6 and older): Full adult requirements apply. Both ears visible, no glasses, neutral expression, 40x50mm format.

Note on child passport validity: Albanian child passports are valid for 5 years (compared to 10 years for adults), so children will need updated photos more frequently.

Common Reasons Albanian Passport Photos Get Rejected

1. Wrong dimensions -- submitting 35x45mm photos (the European standard) instead of the Albanian 40x50mm format is the single most common error
2. Glasses in photo -- applicants unfamiliar with the ban on glasses submit photos with prescription frames
3. Background not white enough -- off-white walls and beige tones fail the commissariat's inspection
4. Face partially obscured by hair -- hair falling across the forehead or over one eye triggers rejection
5. Photo too old -- the live biometric capture at the commissariat reveals when photos do not match the applicant's current appearance
6. Head tilted -- even a subtle tilt is caught during the biometric registration process

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Albania use 40x50mm instead of the standard European 35x45mm? A: Albania adopted its photo specifications before harmonizing with EU passport standards, and the 40x50mm format has remained in place through successive passport generations. This may change as EU accession negotiations progress, but for now, 40x50mm remains the requirement.

Q: Can I apply for an Albanian passport online? A: You can begin the application process through e-albania.al, which includes uploading a digital photo. However, you must still visit a police commissariat in person for biometric enrollment (fingerprints and live photo capture).

Q: Are glasses allowed in Albanian passport photos? A: No. Albania prohibits all glasses in passport photos, regardless of type. Remove them before the photo is taken.

Q: How much does a passport photo cost in Tirana? A: Studios near the police commissariat charge 300-600 ALL for a set of 4 prints. Mall kiosks charge 400-700 ALL. Printing a pre-made digital file at a print shop costs 100-200 ALL.

Q: I live in Italy. Can I use Italian passport photo booths? A: Only if the booth offers the 40x50mm format. Most Italian booths produce 35x45mm photos by default, which are the wrong dimensions for an Albanian passport. Confirm the output size before using the booth.

Q: How recent must my Albanian passport photo be? A: Within 6 months of the application date. The photo must match your current appearance at the biometric enrollment appointment.