Azerbaijan Passport Photo

Azerbaijan Passport Photo -- ASAN Service Standards and Requirements

Azerbaijan modernized its passport issuance system through the ASAN Xidmet (ASAN Service) centres -- a network of government service hubs that process passport applications alongside dozens of other public services. The State Migration Service (Dovlet Migrasia Xidmeti) sets the photo specifications, while ASAN centres handle the actual application intake in major cities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs manages consular services for Azerbaijani citizens abroad. Azerbaijan adopted biometric passports in 2013, storing facial and fingerprint data on an embedded chip, and the photo requirements follow ICAO 9303 standards with a 30x40mm print format that differs from the 35x45mm used in neighbouring Turkey and Georgia.

Applications can be filed at ASAN Xidmet centres in Baku, Sumgait, Ganja, and other cities, or at regional State Migration Service offices. The State Migration Service website at migration.gov.az publishes official requirements. Azerbaijan's online government portal also supports some passport-related services. ASAN centres are known for their efficiency -- passport processing through ASAN typically takes 3-10 working days, one of the fastest turnaround times in the post-Soviet region.

Dimensional Standards

Print format:

• 30 x 40 mm (354 x 472 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height from chin to crown: 24-30 mm
• Face centred horizontally with balanced spacing on both sides
• Eye line positioned roughly in the upper half of the photo
• 2-4 mm of space above the top of the head

Digital specifications (for online submissions):

• JPEG format, minimum 354 x 472 pixels
• Maximum file size: 1 MB
• Full colour image with natural tones
• sRGB colour space

Paper and print quality:

• Matte or semi-matte photo paper
• No pixelation, colour banding, or compression artifacts
• Clean-cut edges, no fraying or rough borders
• High-contrast print with accurate skin tone reproduction

Background Requirements

• Pure white -- Azerbaijan's ASAN centres use automated photo verification that detects non-white backgrounds
• Uniform across the entire visible area -- no gradients, shadows, or hotspots from uneven lighting
• No visible objects, walls, furniture, or textures behind the subject
• The background must clearly contrast with the subject's hair and clothing

Expression and Pose Standards

• Neutral expression -- mouth naturally closed, no smile, no visible teeth
• Both eyes open with pupils and irises clearly visible
• Gaze directed straight at the camera lens
• Head facing forward with no rotation, tilt, or angle
• Full face visible from chin to forehead
• Both ears visible -- hair should be tucked behind the ears

Azerbaijan-Specific Regulations

Glasses prohibition: Azerbaijan does not permit any type of glasses in biometric passport photos. This rule, consistent across all ASAN centres and Migration Service offices, applies to prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, transition lenses, and sunglasses. The biometric chip stores a glasses-free facial template for border control matching.

Head coverings: Not permitted unless worn for religious reasons as part of daily practice. Women who wear hijab for religious observance may keep it in the photo, provided the entire face -- from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear -- remains visible. The covering must not produce any shadow on the face. A supporting declaration may be required.

Araxci (traditional Azerbaijani headwear): Traditional papaq (fur hats) or other cultural headwear is not permitted in passport photos regardless of cultural significance. Only coverings worn for active religious observance qualify for the exemption.

Cosmetics and appearance: Natural makeup is acceptable. Heavy contouring, dramatic eye makeup, or cosmetics that significantly alter facial proportions (such as extreme contouring or drawn-on eyebrows that differ substantially from natural brows) may cause issues during biometric comparison at border crossings.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Azerbaijan

ASAN Xidmet centres: Most ASAN centres in Baku (including the main centre on Neftchilar Avenue and the one in Narimanov district) have integrated photo booths that capture compliant biometric photos on-site. The ASAN photo service costs 3-5 AZN and produces photos guaranteed to meet specifications since the booth is calibrated to the exact requirements. This is the most reliable option.

Baku photo studios (foto studiya): Photography studios in central Baku -- on Nizami Street, near 28 May metro station, and in the Nasimi district -- offer passport photo services. Prices range from 5-15 AZN for a set of 6-8 prints. Ask for "biometrik pasport ucun foto" (biometric passport photo) to ensure correct formatting. Studios near the main ASAN centre on Neftchilar Avenue specialize in document photos.

Regional cities: In Ganja, Sumgait, Lankaran, Shaki, and other cities, photo studios near ASAN centres or Migration Service offices provide passport photos. Expect 3-10 AZN per set. Quality is generally adequate, but verify the background is pure white and dimensions are 30x40mm.

Automated photo booths: Photo booths in Baku metro stations and shopping centres (Park Bulvar, 28 Mall, Ganjlik Mall) offer document photo options. Cost: 2-5 AZN. Select the passport photo template and verify the 30x40mm output. Avoid entertainment or filter modes.

Azerbaijani Document Photo Sizes

Different Azerbaijani documents require different photo dimensions:

• Biometric passport (30x40mm): The standard format used for the current passport
• National ID card / Shexsiyyet vesiqesi (30x40mm): Same dimensions as the passport
• Visa applications (30x40mm): Azerbaijani visa applications follow the same format
• Driver's licence (30x40mm): Consistent across most documents

The uniformity of the 30x40mm format across Azerbaijani documents means a single photo session can serve multiple purposes. However, each document application requires its own set of fresh prints.

Child and Infant Passport Photos

Azerbaijani children need individual passports for international travel. Child passport validity is 3 years.

Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby face-up on a white sheet. Photograph from directly above. Only the baby's face should be visible in the final photo -- no hands, toys, or coloured objects. For newborns under 6 months, partially closed eyes are tolerated. ASAN centres in Baku have staff experienced with infant photo capture.

Toddlers (1-4 years): Seat the child in front of a white background. A hidden parent can support from behind. Both eyes should be open. A neutral expression is expected, though ASAN staff apply reasonable flexibility for very young children.

Children (5 and older): Adult specifications apply fully. Ears visible, no glasses, neutral expression, pure white background.

Common Rejection Triggers at ASAN Centres

1. Glasses worn in photo -- the automated verification at ASAN centres immediately flags any eyeglasses
2. Background not pure white -- even slightly off-white or light grey triggers the automated system
3. Incorrect dimensions -- submitting 35x45mm photos from Turkish or Georgian studios instead of the required 30x40mm
4. Shadow on background -- the automated system detects shadow gradients behind the head
5. Eyes not fully open -- squinting, half-closed eyes, or heavy eyelids that obscure the iris
6. Head tilted -- the facial symmetry check in ASAN's automated system flags any visible head rotation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get my passport photo taken at the ASAN centre itself? A: Yes. Most ASAN Xidmet centres have built-in photo booths that produce compliant biometric photos for 3-5 AZN. This is the simplest option since the booth is calibrated to meet exact specifications.

Q: How does Azerbaijan's 30x40mm photo compare to other countries? A: Azerbaijan's 30x40mm is smaller than the 35x45mm used in Turkey, the EU, and most of the world. It is also different from the 51x51mm used in the US. If you obtain photos abroad, explicitly request the 30x40mm format.

Q: Are glasses allowed in Azerbaijani passport photos? A: No. All eyeglasses must be removed. No exceptions for prescription frames or clear lenses.

Q: How fast can I get an Azerbaijani passport through ASAN? A: Standard processing takes 3-10 working days. Urgent (express) processing is available for an additional fee and can be completed within 1-3 working days. Photo compliance is checked at submission -- a rejected photo will add delays.

Q: I hold dual Azerbaijani-Russian citizenship. Which photo format do I need? A: Note that Azerbaijan does not officially recognize dual citizenship. For an Azerbaijani passport, you must submit photos in the Azerbaijani 30x40mm format regardless of what other passport you hold. Russian passport photos use 35x45mm, which will not work.

Q: What currency are passport photo fees in? A: All fees are in Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). ASAN centre photo services cost 3-5 AZN. Studio prices range from 5-15 AZN in Baku, less in regional cities.