Israel Passport Photo

Israel Passport Photo -- Complete Guide

Israel's travel documents are issued by the Rashut HaUkhlusin VeHaHagira (Population and Immigration Authority), known colloquially as Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior). The agency processes applications for the darkon (passport), teudat ma'avar (travel document/laissez-passer), and teudat zehut (national identity card). Israel transitioned to biometric passports in 2017, and since 2024, the biometric darkon is the only passport type issued. Photo compliance is digitally verified at Misrad HaPnim offices, and the automated system rejects images that fail face-detection thresholds.

All specifications are published on gov.il. The rules apply to both darkon and teudat ma'avar applications, whether submitted in person at a Misrad HaPnim branch or through Israeli consulates abroad. Teudat zehut photos follow the same specifications but are captured live at the office.

Official Photo Requirements

Physical dimensions:

• 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height: 25-35 mm from chin to crown
• Face centered in the frame

Digital specifications:

• Format: JPEG
• Minimum resolution: 600 x 600 pixels
• Maximum file size: 5 MB
• Full-colour photo -- no black-and-white

Background and lighting:

• Light background -- white or light blue are both accepted
• Plain and uniform, with no gradient or texture
• No shadows on the face or background
• Even, front-facing lighting with natural skin tones

Expression and pose:

• Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
• Face directly facing the camera
• Full face visible from hairline to chin, ear to ear
• No tilting, turning, or raised eyebrows

Clothing and accessories:

• Glasses are permitted only if the lenses are completely clear (no tinting), there is no glare or reflection, and the frames do not obscure the eyes. However, removing glasses entirely is strongly recommended to avoid rejection
• Religious head coverings are fully permitted -- kippah (yarmulke), sheitel (wig), turban, hijab, or tichel (headscarf). The full face from forehead to chin must be visible
• No sunglasses or tinted lenses
• No hats or non-religious headwear
• No military berets or uniform headgear (IDF personnel must remove berets)

Recency: Must be taken within the last 12 months -- Israel allows a longer window than most countries.

Darkon vs Teudat Zehut vs Teudat Ma'avar

Israel issues several identity and travel documents, each with the same photo specifications but different application processes:

Darkon (passport): The standard Israeli biometric passport, valid for 5 years (10 years for ages 18-70 since 2024). Applications are submitted at Misrad HaPnim offices in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, and other cities, or through Israeli consulates abroad. You can bring printed photos, but many offices now capture your photo digitally on-site.

Teudat zehut (identity card): Israel's mandatory national ID. Since 2013, the biometric teudat zehut contains a chip with facial and fingerprint data. Photos for teudat zehut are always captured live at the Misrad HaPnim office -- you cannot bring your own.

Teudat ma'avar (travel document): Issued to non-citizens or those who cannot obtain a darkon. Same 35x45mm photo specifications. Applied for at Misrad HaPnim offices.

How to Take Your Israeli Passport Photo at Home

Camera setup: Use a smartphone rear camera. Position it at eye level on a tripod or stable surface. Stand 1.2-1.5 metres from the camera. Use a timer or ask someone to take the photo.

Background: A white or light blue wall works. Israel accepts both, though white is more universally safe. If you do not have a suitable wall, hang a plain white or pale blue sheet behind you. Ensure it is wrinkle-free and evenly lit. Stand about 15-20 cm from the background.

Lighting: Israel has strong natural sunlight year-round, but direct sunlight through a window creates harsh shadows. Position yourself facing a window with sheer curtains, or shoot on an overcast day. If using artificial light, two lamps at 45-degree angles are ideal. Avoid overhead-only lighting -- common in Israeli apartments -- which casts shadows under the nose and eyes.

Kippah and head covering placement: If wearing a kippah, ensure it sits naturally on your head and does not cast a shadow on your forehead. For a sheitel or tichel, the hairline area should be defined -- if the covering blends into a white background, consider using a light blue background instead.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Israel

• Misrad HaPnim offices -- Free (included in passport fee). Many branches now capture your photo digitally on-site. This is the most foolproof option -- the equipment is calibrated to the exact specification.
• Photo booths at post offices (Doar Yisrael) -- NIS 25-35. Automated booths at some post office branches produce ICAO-compliant photos. Available in major cities.
• Photo studios near Misrad HaPnim branches -- NIS 30-50. Studios in Jerusalem (near the Shlomtsiyon HaMalka branch), Tel Aviv (Salame Road area), and Haifa specialize in passport photos.
• Super-Pharm / Be Pharmacies -- NIS 30-40. Some larger branches offer passport photo services with digital printing.
• Photography studios in malls -- NIS 40-60. Dizengoff Center (Tel Aviv), Malha Mall (Jerusalem), and Grand Canyon (Haifa) have photo studios with passport photo services.

Budget tip: Use an online passport photo tool to create your image and print it at any printing service. A 4x6 inch print at a photo kiosk costs NIS 3-5 and can hold four 35x45mm photos. Many Israelis use this method since Misrad HaPnim appointments can be weeks away and it helps to verify your photo passes compliance before arriving.

IDF Service Members

Active IDF soldiers applying for a darkon must remove their beret, military cap, or any uniform headgear for the photo. Religious soldiers may keep their kippah. The photo must be in civilian clothing -- no uniform visible. Many soldiers take passport photos during pre-discharge (tash) processing.

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Glare on glasses -- If you choose to keep glasses on, any reflection from overhead lights or windows on the lenses causes automatic rejection. Removing glasses is safer.
2. Background too dark -- Light blue is accepted, but medium or dark blue, grey, or any non-uniform background fails.
3. Shadows on face -- Overhead lighting in many Israeli apartments causes deep shadows under the eyes and nose.
4. Head covering casting shadows -- Kippah, tichel, or hijab casting a shadow on the forehead or cheeks.
5. Military headgear or uniform -- Must be in civilian clothing with no military headwear.
6. Photo older than 12 months -- Unlike the 6-month window in most countries, Israel allows up to 12 months, but photos older than that are rejected.

Baby and Child Passport Photos (Tmunat Darkon l'Tinokot)

Misrad HaPnim processes darkon applications for Israeli children of all ages, including newborns. The biometric system at the office captures the child's photo, but many parents also need printed photos for consular or overseas applications.

Tinokot under 12 months: Lay the baby face-up on a plain white or light blue sheet and photograph from directly above. Israel's acceptance of light blue backgrounds is particularly useful for infants -- a pale blue sheet provides better contrast with light-skinned babies than white. Eyes do not need to be fully open for newborns under 6 months. No motzetz (pacifier), toys, or bibs visible. The parent must not appear in the frame.

Yeladim aged 1 to 5: Both eyes open, looking at the camera, neutral expression. At Misrad HaPnim offices, operators retake captures for fussy toddlers. For home photos, seat the child in a highchair draped with white or light blue cloth. A parent can hold the child from behind, fully hidden. Religious head coverings (kippah on boys) are permitted at any age with the same rules as adults.

Yeladim aged 6 and above: Full adult specifications apply. Children under 18 require a parent to sign the application.

Practical tip for Israeli parents: Schedule the Misrad HaPnim appointment for mid-morning when babies are typically alert and calm. The offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are air-conditioned, but bring a familiar blanket or toy to keep the baby settled during the wait -- remove all objects before the photo capture. Israel's 12-month photo validity window (longer than most countries) means you have more time between taking the photo and submitting the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a darkon and teudat ma'avar? A: A darkon is the standard Israeli passport, issued to Israeli citizens. A teudat ma'avar is a travel document issued to non-citizens, permanent residents, or citizens who cannot obtain a regular passport. Both use the same 35x45mm photo specifications.

Q: Can I wear a kippah in my Israeli passport photo? A: Yes. Religious head coverings -- kippah, sheitel, tichel, turban, hijab -- are all permitted. The full face from forehead to chin must be visible, and the covering must not cast shadows on the face.

Q: How long is an Israeli passport valid? A: Since 2024, the biometric darkon is valid for 10 years for adults aged 18-70, and 5 years for those under 18 or over 70.

Q: Can I apply for a passport online in Israel? A: Partially. You can book an appointment and begin the application process on gov.il, but biometric data capture (fingerprints and sometimes photos) must be done in person at a Misrad HaPnim office.

Q: I am a new immigrant (oleh chadash). Is the photo requirement different? A: No. The photo specifications are identical for all Israeli passport applicants. New immigrants receive a darkon through the same Misrad HaPnim process after obtaining citizenship.

Q: Can I use the same photo for my darkon and teudat zehut? A: No. The teudat zehut (biometric ID) photo is always captured live at the Misrad HaPnim office. You cannot bring your own photo for teudat zehut. The darkon accepts either live capture or printed photos depending on the branch.