Uzbekistan Passport Photo

Uzbekistan Passport Photo -- The DKXaT and OVIR Standards

Uzbekistan's passport system is managed by the Davlat xavfsizlik xizmati (State Security Service) through the Ichki ishlar vazirligi (Ministry of Internal Affairs) registration and visa offices, historically known as OVIR (Otdel Viz i Registratsii). Since President Mirziyoyev's reform era beginning in 2017, Uzbekistan has modernized its passport infrastructure dramatically -- introducing biometric passports, launching the my.gov.uz unified service portal, and establishing a network of Xalq qabulxonalari (Public Reception Centres) where citizens can complete passport applications in a single visit. The biometric passport rollout, completed nationwide by 2021, introduced strict ICAO-standard photo requirements that replaced the older, more relaxed specifications.

Applications are filed through regional passport desks at OVIR offices or via the digital portal at my.gov.uz. For Uzbek citizens abroad, embassies and consulates in Moscow, Istanbul, Seoul, and other major cities handle passport services. Photo requirements are the same regardless of where the application is submitted.

Photo Dimensions and Technical Standards

Dimensions:

• 35 x 45 mm (413 x 531 pixels at 300 DPI)
• Head height (chin to crown): 28-33 mm
• Face positioned in the centre of the frame with equal spacing on both sides

Background:

• Strictly white -- no cream, grey, or coloured backgrounds
• Uzbekistan does not accept the light blue backgrounds formerly used in some CIS countries
• Must be completely uniform with no visible shadows, texture, or gradients

Print requirements:

• Matte photo paper is preferred by OVIR offices -- glossy is also accepted but matte is the default in local studios
• High-resolution print with sharp facial features and clear eye detail
• No inkjet or laser printouts on office paper

Digital specifications (for my.gov.uz portal):

• JPEG format
• Minimum 413 x 531 pixels
• File size: 100-300 KB
• White background, same composition as printed version
• No compression artifacts or visible pixelation

Expression, Dress, and Appearance Requirements

• Neutral expression with no smile -- mouth closed, both eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera
• Face perfectly frontal, no head tilt in any direction
• Both ears must be visible. OVIR offices enforce this rule consistently -- hair, head coverings, or accessories that obscure either ear will cause rejection.
• Prescription glasses must be removed. Uzbekistan adopted a strict no-glasses policy aligned with the biometric passport system. No exceptions for clear lenses.
• Head coverings are permitted only for religious reasons. Women wearing ro'mol (traditional Uzbek headscarf) or hijab for religious observance may keep the covering on, provided the full facial oval from forehead to chin is visible and the ears remain exposed or the covering sits behind them. Documentation of religious observance may be requested.
• Men may not wear do'ppi (traditional embroidered skullcap) in passport photos unless worn for documented religious reasons. The do'ppi is considered cultural rather than religious headwear by OVIR standards.
• No military, police, or security service uniforms. Civilian clothing must be worn.
• Tattoos on the face or neck must be visible as-is -- no makeup or digital retouching to conceal them.

The OVIR Submission Process

OVIR offices across Uzbekistan (one in each viloyat capital plus multiple in Tashkent) are where most passport applications are processed. The photo submission process has two paths:

In-office capture: Many modernized OVIR offices in Tashkent and major cities now offer on-site digital photo capture using calibrated equipment. The digital image feeds directly into the passport production system. Cost is included in the application fee. This is the simplest route -- you arrive, they photograph you, no external photos needed.

External photos: Smaller OVIR offices, Xalq qabulxonalari, and all embassy/consulate applications require applicants to supply printed photos. Bring 4 identical prints on matte or glossy paper. Photos older than 6 months are not accepted.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Uzbekistan

Tashkent: Photo studios (fotostudiya) are found throughout the city, with concentrations near Chorsu Bazaar, along Amir Temur ko'chasi, and in the Yunusabad district near government offices. Passport photo sets cost 15,000-30,000 UZS for 4-6 prints. Studios near OVIR offices on Bunyodkor ko'chasi charge at the higher end but reliably produce compliant output. Ask for "pasport rasm" (passport photo) to get the correct sizing.

Samarkand, Bukhara, and Fergana Valley: Studios in these regional centres charge 10,000-20,000 UZS. In historic city centres (particularly Bukhara's old town), some studios primarily serve tourists and may default to visa or ID card sizes -- confirm 35x45mm before they shoot.

Nukus, Urgench, and Karakalpakstan: Fewer studio options but generally adequate quality at 8,000-15,000 UZS. Studios near the regional hokimiyat (government building) are most familiar with current passport specifications.

Photo booths: Automated photo booths have appeared in Tashkent metro stations and some government service centres. Cost: 10,000-15,000 UZS for a strip of 4 photos. Quality is adequate and the booth guides you through positioning, but check that the printout meets the white background standard -- some older booths produce slightly grey backgrounds.

Self-service at print shops: Digital photo files can be printed at copy centres (nusxa markazi) in most cities for 2,000-5,000 UZS per sheet. Bring the file on your phone or USB drive. Confirm matte photo paper is available.

Baby and Child Passport Photos

Uzbekistan issues biometric passports to citizens of all ages, including newborns. Children's photo requirements:

• Infants under 1 year: The baby should be positioned on a white surface, photographed from above. Only the child's face and upper body should be visible. Eyes may be partially closed for infants under 3 months. No pacifiers, hats, or do'ppi.
• Children 1-5 years: Both eyes open, neutral expression, mouth closed. The child must face the camera directly. A parent may support the child from behind, invisible in the frame. The ear-visibility rule applies but is applied with some leniency for toddlers.
• Children 6 and above: Full adult requirements, including ear visibility and no glasses.

OVIR offices with in-office photo capture can photograph children -- staff are experienced with positioning young applicants.

Passport Validity and Exit Sticker Considerations

Uzbek passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. Until recently, Uzbek citizens required an exit sticker (vyezdnaya viza) affixed to their passport before international travel. This requirement was abolished in 2019 as part of President Mirziyoyev's reforms. However, the passport itself must still contain a valid biometric photo that matches the holder's current appearance -- OVIR may request a new passport if the photo no longer resembles the holder, even if the passport is still within its validity period.

Common Rejection Reasons at OVIR Offices

OVIR officers flag these problems most frequently:

1. Ears not visible -- hair, headscarves, or do'ppi covering one or both ears is the leading rejection cause
2. Glasses in photo -- applicants accustomed to the pre-biometric system, which permitted glasses, continue to submit non-compliant photos
3. Background not white -- studios using fabric backdrops that have yellowed or greyed over time produce off-white results
4. Head tilted -- even a slight tilt is caught by the biometric verification system
5. Do'ppi or non-religious head covering -- OVIR classifies the traditional skullcap as cultural, not religious, and rejects photos where it is worn without religious documentation
6. Photo older than 6 months -- OVIR checks submission dates and compares the photo to the applicant's appearance at the office
7. Smile or teeth showing -- the biometric system requires a neutral baseline expression

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I wear a do'ppi in my Uzbek passport photo? A: Generally no. The do'ppi is classified as cultural headwear, not religious. OVIR requires the top of the head to be visible. Exceptions may be granted with documentation from a recognized religious authority confirming the skullcap is worn for religious observance.

Q: Are both ears required to be visible? A: Yes. Uzbekistan enforces ear visibility strictly. Tie back hair, remove earphones, and ensure no head covering obscures the ears unless you have a religious exemption.

Q: Can I submit my photo digitally through the my.gov.uz portal? A: Yes. The portal accepts JPEG uploads meeting the specified dimensions and quality standards. Your digital submission is reviewed before the application is approved. You may still need to bring printed photos to your in-person appointment depending on the office.

Q: How long does an Uzbek passport take to process? A: Standard processing takes 15-30 working days. Expedited processing (available in Tashkent and some regional capitals) takes 5-10 working days for an additional fee.

Q: Can Uzbek citizens living abroad apply for passport renewal? A: Yes, through Uzbek embassies and consulates. The largest volumes are processed in Moscow, Istanbul, Seoul, and New York, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo requirements are identical to domestic applications.

Q: Is the Uzbek passport photo size the same as Russia's? A: Both use 35x45mm, but Uzbekistan requires white backgrounds while Russia accepts light grey. Additionally, Uzbekistan prohibits glasses while Russia still permits them under certain conditions. Do not assume a Russian passport photo will pass Uzbek review.