Pakistan Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A Pakistani passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain white background. The head — from chin to crown — must be between 32 and 36 mm. NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) applies these specifications to the Pakistani passport, the NIC/CNIC (National Identity Card), and visa applications. In practice, NADRA captures a biometric photo at the appointment.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Pakistan Visa | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Pakistan NADRA NIC | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain white only. No patterns, shadows, or coloured walls.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling.
Glasses
Glasses are not allowed in Pakistani biometric photos. Remove them for the photo.
Headwear
No headwear except for daily religious wear (hijab) that does not cover the face.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
Digital format
For Pak-Identity online applications, digital photos are JPEG at minimum 35×45 mm aspect ratio.
Country-specific notes
- NADRA captures a biometric photo at your CNIC/passport appointment — your submitted printed photo is a backup.
- Pakistani biometric photos do not allow glasses.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Wearing glasses.
- 2 Background is not pure white.
- 3 Smiling or showing teeth.
- 4 Photo is older than six months.
- 5 Head not facing camera squarely.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Plain white background
Stand 0.5 m from a pure white wall. Diffuse daylight in front, no shadow behind.
Remove your glasses
Camera at eye level, 1.5 m away. No glasses. Neutral expression, mouth closed.
Verify NADRA compliance
Photo must be 35×45 mm with head 32–36 mm. Our app verifies NADRA rules before saving.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Pakistani passport photo? +
Can I wear glasses for a Pakistani passport photo? +
Will NADRA take my photo at the appointment? +
Does the same photo work for CNIC? +
Can I take a Pakistani passport photo at home? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.