Russia Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A Russian passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain white or light grey background. The head — chin to crown — must be 32 to 36 mm. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) applies these specifications to both the internal Russian passport (used as primary ID) and the international (foreign-travel) passport. Russian visas issued abroad use the same spec.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Russia Internal Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Russia International Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Russia Visa | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| Russia Driving Licence | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain white or light grey. No textures, patterns, or shadows.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling.
Glasses
Glasses are allowed only for daily wearers, with clear non-tinted lenses and no glare. Sunglasses are not permitted.
Headwear
No headwear except for daily religious wear that does not cover the face.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
Digital format
For Russian e-services via Gosuslugi, biometric photos must be JPEG at minimum 600×800 pixels matching 35×45 mm.
Country-specific notes
- Russia uses both an internal passport (primary domestic ID) and an international passport for foreign travel — same 35×45 mm photo format.
- For the biometric international passport, MVD captures a photo on-site at the application appointment.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Background is not plain white or light grey.
- 2 Smiling or showing teeth.
- 3 Glasses cause glare on the lenses.
- 4 Photo is older than six months.
- 5 Head not facing camera squarely.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Plain light background
Stand 0.5 m from a plain white or light grey wall. Diffuse daylight in front, no shadow behind.
Take a neutral shot
Camera at eye level, 1.5 m away. Mouth closed, neutral expression.
Output 35×45 mm
Photo must be 35×45 mm with head 32–36 mm. Our app verifies the rules before saving.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Russian passport photo? +
Does the same photo work for the internal and international Russian passport? +
Are glasses allowed in a Russian passport photo? +
Does the same photo work for a Russian visa? +
Can I take a Russian passport photo at home? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.