South Africa Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A South African passport photo must be 35×45 mm on a plain white background. The head — chin to crown — must be 32 to 36 mm. The Department of Home Affairs applies these specifications to passports, visas, and the driving licence. In practice, Home Affairs captures the biometric photo on-site for the Smart ID and passport.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa Passport | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| South Africa Visa | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) | |
| South Africa Driving Licence | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain white. No textures, patterns, or shadows.
Expression and eyes
Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. No smiling.
Glasses
Glasses are not recommended. If worn, no glare and eyes fully visible.
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 Home Affairs eHomeAffairs online application, biometric photos meet ICAO standards at 35×45 mm equivalent resolution.
Country-specific notes
- Department of Home Affairs captures biometric photos on-site at the Smart ID and passport appointment.
- Some bank branches (Standard Bank, Absa, FNB, Nedbank) now offer passport and Smart ID capture services.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Background is not pure white.
- 2 Smiling or showing teeth.
- 3 Glasses cause glare.
- 4 Photo older than six months.
- 5 Head tilted.
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.
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. Our app verifies the rules before saving.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a South African passport photo? +
Does Home Affairs take my photo? +
Can I take a South African passport photo at home? +
Does the same photo work for the South African driving licence? +
Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.