Canada Passport Photo Requirements
Official photo requirements for Canada passport applications. Follow these specifications exactly to ensure your photo is accepted. Photo size is rectangular (50mm wide × 70mm high), not square
Official Photo Size
The photo must be exactly 2×2.75 (approx). This is a critical requirement—photos that don't match the exact dimensions will be rejected.
| Inches | 2×2.75 (approx) |
| Millimeters | 50×70 |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 590×826 px |
Tip
Background & Lighting
Background: Plain white or light-colored. The background must be uniform with no shadows, patterns, or other people visible.
- No shadows on the background or your face
- No patterns, textures, or decorations
- No other people or objects visible
- Uniform color throughout
- Even lighting with no harsh shadows
Face & Head Size Rules
Head size: 31-36mm from chin to top of head. Your face must be positioned correctly in the frame.
- Face the camera directly (no tilting)
- Expression: Neutral expression (no smiling)
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Head centered in the frame
- Shoulders visible in the photo
What You Can Wear (Glasses, Head Coverings)
Understanding what accessories and clothing are allowed:
- Glasses: Allowed if no glare, but removal recommended
- Clothing: Regular clothing
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes
- Head coverings must not cast shadows on your face
- Your face must be fully visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
Photo Quality Requirements
Professional quality, sharp focus, 300 DPI recommended
- Sharp focus with no blur
- High resolution (minimum 300 DPI for printing)
- No filters or digital alterations
- Color photo (no black and white)
- Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
Common Rejection Reasons
Photos that don't meet these requirements will be rejected, delaying your application. Common issues specific to Canada passport applications:
- Wrong photo size (not 2×2.75 (approx))
- Incorrect background (not plain white or light-colored)
- Wrong head size (not 31-36mm from chin to top of head)
- Poor photo quality (blurry or pixelated)
- Wrong expression (Neutral expression (no smiling))
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo too old (taken more than 6 months ago)
- Digital alterations or filters
- Wrong size (not 50×70mm)
- Square format instead of rectangular
- Poor photo quality
Local Notes for Canada
- Canadian passport photos use a rectangular format (50×70mm), not square
- Professional photography is strongly recommended
- Photos must be taken by a commercial photographer or at a passport office
- Photo size is rectangular (50mm wide × 70mm high), not square
- Professional photo strongly recommended
- No shadows on face or background
Printing Tips for Canada
- Canadian photos are rectangular (50×70mm), not square
- Professional printing is recommended for best results
- Ensure the photo meets exact size requirements
Create a Canada Passport Photo Online
Use our tool to create a compliant passport photo. We'll automatically:
- Crop to exactly 2×2.75 (approx)
- Fix background to plain white or light-colored
- Ensure proper head size (31-36mm from chin to top of head)
- Align face correctly
- Export at 300 DPI for print quality
Create Your Passport Photo
Upload your photo and we'll make it compliant with Canada requirements
Canada Passport Photo Requirements FAQs
What size is a Canadian passport photo?
Canadian passport photos are 50mm wide × 70mm high (rectangular, not square). This is different from the 2×2 square format used in the US.
Can I take a Canadian passport photo at home?
While you can take the photo at home, professional photography is strongly recommended for Canadian passport applications to ensure compliance.
What is the head size requirement?
Your head must be between 31-36mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.