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The Challenge
Czech passport applications at embassies and consulates require 50×50mm photos — a non-standard size that most photo booths and services don't offer. Using the wrong 35×45mm visa format for a passport application results in automatic rejection.
Czech passport photos are NOT the same size as visa photos
- Passport (embassy/consulate): 50×50mm — this tool
- Visa, residence permit, ID card: 35×45mm — use the visa/ID tool instead
- Using 35×45mm photos for a passport application will be rejected
- Using 50×50mm photos for a visa application will also be rejected
- Always confirm which format your specific embassy requires
Czech passport photo requirements at embassies
Czech embassies and consulates abroad (MZV — Ministry of Foreign Affairs) require 50×50mm photos for passport applications. This is a non-standard size not commonly available at photo booths or drugstore services. Head height from chin to crown (excluding hair) must be 32-36mm. Both colour and monochromatic photos are accepted — unusual for European passports. Head must be centred with shoulders visible. Two identical photos are required per application.
Czech passport photo requirements — will your photo be accepted?
- 50×50mm dimensions (NOT 35×45mm visa format)
- Head height 32-36mm from chin to crown (excluding hair)
- Head centred and straight, facing camera directly
- Sufficient space above head (minimum visible margin)
- White or light grey background, plain with no shadows
- Taken within last 6 months showing current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Eyes not covered by hair
- No sunglasses (tinted glasses only for blind persons)
- No headwear except religious/medical with documentation
- Colour or black and white accepted
- High resolution, smooth surface, no scratches or wrinkles
- No retouching or digital alterations to facial features
- Shoulders visible in frame
Common rejection reasons
- Using 35×45mm visa format instead of required 50×50mm
- Head height outside 32-36mm range
- Head tilted, rotated, or not centred
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo does not reflect current appearance
- Glasses causing glare or reflection covering eyes
- Hair covering eyes or face
- Low resolution or visible pixelation
- Retouched or digitally altered photo
- Photo taken from above, below, or at an angle
How to print Czech passport photos at home
- Paper: Use matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Czech authorities accept both finishes.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4 photos, or A4 for up to 8 photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 50×50mm. Use ruler to confirm — this is not a standard size so extra care needed.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '50×50mm Czech passport format'. Many shops may not stock this size — bring the file and dimensions.
Why Czech passports use a different photo size
Czech passport law originated from a pre-EU era when Czechoslovakia used larger photo formats. While the Czech Republic adopted 35×45mm for visa and ID card applications per EU/Schengen standards, embassy passport applications retained the 50×50mm format. The Toronto consulate references a 70×50mm source photo that gets cropped to the standard — the actual embedded photo is 50×50mm. Always verify with your specific embassy, as requirements can differ between missions.
Good vs bad Czech passport photo examples
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Photo studio: €10-20 for 2 photos (many studios unfamiliar with 50×50mm format)
- Photo booth: Typically unavailable in 50×50mm — booths only offer standard sizes
- This tool: Free. Print at home for €0.30-0.60 per sheet
- Print at photo shop with your file: €3-8 for custom-size prints
- Savings: €7-20 per application using DIY approach
- Note: Many photo services charge premium for non-standard sizes — confirm price first
Need a visa, residence permit, or ID card photo?
This tool is specifically for Czech passport applications (50×50mm). For Schengen visa, residence permit, employee card, or Czech ID card applications, use the 35×45mm Czech visa and ID photo tool. The two formats are not interchangeable.
Official Czech Government Resources
- Passport Picture Standards — Czech Consulate Toronto Official Czech consulate passport photo requirements
- Photograph Requirements — Czech Ministry of Interior Official 35×45mm photo specifications for visa and residence applications
- Photo Requirements — MZV (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Czech MFA photo requirements for visa applications
- ICAO Photo Guidelines International biometric photo standards referenced by Czech authorities
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload and Position Face
Select Enhancement Variant
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 50×50 mm (5×5 cm)
- Resolution
- 1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32-36 mm (64-72% of frame)
- Top Margin
- Sufficient space above head
- Background
- White or light grey
- Colour
- Colour or black and white accepted
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- Czech passport (embassy/consulate applications)
Best Practices
- Czech passport photos are 50×50mm — NOT the standard EU 35×45mm format
- Head height must be 32-36mm from chin to crown (not including hair)
- Both colour and black-and-white photos accepted — unusual for European passports
- Most photo booths don't offer 50×50mm — use this tool and print at home
- Two identical photos required per passport application
- Verify exact requirements with your specific embassy before printing
- Glasses are discouraged but prescription glasses allowed without glare
- Head must be straight and centred with shoulders visible
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Czech passport photos?
Czech passport applications at embassies and consulates require 50×50mm (5×5cm) square photos. This differs from the 35×45mm format used for Czech visa and ID card applications. Using the wrong size will result in rejection.
Can I use 35×45mm photos for a Czech passport?
No. Czech passport applications at embassies require 50×50mm photos. The 35×45mm format is only for visa, residence permit, and ID card applications. They are not interchangeable.
Can Czech passport photos be black and white?
Yes. Czech authorities accept both colour and monochromatic (black and white) passport photos. This is unusual among European countries. Colour is recommended as it provides better identification.
What head height for Czech passport photos?
Head height from chin to crown (top of head, not hair) must be 32-36mm. Head must be centred and straight, facing camera directly. Sufficient margin must be visible above the head.
What background for Czech passport photos?
White or light grey, plain and uniform. No shadows, patterns, or objects. Light blue is also acceptable for visa/ID photos per Czech Ministry of Interior rules, but white or light grey is safest for all applications.
How many photos needed for Czech passport?
Two identical 50×50mm photos are required per application. Print extras as backup — this non-standard size is not easily available from walk-in services.
Where can I print 50×50mm photos?
Most photo booths and standard services don't offer 50×50mm. Print at home on photo-quality paper, or bring the file to a photo shop specifying '50×50mm Czech passport format'. Confirm the shop can print custom sizes before ordering.
Can I wear glasses in Czech passport photos?
Sunglasses are not allowed (exception: blind persons). Prescription glasses are permitted but not recommended — frames must not cover eyes and lenses must not cause glare or reflections.
Are Czech passport and visa photos the same?
No. Passport: 50×50mm (embassy applications). Visa, residence permit, ID card: 35×45mm. Different sizes, different configs. Use the correct tool for each document type.