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The Challenge
Israeli consulates abroad require 50×50mm passport photos with white background, face height 32-36mm, and strict biometric standards. Professional services charge ₪50-80 ($14-22). Rejected photos mean rebooking scarce consulate appointments.
Israeli passport photo requirements explained
Israeli consulates and embassies abroad require 50×50mm (5×5cm) passport photos for non-biometric passport applications, renewals, and travel documents (Teudat Ma'avar). When applying for a biometric passport at a Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) office inside Israel, the photo is taken on-site — no printed photo needed. However, consulate applications abroad, temporary passports, emergency travel documents, and children's passports all require two printed 50×50mm photos with white background. Face height from chin to hairline must be 32-36mm. The Israeli embassy in London specifically emphasises professional-quality lighting and will reject applications with insufficient photos.
Israel passport photo checklist — will your photo be accepted?
- 50×50mm dimensions (5×5cm) — NOT 35×45mm
- White or off-white background, plain and uniform
- Face height 32-36mm from chin to start of hairline
- Approximately 5mm space from top of hair to top of photo
- Recent photo reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open, fully visible, not obscured by hair
- No sunglasses — prescription glasses allowed but not recommended
- No jewellery (earrings, necklaces, piercings — all prohibited)
- Ears fully visible
- No shadows on face or background
- Even lighting on both sides of face
- Colour photo — black and white rejected
- 1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI minimum
- Two identical photos required per application
Common rejection reasons at Israeli consulates
- Using 35×45mm visa format instead of required 50×50mm passport size
- Jewellery visible in photo (strictly prohibited by Israeli authorities)
- Shadows on face or background — even lighting required on both sides
- Ears not fully visible (hair covering ears)
- Red-eye effect from flash photography
- Coloured or patterned background instead of plain white
- Face height outside 32-36mm range
- Prescription glasses causing glare or reflections
- Photo not sharp or properly focused
- Objects or other people visible in background
When do you need printed passport photos?
If applying for a biometric passport (Darkon Biometri) at a Population Authority office in Israel, the photo is taken digitally on-site — no printed photos needed. Printed 50×50mm photos ARE required for: passport applications at Israeli consulates and embassies abroad (non-biometric), temporary passport applications, emergency travel documents at Ben Gurion Airport, children's passport applications where the child cannot cooperate with on-site photography, and Teudat Ma'avar (travel document in lieu of passport). The Israeli embassy in London strongly advises getting photos taken at a professional store with proper lighting.
How to print Israel passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper (matte or glossy accepted). Israeli authorities do not specify paper finish preference.
- 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 larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 50×50mm (5×5cm). Use ruler to confirm.
- Quality check: Ensure no pixelation, even lighting, no red-eye, sharp focus.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. Specify '50×50mm passport photo' or '5×5cm'.
Good vs bad Israeli passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white sheet or blanket on floor
- Photograph from directly above with face centred in frame
- Children under 1 year: eyes do not need to be open (Israeli-specific rule)
- Remove all toys, pacifiers, bottles, and objects from frame
- If hand supports head, it must NOT be visible in photo
- Use natural window light or diffused overhead light — no direct flash
- Child must be alone in photo — no other people visible
- Expect 10-20 attempts for one compliant photo — normal for young children
Israel passport photo is DIFFERENT from visa photo
- Passport (consulate): 50×50mm (5×5cm) — square format
- Visa/permits: 35×45mm — portrait format
- Cannot use visa photos for passport applications — dimensions don't match
- Cannot use passport photos for visa applications — dimensions don't match
- Both require white background and 32-36mm face height
Israel biometric passport vs non-biometric passport
Biometric passports (Darkon Biometri) are issued only at Population Authority offices in Israel — your photo is captured digitally on-site using biometric equipment. Non-biometric passports are issued at Israeli consulates and embassies abroad and require two printed 50×50mm photos. Non-biometric passports issued abroad are valid for 5 years. You can request that a biometric passport be processed in Israel and mailed to your consulate abroad. Since 2017, all new Israeli identity documents must be biometric when issued within Israel.
Special rules: headwear, glasses, and jewellery
Religious headwear such as yarmulke (kippah) or headscarf (hijab/tichel) is permitted in Israeli passport photos if worn daily — face must remain fully visible. All other hats and head coverings are prohibited. Prescription glasses are technically allowed but Israeli authorities recommend removing them to avoid glare and reflections that cause rejections. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted. Jewellery is explicitly prohibited — remove all earrings, necklaces, and visible piercings before taking the photo. Ears must be fully visible.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Professional photo studio in Israel: ₪30-60 ($8-17)
- Photo services abroad (UK, US, EU): $10-25 / €10-20 / £8-18
- Consulate photo service (if available): $15-25
- This tool: Free — print at home for $0.25-0.60 per sheet
- Savings: $8-25 per application
- Family of four renewing passports: save $32-100 using DIY approach
Official Israeli Government Resources
- Apply for Israeli Passport — Gov.il Official biometric passport application portal
- Passport Photo Guide — Population and Immigration Authority Official photo specifications for biometric documents
- Israeli Embassy London — Passport Services Consulate passport application requirements including photo specifications
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Face Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 50×50 mm (5×5 cm)
- Resolution
- 1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI
- Face Height
- 32-36 mm (chin to hairline)
- Background
- White or off-white
- Recency
- Recent (within last 6 months)
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Photo paper (matte or glossy)
- Quantity
- 2 identical photos required
- Valid For
- Passport (Darkon), travel document (Teudat Ma'avar), consulate applications
Best Practices
- 50×50mm is a square format — different from the rectangular 35×45mm used for visas
- Remove ALL jewellery — earrings, necklaces, and piercings are prohibited in Israeli passport photos
- Ears must be fully visible — pin back hair if necessary
- Remove glasses to avoid glare — even prescription glasses are not recommended
- Ensure even lighting on both sides of face — Israeli authorities reject uneven illumination
- Religious headwear (yarmulke, headscarf) is permitted if worn daily
- Two identical photos required per application — print multiple copies
- Children under 1 year don't need eyes open (Israeli-specific rule)
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Israeli passport photos?
Israeli consulates abroad require 50×50mm (5×5cm) photos — a square format. This is different from the 35×45mm format used for Israeli visas and permits. Check with your specific consulate to confirm which size they accept.
Do I need printed photos for an Israeli passport?
If applying at a Population Authority office in Israel for a biometric passport, your photo is taken on-site — no printed photos needed. If applying at a consulate abroad, for temporary passports, or emergency travel documents, you need two printed 50×50mm photos.
Can I wear jewellery in Israeli passport photos?
No. Israeli passport photo rules explicitly prohibit all jewellery including earrings, necklaces, and visible piercings. Remove everything before taking the photo.
Can I wear glasses in Israeli passport photos?
Prescription glasses are technically allowed if they don't obscure eyes, but Israeli authorities recommend removing them. Glare or reflections from glasses are a common rejection reason. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted.
Can I wear a yarmulke or headscarf?
Yes. Religious headwear including yarmulke (kippah), headscarf (hijab, tichel), and other religious coverings are permitted if worn daily. Your face must remain fully visible. Non-religious hats and head coverings are not permitted.
What background colour for Israeli passport photos?
Plain white or off-white background required. No patterns, no objects behind you. Ensure even lighting with no shadows on the background.
Can I use the same photo for passport and visa?
No. Israeli passports use 50×50mm (square) and visas use 35×45mm (portrait). Different dimensions — you must create separate photos for each application type.
Do babies need eyes open in Israeli passport photos?
Children under 1 year old do not need to have their eyes open — this is an Israeli-specific relaxation. Older children must have eyes open and visible.
How many photos do I need?
Two identical 50×50mm photos are required per passport application at Israeli consulates. Print extras to keep for future applications.
What's the pixel size for Israeli passport photos?
1181×1181 pixels at 600 DPI. This ensures print quality meets Israeli government standards for clear identification.