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The Challenge
South Africa requires 35×45mm biometric photos for passport, visa, and Smart ID applications with head height 29–34mm, white or light grey background, and ICAO compliance. Photo booth photos are no longer accepted by DHA. Professional services charge R80–200. Rejected photos cause months of delay as passports are processed only in Pretoria.
One photo format for SA passports, visas, and Smart ID cards
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) uses 35×45mm photos meeting ICAO biometric standards for passport applications (new, renewal, maxi), visa applications, and Smart ID card applications. The same specifications apply across all three document types. For driving licence applications, the same 35×45mm dimensions apply but photos must be in black and white. Note: for domestic applications at Home Affairs offices, biometrics are now captured digitally on-site—check with your local office whether printed photos are still required.
South Africa passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 29–34mm (face occupying 70–80% of frame)
- Top of head approximately 3mm below top edge of photo
- White, light grey, or plain cream background—no patterns or shadows
- Recent photo reflecting current appearance
- Colour photo (not black and white) for passport and visa applications
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed, teeth not showing
- Eyes open and fully visible—no hair covering eyes
- No sunglasses; reading glasses allowed if no glare or reflections
- No hats or headgear unless for religious purposes (full face still visible)
- Even lighting without shadows on face or background
- No red-eye, no retouching, no filters or digital editing
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for print quality
- Photo must not be from a photo booth (DHA no longer accepts booth photos)
Common rejection reasons by Department of Home Affairs
- Photo taken in a photo booth (no longer accepted by DHA)
- Teeth showing or mouth open (mouth must be closed)
- Head height outside 29–34mm range
- Shadows on face or background from uneven lighting
- Red-eye from flash not corrected
- Glasses causing glare or reflections covering eyes
- Photo retouched or digitally edited (blemish removal, saturation changes)
- Background not plain—objects, patterns, or chair backs visible
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Black and white photo submitted for passport (colour required)
- Photo and signature quality causing delays—DHA rejects poor quality and passports are only processed in Pretoria
Photo booth photos no longer accepted
- DHA has tightened specifications and kiosk/photo booth photos are immediately refused
- Photos must be taken by a professional photographer or compliant DIY method
- This applies to both domestic and embassy applications
- Use this tool with a properly taken photo (natural light, plain background, correct pose)
How to print South Africa passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper. DHA does not mandate matte-only—glossy photo paper is also accepted.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 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 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop, Clicks, or Dis-Chem. Specify '35×45mm passport photo on photo paper'.
- For embassy applications abroad: Print 4 copies (not 2). Ensure ICAO compliance.
Domestic vs embassy applications—what you need to know
For domestic applications at Home Affairs offices or participating bank branches in South Africa, biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature) are captured digitally on-site—you may not need printed photos at all. Check with your local office before printing. For passport applications at South African embassies and consulates abroad, you must submit physical printed photos. Some embassies request '2×2 inch passport photos'—this is the local terminology for passport-sized photos in countries like the US and Canada. The actual DHA specification is 35×45mm. If your embassy specifically requests 2×2 inch format, confirm with them directly before printing.
Good vs bad South Africa passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white or off-white sheet on a flat surface.
- Photograph from directly above with face centred in frame.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting—avoid flash.
- Only the child should be visible—no hands, toys, bottles, or other people.
- For infants: eyes do not need to be fully open.
- Car seat covered with plain white sheet is an acceptable alternative.
- Mouth must be closed, teeth not showing (same as adults).
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and head height rules apply.
- Children also need their own passport—every South African citizen needs one regardless of age.
Driving licence photos—black and white only
South African driving licence applications use the same 35×45mm dimensions and head positioning rules as passport photos, but with one critical difference: driving licence photos must be in black and white. All other requirements (background, expression, head height, no glasses glare) remain the same. Do not submit colour photos for a driving licence application. If you need both passport and driving licence photos, create colour versions for passport/visa and convert to black and white for driving licence.
Smart ID card photo requirements
South Africa's Smart ID card uses the same 35×45mm photo specifications as passports. For new Smart ID applications at Home Affairs offices, biometric data (photo, fingerprints) is captured digitally during your appointment. You typically do not need to bring printed photos for domestic Smart ID applications. However, keep compliant photos ready as backup—some offices may have equipment issues and request printed photos instead.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in South Africa
- Home Affairs digital capture: Included in application fee (R400 standard passport, R600 maxi)
- Professional photographer: R80–200 per set
- Clicks/Dis-Chem photo service: R60–120 per set
- Photo booth: No longer accepted by DHA—do not use
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or at photo shop
- Home printing cost: R5–15 per sheet (paper + ink)
- Embassy applications abroad: Typically £10–25 / $15–30 / €12–20 at professional services
- Savings: R60–200 per application using DIY approach
Important: South African passport processing times
All South African passports are issued exclusively in Pretoria, regardless of where you apply. Domestic applications typically take 4–6 weeks. Embassy applications abroad take 6 months or more. Applications with rejected photos are returned, adding further delays to an already lengthy process. Getting your photo right the first time is critical. Ensure your photo meets all DHA specifications before submitting.
Official South African Government Resources
- Department of Home Affairs – eHomeAffairs Online passport and Smart ID application portal for South African citizens
- DHA Branch Appointment Booking Book appointments at Home Affairs offices
- South African Embassy (Washington) – Passport Requirements Passport application requirements for SA citizens in the United States
- VFS Global – South Africa Visa Information Visa facilitation services for foreign nationals applying for SA visas
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 29–34 mm (face 70–80% of frame)
- Background
- White, light grey, or plain cream
- Recency
- Recent (within 6 months, preferably within 1 month)
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, teeth not showing, eyes open
- Photo Type
- Colour for passport/visa; black and white for driving licence
- Paper Type
- Photo-quality paper
- Quantity
- 2 photos (domestic), 4 photos (embassy abroad)
- Valid For
- Passport, visa, Smart ID card
Best Practices
- Photo booths are no longer accepted by DHA—use a professional photographer or compliant DIY
- Teeth must NOT be showing—DHA explicitly requires mouth closed with no visible teeth
- White, light grey, or cream backgrounds are all accepted—not just white
- No retouching allowed—blemish removal, red-eye correction, and saturation changes cause rejection
- For domestic applications, check if your Home Affairs office captures photos digitally on-site
- For embassy applications abroad, bring 4 printed copies (not 2)
- Driving licence photos must be black and white—same dimensions but different colour requirement
- Passport processing takes 6+ months from abroad—get the photo right the first time
- Reading glasses are allowed if no glare—but removing them is safer
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are South African passport photos?
South African passport photos must be 35×45mm per DHA and ICAO biometric standards. Face should occupy 70–80% of the frame with head height 29–34mm. Some SA embassies abroad request '2×2 inch passport photos'—confirm with your specific embassy, as the official DHA spec is 35×45mm.
Are photo booth photos accepted for SA passports?
No. The Department of Home Affairs has tightened restrictions and no longer accepts photos from photo booths or kiosks. Photos must be taken by a professional photographer or via compliant DIY method with correct lighting and positioning.
Can I show my teeth in South Africa passport photos?
No. DHA explicitly states 'please ensure your mouth is closed and that your teeth are not showing.' Photos with visible teeth will be rejected.
What background colour for SA passport photos?
White, light grey, or plain cream backgrounds are accepted. The background must be plain with no shadows, objects, or patterns. The competitor claim of 'white only' is incorrect.
Do I need printed photos for domestic passport applications?
Not always. For applications at Home Affairs offices or participating bank branches, biometrics (photo, fingerprints, signature) are captured digitally on-site. Check with your local office. For embassy applications abroad, printed photos are required.
How many photos do I need?
Two recent colour photos for domestic DHA applications. Four photos for embassy/consulate applications abroad. Print extras as backup.
Can I use the same photo for passport, visa, and Smart ID?
Yes. South African passport, visa, and Smart ID card applications all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for all three if it reflects your current appearance. Driving licence uses same dimensions but requires black and white.
Can I wear glasses in SA passport photos?
Reading/prescription glasses are permitted if there is no glare, no reflections, and your eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed. Heavy frames that cover parts of the eyes will cause rejection. Removing glasses is the safest option.
Can I retouch my South Africa passport photo?
No. Any editing—removing blemishes, adjusting saturation, red-eye correction, beauty filters—will cause rejection. The photo must reflect your natural facial features and skin colour.
How long does SA passport processing take?
Domestic applications: 4–6 weeks. Embassy applications abroad: 6 months or more. All passports are issued exclusively in Pretoria. Rejected photos add further delays—ensure compliance before submitting.
What about driving licence photos?
Same 35×45mm dimensions and head positioning rules as passport, but driving licence photos must be in black and white. Do not submit colour photos for a driving licence application.
Why do some embassies say 2×2 inches?
Some SA embassies in the US and Canada use '2×2 inch' as local shorthand for 'passport size.' The official DHA specification is 35×45mm. If your embassy specifically insists on 2×2 inch (51×51mm), confirm directly with them before printing. Most photo specification sources reference 35×45mm as the DHA standard.