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The Challenge
Turkey requires 50×60mm biometric photos for passport, visa, national ID (kimlik), and residence permit applications—a non-standard size not used by any other country. Most competitors incorrectly list 35×45mm. Using wrong dimensions = automatic rejection at Nüfus offices and consulates.
Turkey uses 50×60mm—NOT 35×45mm
- Official Turkish size is 50×60mm (confirmed by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Many websites incorrectly list 35×45mm (EU standard)—this will be rejected
- 50×60mm is unique to Turkey—no other country uses this exact size
- Same format for passport, visa, kimlik (national ID), and residence permit
- Turkish consulates in the USA also accept 2×2 inch (51×51mm) as alternative
One photo format for all Turkish identity documents
Turkey uses standardised 50×60mm biometric photos across all official document applications: passports, national ID cards (kimlik/nüfus cüzdanı), visa applications at consulates, residence permits (ikamet), and driving licences. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed these specifications in their September 2024 guidelines. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. Note: Turkish e-Visa applications do not require a photo upload.
Turkish passport photo requirements - will your photo be accepted?
- 50×60mm dimensions (NOT 35×45mm EU format)
- White background, patternless, no shadows
- Face completely visible, head centred in frame
- Neutral expression with closed lips
- Eyes open and focused directly at camera
- No glasses—not even prescription (Turkey bans all eyewear)
- No earrings, hats, headphones, or accessories
- Hair not covering face or casting shadows
- Head straight, not tilted forward or to any side
- High image quality camera, sharp focus, correct contrast
- Printed on quality paper, no damage, wrinkles, or creases
- Taken within last 6 months
Common rejection reasons at Turkish consulates
- Using 35×45mm EU format instead of required 50×60mm (most common error)
- Wearing glasses of any kind (Turkey bans all eyewear unlike most countries)
- Wearing earrings or jewellery visible in photo
- Shadows on face or background from incorrect lighting
- Head tilted or turned to one side
- Blurry photo or incorrect focus
- White clothing blending into white background
- Photo older than 6 months
- Damaged, wrinkled, or creased print
- Background not pure white or has patterns
Turkey bans ALL glasses in photos
Turkey has one of the strictest accessory policies for document photos. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly states: 'Accessories such as glasses, earrings, hats should not be used.' Unlike most countries that allow prescription glasses with conditions, Turkey bans all eyewear without exception. This includes prescription glasses, reading glasses, and any frames. Remove all glasses before taking your photo. This also applies to earrings, headphones, hair accessories, and any head coverings except for documented religious reasons.
How to print Turkish passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper. Turkish authorities require 'quality paper' but do not specify matte or glossy—either is accepted.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 2 photos, or A4 for up to 6 photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 50×60mm (5×6cm). Use ruler to confirm.
- Quality check: No damage, wrinkles, creases, ink marks, or staple holes on final photo.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop—specify '50×60mm biometric photo on quality paper'.
Turkish e-Visa does NOT require a photo
If you are applying for a Turkish e-Visa online, you do not need to submit a photo. The e-Visa system only requires passport details and payment. Photos are only required for sticker visas applied for at Turkish embassies and consulates, passport applications, national ID (kimlik), and residence permit (ikamet) applications. If you are unsure whether your visa type requires a photo, check with the relevant Turkish embassy or consulate before your appointment.
Residence permit (ikamet) photo requirements
Turkish residence permit applications use the same 50×60mm biometric photo format. Applications are processed through the Directorate General of Migration Management. The ikamet application may request a digital version of your photo in addition to printed copies. Short-term residence permits (up to 2 years), family permits (up to 3 years), student permits (typically 1 year), and long-term residence permits all use identical photo specifications. Submit two identical photos with your application.
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Same 50×60mm size and all adult rules apply to children and babies
- Place baby on plain white sheet or blanket for white background
- No baby gear, car seats, toys, or accessories visible in photo
- Parents or other people must not be visible—including hands supporting the baby
- Baby must face camera with eyes open if possible (infants may have eyes closed)
- Neutral expression—no crying, laughing, or smiling
- Use natural daylight, avoid flash that causes red-eye
- Take multiple shots—expect 10-20 attempts for one compliant photo
Good vs bad Turkish passport photo examples
Alternative size accepted at US consulates only
Turkish consulates in the United States also accept 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photos as an alternative to 50×60mm, since 2×2 inch is the standard US passport format widely available at US photo services. This exception applies only to Turkish consulates in the USA. If applying in Turkey or at Turkish consulates in other countries, 50×60mm is mandatory. When in doubt, use 50×60mm—it is accepted everywhere.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional services
- Photo studio in Turkey: ₺50-150 (€2-5) for printed set
- Photo studio abroad (USA/Europe): $10-20 / €10-18 for non-standard 50×60mm size
- Many standard photo booths cannot produce 50×60mm—verify before paying
- This tool: Free. Print at home for $0.25-0.50 / €0.20-0.40 per sheet
- Tip: Many photo services outside Turkey are unfamiliar with 50×60mm—bring exact dimensions
Official Turkish Government Resources
- Biometric Photo Guidelines - Turkish Consulate General Los Angeles Official biometric photo requirements from Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (September 2024)
- Turkish e-Visa Application Portal Official Turkish e-Visa system (no photo required for e-Visa applications)
- Directorate General of Migration Management Residence permit (ikamet) applications and requirements
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 50×60 mm (5×6 cm)
- Resolution
- 1181×1417 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 70-80% of photo height (42-48 mm)
- Background
- White, plain, no patterns
- Recency
- Within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, closed lips, eyes open
- Accessories
- No glasses, earrings, hats, or headphones
- Valid For
- Passport, visa, kimlik (ID card), residence permit (ikamet)
Best Practices
- Turkey uses 50×60mm—many websites incorrectly list 35×45mm which will be rejected
- Remove ALL glasses including prescription—Turkey bans all eyewear in document photos
- Remove earrings, headphones, and all accessories before taking photo
- Avoid white or very light clothing—it blends into the required white background
- Head must be perfectly straight—any tilt forward or to the side causes rejection
- Photo must be printed on quality paper with no damage, creases, or staple marks
- Turkish e-Visa does NOT require a photo—only embassy/consulate visa applications need one
- In the USA only, 2×2 inch photos are accepted as alternative at Turkish consulates
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are Turkish passport photos?
Turkish passport photos must be 50×60mm (5×6cm). This is confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many websites incorrectly list 35×45mm (EU standard)—this is wrong and will be rejected at Turkish consulates and Nüfus offices.
Can I use EU 35×45mm photos for Turkey?
No. Turkey requires 50×60mm, not 35×45mm. EU-sized photos will be rejected. The 50×60mm format is unique to Turkey and not interchangeable with any other country's standard.
Can I wear glasses in Turkish passport photos?
No. Turkey bans all eyewear in document photos—including prescription glasses. This is stricter than most countries. Remove all glasses, earrings, hats, headphones, and accessories before taking your photo.
Do I need a photo for Turkish e-Visa?
No. Turkish e-Visa applications do not require a photo upload. Photos are only required for sticker visas at embassies/consulates, passport applications, national ID (kimlik), and residence permit (ikamet) applications.
Is the same photo used for Turkish passport and visa?
Yes. Turkish passport, visa (sticker type), national ID card (kimlik), residence permit (ikamet), and driving licence all use identical 50×60mm specifications. One photo works for all document types.
Can I use 2×2 inch photos at Turkish consulates?
Only in the United States. Turkish consulates in the USA accept 2×2 inch (51×51mm) as an alternative since it is widely available. Outside the USA, 50×60mm is mandatory.
What background for Turkish passport photos?
Plain white background, patternless, with no shadows. No exceptions. Avoid white clothing as it blends into the background and causes rejection.
How recent must Turkish passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. Photos must reflect your current appearance. Significant changes in appearance since the photo was taken will result in rejection.
Where can I print 50×60mm photos?
Print at home using this tool, or at a photo shop specifying '50×60mm biometric photo.' Many standard photo services outside Turkey are unfamiliar with this size—confirm they can produce 50×60mm before ordering. Standard passport photo booths typically cannot produce this format.
What about religious head coverings?
Head coverings are allowed only for documented religious reasons. Face must remain fully visible with no shadows cast by the covering. All other headwear including hats, caps, scarves, and headbands is prohibited.