Maltese Passport Photo (30 x 40 mm, face 70-80 %, white background; minors under 14 and citizens abroad): size and requirements

Requirements at a glance

Size

30 x 40 mm (1.18 x 1.57 inches)

Head height

Head 70 to 80 percent of the photo height (The face should take up 70-80% of the vertical dimension of the photograph. (the page says 'face'; we apply it to the crown-to-chin measure on the 40 mm height))

Background

The background shall be plain and white. Photographs with dark, busy or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.

Expression

Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera

Glasses

Allowed without glare or tint

Head covering

Only for religious or medical reasons; full face visible

Photo age

Taken within the last 6 months

We deliver

354 x 472 px (300 DPI), plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet

What trips people up

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  Small and portrait: 'The photos should measure 40mm x 30mm (1.58 x 1.18 inch) in height and width.' That is 30 mm wide by 40 mm high, smaller than the 35 x 45 mm most of Europe uses; a standard EU print will be rejected as the wrong size.
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  Who needs prints: 'Passport photos are only required for minors under the age of fourteen and for Maltese citizens residing abroad who do not hold a Maltese ID card.' The Useful Info page adds 'Applicants unable to call in person at the Passport Office due to health, old age or sickness reasons.' Everyone else is photographed at the counter.
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  Paper: 'The photos must be printed on photo-quality paper and in high resolution.' and 'The photos must be in colour, taken against a white background and printed on a non-glossy paper.' Matte, not glossy. 'Whenever two (2) photos are required, these must be identical.'
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  Framing: 'The photos should portray a close-up of the applicant’s head and the top of his/her shoulders. The face should take up 70-80% of the vertical dimension of the photograph.' and the head 'should not be tilted up, down or to the side, but centred.'
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  Expression: 'The photos need to show the applicant looking directly towards the camera, portraying his/her neutral expression. Smiles, frowning, raised eyebrows or unusual expressions are not acceptable.' Eyes open with no hair over them, mouth closed, no red eye.
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  Headgear: 'Unless worn daily for religious reasons, all hats or headgear should be removed for the photo. A signed statement from the applicant must be submitted with the application verifying that the item is worn daily for religious reasons.' Nothing may cover any part of the face; a face mask or veil that prevents identification is refused.
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  Glasses: 'The photo shall show the eyes clearly with no light reflection off the glasses and no tinted lenses. If possible, avoid heavy frames.' Dark or tinted lenses need a medical certificate.
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  No alteration, no scans: 'Only original photographs are acceptable. Copied or digitally scanned photos will not be accepted.' and 'Photographs must not be digitally altered or retouched to change the person’s appearance in any way.' We keep your original background for this spec. Slot-machine (booth) photos and textured or heat-sensitive prints are refused.
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  Recency: 'The photos must be not older than six (6) months.' Photographs are kept on file and not returned; a non-compliant set makes the application 'incomplete or completely turned down'.
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  Collection: passports are ready 'after 4 working days' (4 working hours with the urgent fee); minors from 12 attend collection with a parent.

Frequently asked questions