Philippine Passport Photo (captured at the DFA Consular Office): size and requirements
The Philippine Passport Photo size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches). Not stated as a colour; the DFA uses its own 'background cloth' and asks for clothing 'with colors that clearly contrast the background cloth'; head 70 to 80 percent of the photo height. Last verified 2026-10-08 against Department of Foreign Affairs, Office of Consular Affairs, 'Passport FAQs' and 'Passport General Information', with ICAO Doc 9303.
For the Philippine ePassport, whose photo and biometrics the DFA Consular Office captures when you appear in person for your appointment, so no photo is handed in or uploaded. Not for a Philippine visa applied for at an embassy or consulate, which takes two passport-sized prints (separate page).
The DFA photographs you at your passport appointment. See the Philippines documents we can prepare.
Requirements at a glance
- Size
- 35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches)
- Head height
- Head 70 to 80 percent of the photo height (No applicant photo applies (the DFA captures the image); ICAO Doc 9303: crown-to-chin 70 to 80 per cent of the image height)
- Background
- not stated as a colour; the DFA uses its own 'background cloth' and asks for clothing 'with colors that clearly contrast the background cloth'
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open, looking at the camera
- Glasses
- Only if you must; no tint, no glare
- Head covering
- Only for religious or medical reasons; full face visible
- We deliver
- 413 x 531 px (300 DPI), plus a 4 x 6 inch print sheet
What trips people up
- CheckYou bring no photo: 'No. You do not need to bring a passport-sized photo for your application. The DFA Consular Office will digitally capture your photo and biometrics.' Any file or print you buy is wasted.
- Check'Personal appearance is required for all applicants.' Book the online appointment first (the Courtesy Lane is the only exception) and arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before the slot.
- CheckDress for the camera: the DFA encourages 'collared tops, blouses, or tops with higher necklines, with colors that clearly contrast the background cloth' and tells applicants to avoid sleeveless tops and camisoles.
- CheckStud earrings and small ornaments may be accepted, but accessories 'that may obscure the face and generate shadow are strictly prohibited' and you will be asked to remove them at the capture.
- CheckThe DFA runs a 'No Escort' policy: only the applicant enters, except that minors, senior citizens and persons with a disability may bring a companion ('unless the applicant is a senior citizen, minor, or person with a disability (PWD)'). A minor may be accompanied by their parents; a minor 7 years and below may instead come with their legal guardian or authorised representative.
Source and verification
No national rule published; ICAO 9303 standard applies. Last checked 2026-10-08 (archived copy dated 2024-09-12) at Department of Foreign Affairs, Office of Consular Affairs, 'Passport FAQs' and 'Passport General Information', with ICAO Doc 9303.
DO I NEED TO BRING A PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTO FOR MY APPLICATION?
No. You do not need to bring a passport-sized photo for your application. The DFA Consular Office will digitally capture your photo and biometrics.
Personal appearance is required for all applicants.
Accessories such as stud earrings/ornaments may be accepted for photo capturing. However, those that may obscure the face and generate shadow are strictly prohibited and will be advised to be removed during photo capturing;
On attire for passport photographs, collared tops, blouses, or tops with higher necklines, with colors that clearly contrast the background cloth is encouraged. Applicants shall avoid sleeveless tops and camisoles.
The DFA adheres to “No Escort” policy; escorts shall be prohibited from entering the DFA consular premises to accompany the applicants.
No, escorts are not allowed in DFA Consular Offices, unless the applicant is a senior citizen, minor, or person with a disability (PWD), which will need further guidance, assistance, and supervision.
A minor applicant may be accompanied by their parents. If neither parent is present, a minor (7 years and below) may also be accompanied by their legal guardian or their authorized representative.
The crown-to-chin portion of the facial image shall be 70 to 80 per cent of the longest dimension defined for Zone V, maintaining the aspect ratio between the crown-to-chin and ear-to-ear details of the face of the holder.
We are an independent service, not a government website. Applying for a passport or visa is done with your government; we only prepare the photo.
Frequently asked questions
