South Africa photo requirements

South Africa photo requirements are set by Department of Home Affairs (DHA). We publish 3 documents: 1 passport, 1 ID card and 1 visa. The most common print size is 35 x 45 mm (1.38 in x 1.77 in). Each page quotes the official rule for size, head height, background and file, links the source we read, and shows the date we last checked it (most recently 2026-10-08).

Passports

South African Passport Photo (35 x 45 mm, DHA template)For the two printed colour photographs attached to a South African passport application (tourist, maxi, minor or official passport) at a Home Affairs office that is not yet automated, or at a South African embassy or consulate abroad. Not for applications at Smart ID card / live-capture offices, bank branches or eHomeAffairs, where the image is captured digitally and no photograph is accepted; not for a South African visa.35 x 45 mmbe taken with a light grey or plain cream-coloured backgroundverified 2026-10-08

Visas

South African Visa Photo (passport-size print for VFS / mission filing)For the passport-size colour photographs listed among the documents for a South African visitor's or temporary residence visa lodged at a South African mission or a VFS Global centre. Not for a South African passport or ID, and not for the DHA's own Smart ID / live-capture channels.35 x 45 mmNot stated for visasverified 2026-10-08

ID cards

South African ID Book Photo (green barcoded ID, 35 x 45 mm)For the two identical photographs handed in with an application for the green barcoded South African Identity Book at a Home Affairs office that does not offer Smart ID cards, or at a South African mission abroad. Not for the Smart ID card, which is applied for only at modernised offices and banks where the image is captured digitally; not for a passport.35 x 45 mmbe taken with a light grey or plain cream-coloured backgroundverified 2026-10-08

Authorities and portals

Passport authority: Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
Sources we read: Department of Home Affairs (DHA), 'Passport & ID Photograph Specifications' photographic template, hosted by the South African High Commission Canberra (DIRCO); DHA 'Travel Documents' page; Department of Home Affairs (DHA), 'Identity Documents' page; DHA 'Passport & ID Photograph Specifications' template (Canberra mission copy); Department of Home Affairs (DHA), 'Types of Visas' page; ICAO Doc 9303 Part 3 for the frame
Upload portals: eHomeAffairs (South Africa): known issues Official page

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.