How to get a passport photo for your South African passport application

A passport photo is an important element of your South African passport application. It’s important to get it right the first time to avoid delays or rejection. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of taking the perfect passport photo that meets all the necessary requirements.

General requirements

To ensure your photo meets the requirements for your South African passport application, follow these criteria:

  • The photo must measure 35mm in width and 45mm in height
  • The photo should be taken in full color
  • Choose a plain white or off-white background for your photo
  • High-quality photo paper is essential for printing your passport photo
  • Your face should occupy about 70-80% of the total photo area
  • Ensure your facial features are clearly visible
  • Pay attention to lighting to avoid shadows or glare on your face

Number of photos required 

When applying for a South African passport, you need to submit two identical passport photos. It’s always a good idea to have a few extra copies just in case. With the Smartphone iD app, you can easily take multiple passport photos and choose the best ones to submit with your application.

How to submit your passport photo 

To submit your passport photo with your South African passport application, you can either provide printed copies or submit a digital photo online. If you’re using the Smartphone iD app, you can easily upload your passport photo directly from your smartphone. Our app ensures that your photo meets all the necessary requirements and is ready to be submitted with your application.

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