Pakistan Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Photographs that do not meet the specifications below will be rejected, causing delays to your passport, NICOP, or visa application. Follow these guidelines carefully.
Photo Specifications
| Dimensions | 35mm wide x 45mm tall |
|---|---|
| Background | Plain white only (no patterns, no off-white, no blue) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Head position | Straight, front-facing, eyes looking directly at the camera |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed |
| Glasses | No glasses of any kind (including clear/prescription) |
| Head covering | Not permitted except for religious reasons (face must be fully visible from forehead to chin) |
| Face visibility | Full face visible, from hairline to chin, both ears visible |
| Lighting | Even lighting, no shadows on face or background |
| Print quality | Printed on high-quality glossy or matte photo paper |
| Colour | Full colour (not black and white) |
| Quantity needed | 2 identical photographs per application |
Common Reasons for Photo Rejection
- Wrong dimensions (not 35x45mm)
- Coloured, off-white, or patterned background
- Wearing glasses (including prescription glasses)
- Shadows on face or background
- Head tilted or turned to the side
- Smiling, mouth open, or unusual expression
- Photo older than 6 months or does not resemble current appearance
- Low resolution, pixelated, or blurry print
- Photo taken with a mobile phone (selfie) — not acceptable at most embassies
- Red-eye effect
Tips for Getting the Right Photo
- Use a professional photographer — Ask specifically for "Pakistan passport photos, 35x45mm, white background." Many high-street photo shops and post offices offer passport photo services.
- Remove all accessories — Take off glasses, earphones, headbands, and hats before the photo.
- Tie back long hair — Ensure both ears are visible.
- For children and infants — The child must face the camera directly. No toys, dummies, or other objects in the photo. For babies, lay them on a white sheet and photograph from above.
- Keep spare copies — Take extra photos in case you need them for NICOP, visa, or other applications.
Digital Photo Requirements (e-Visa and Online Applications)
For e-Visa and online NADRA applications, you may need to upload a digital photo:
- File format: JPEG (.jpg)
- File size: Between 10KB and 1MB
- Resolution: Minimum 600x600 pixels
- Same specifications as printed photos apply (white background, neutral expression, no glasses)