New Zealand Passport (paper applications) (35x45 mm) Photo Size Requirements and Online Tool
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| Passport picture size | Width: 35 mm, Height: 45 mm |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Background color | White |
| Printable photo | Yes |
| Digital photo for online submission | Yes |
| Digital photo size | Width: 1800 pixels , Height: 2400 pixels |
| Photo Paper type | matte |
Do not worry about the photo size requirements. Our online tool makes correct photos, ensuring the photo size and head size are correct. Background will be enhanced as well.
A passport photo must be less than six months old, and certain requirements must be met.Your passport photo must be a portrait image and in colour. Your photo can be taken either by a professional service or by a friend. No selfies will be accepted.
Technical requirements
Your photo must be:
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a portrait photo with a 4:3 aspect ratio, or 3:4 on a smartphone
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digital (scans of physical photos are not acceptable)
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in colour
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in .jpg or .jpeg format
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between 250KB and 5MB
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between 900 and 4500 pixels wide, and 1200 and 6000 pixels high.
Background:
The background and your face should be in strong contrast.
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Use a plain, light coloured background – light blues, greys and creams work well.
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Stand about half a metre away from the background.
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Make sure there are no people or objects in the background.
Expressions and positions
- Centre your head, with space around the top and sides
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your face should be fully visible, and not tilted or turned to the side
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your hair should be out of your eyes, and away from the sides of your face.
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Keep a neutral expression (no smiling) with your mouth closed.
Framing the photo
Refer to Figure 1 (below) for help with correct framing of the subject. Use values for A, B, C and D to correctly position the head. Frame the photo so that:
- The subject is centred with the midpoints of the mouth and nose lying on an imaginary vertical centreline.
- The length of the head is equal to A
- The width of the head is equal to B
- The eyes are positioned between points C and D
- Ensure there is a clear gap (visible background) around the entire head, including the hair and/or ears.
Figure 1 - Framing the subject
Digital photos
You need:
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file type - .JPG or .JPEG
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file size - between 250 KB to 5 MB
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aspect ratio - 4:3
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pixels - no less than 1200 wide by 900 high or no greater than 6000 wide by 4500 high (show diagrams)
Rotate the camera or mobile phone for a portrait photo.
Don't wear tinted or thick-framed glasses
If your prescription glasses are not tinted or thick-framed, you can wear them in your photo.Sunglasses are not allowed.
In the event that you wear glasses in your photo, ensure that:
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there is a clear gap between your eyes and the frames
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there is no glare or flash reflection on the lenses.
Take off hats, hoods, headbands and head coverings
- A head covering must not be worn in the photo unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons.You will need an endorsement in your passport if you do.
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If you do wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, make sure your face is fully visible.
Do not use filters or digitally alter your image
Your appearance should not be digitally altered in any way. Do not use a filter or change the way you look using photo editing software.
Tips:
The photographer should stand around 1.5m away from you and hold the camera at eye level because if the camera is too close to your face, your nose and forehead may appear larger and your ears less visible.
Paper photos
You need:
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aspect ratio - 4:3
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two identical photos
If you want to make passport/visa photos for other countries, click the button below.
Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries
How to make New Zealand Passport (paper applications) photo online
Step 1: Take a picture with a digital camera or a smartphone
Make sure someone takes your passport photo for you. Selfies are not accepted. Make use of your tripod if you have one. By using a tripod, you will be able to keep the camera level and steady. Ideally, the person should be around 1 meter away from the camera.
Step 2: Choose a venue with appropriate lighting
Face a bright window or the door when taking a photo. In this way, shadows can be avoided on the face and in the background. It is essential that the face is evenly lit. Ensure that the face is free of shadows and glares.
Note: You do not need to worry about the background, since our online passport photo generator will automatically do it for you.
Step 3: Dress appropriately for your passport photo
Uniforms should not be worn. Put on regular street clothes for your photo.
Eyeglasses should not be worn. You should remove any sunglasses, tinted glasses, or glasses that you wear if you are taking a passport photo.
Ensure that your face is fully visible. Make sure your hair doesn't cover your face or obscure your eyes. In the case of very long bangs covering your eyebrows, pin them back with bobby pins. Although it's better to show your ears as well, that won't stop your photo from being accepted.
Passport photos don't allow hats unless they're religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke.
Step 4: Pose for a passport photo
Face the camera straight on and look straight at it. Avoid tilting or rotating the head.
It is important that the shoulders are visible, and there should be enough space around the head to crop the picture.
Make sure the camera is at the same level as the head.
Step 5: Maintain neutral facial expressions
It's okay to smile in your passport photo, but the government prefers you to have a neutral facial expression.
Under the new international passport rules, it is usually not acceptable to smile or have your mouth open.
Good and bad examples of passport photos
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