South African Passport Photo — Online, Approved First Time
Take or upload a photo. Our AI cuts it to the exact official spec, fixes the background and verifies every measurable rule — on your device, in seconds.
South African Passport photo requirements
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm at 300 DPI |
| Head height | 64–76% of photo height |
| Background | light-grey |
- Background must be light grey or plain cream — not white
- Chin-to-crown must be 29–34mm (64–76%) of photo height
- Photo must be no more than 1 month old — much stricter than the common 6-month rule
- Glasses generally not allowed; two identical photos are required per application
Requirements verified against the official authority: dirco.gov.za
South African Passport photo — frequently asked questions
What size does a south african passport photo need to be?
35×45mm at 300 DPI.
What background do I need for a South Africa south african passport?
The background must be light grey, plain, and evenly lit with no shadows or patterns.
How much of the photo should my head take up?
Your head (chin to crown) should fill 64–76% of the photo's height.
What else rejects a south african passport photo?
Background must be light grey or plain cream — not white Chin-to-crown must be 29–34mm (64–76%) of photo height Photo must be no more than 1 month old — much stricter than the common 6-month rule Glasses generally not allowed; two identical photos are required per application
Can I use a selfie or a photo from my phone?
Yes — take the photo against a plain wall in good, even light, then upload it. Our AI detects your face and crops it to the exact South Africa spec automatically; nothing is uploaded to a server.
How much does a south african passport photo cost?
$14.99, one-time, for the compliant digital file and a print-ready version. No subscription.