Philippine Passport Photo Guide
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When applying for or renewing your Philippine passport, one of the most important steps is submitting a compliant passport photo. This image serves as your official identification for years to come, and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) enforces strict photo standards. In this article, we’ll guide you through all the essential Philippine passport photo requirements, including dimensions, background, pose, appearance, and practical tips to ensure your photo is accepted without delays.
Essential Requirements
Here’s a quick overview of the core specifications you must satisfy:
- Size of photo: 35 mm x 45 mm
- Size of face in photo: Face height should be approximately 70–80% of the photo height (from chin to crown)
- Age of photo: Taken within the last 6 months
- Background: Plain white background only, with no shadows or patterns
- Quality: High-resolution color photo, clear focus, no blur, no pixelation
- Expression / pose: Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, face centered and looking straight at the camera
- Accessories: No glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons), minimal jewelry
Detail Breakdown
Photo size & face size
The photo must measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. Incorrect sizing is one of the most common causes of rejection.
Your face should occupy around 70–80% of the photo height, ensuring clear visibility of facial features.
Tip: Keep shoulders visible and avoid excessive headroom.
Background & lighting
A pure white background is mandatory. Any off-white, grey, or textured background may result in rejection.
Lighting must be even across the face, with no shadows behind the head or under the chin.
Tip: Stand slightly away from the background to prevent shadows.
Pose, expression & appearance
Face the camera directly with your head upright and centered.
Eyes must be open and clearly visible; mouth closed with a neutral expression (no smiling or frowning).
Hair must be neatly arranged and must not cover the eyes or face edges.
Tip: Keep makeup natural and avoid glossy products that reflect light.
Accessories, head coverings & glasses
- Glasses: Not allowed, even if worn daily
- Head coverings: Allowed only for religious reasons, provided the full face is visible
- Jewelry: Permitted only if it does not obscure facial features or cause glare
Print quality / digital requirements
Photos must be sharp, in natural color, and free from filters or retouching.
Digital photos should be high resolution and unedited.
Tip: Do not alter facial features or skin texture—photos must reflect your current appearance.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Incorrect photo size
- Grey or shadowed background
- Smiling or non-neutral expression
- Wearing glasses or large accessories
- Over-editing or use of filters
Careful review before submission can save time and reapplication fees.
So, Why Miniml?
When it comes to something as important as your Australian passport photo, precision and compliance are non-negotiable. At Miniml.com.au, we combine modern convenience with expert human craftsmanship, ensuring your photo meets every detail of the official Australian Passport Office standards, without you ever needing to leave home.
A Human Approach in a Digital Age
While many services rely on AI-generated corrections and automated cropping, Miniml proudly stands apart. Our process is 100% human-driven, because we believe that critical documents deserve the care and judgement only a person can provide.
Every image we receive is personally assessed by our trained specialists. We check lighting, shadows, background tone, facial dimensions, and overall composition with meticulous attention. Once verified, our experts refine your photo to the perfect passport standard, ensuring that it aligns precisely with the Australian government’s requirements.
Expert-Handled, Not AI-Generated
At Miniml, every photo is manually reviewed by experienced professionals, never by automated systems. AI tools can easily misjudge skin tones, lighting balance, or facial proportions, often resulting in rejection. Our human experts ensure that doesn’t happen.
Complete Convenience from Home
No queues, no appointments, no studio visits. Simply take a clear photo from your home and upload it to miniml.com.au. Our specialists handle everything from background adjustments to resizing and return a perfectly compliant image, ready for passport submission.
Uncompromising Print Quality
We use professional dye-sublimation printers to produce high-resolution, true-color prints that meet official standards. Choose whether you’d like a digital copy sent to your email or a printed copy delivered right to your door anywhere in Australia.
The Miniml Promise
At Miniml, we respect your time, value, and trust. Every order receives personal attention, thorough checking, and premium-grade output. Whether you choose a soft copy or printed photo, you can be confident that your passport image meets the highest standard of quality and compliance.
We don’t believe in rushing through your identity we believe in getting it right.