New Zealand Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – Size, Background & Rules
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New Zealand Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official specifications issued by Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Use this guide to ensure your photo is accepted first time.

35 × 45 mm Plain white or light grey background 300 DPI Updated Jan 2026

📐 New Zealand Passport Photo Specifications

SpecificationRequired Value
Photo Size35 × 45 mm  1.38 × 1.77 inches
Digital Dimensions413 × 531 pixels minimum
Resolution300 DPI
File FormatJPEG
File SizeMax 2 MB (online)
BackgroundPlain white or light grey  No colour
Face CoverageFace 32–36 mm in height (70–80%)
GlassesNot recommended
Photo RecencyWithin last 6 months
Face height32–36 mm from chin to crown
Head positionCentred, facing forward
ExpressionNeutral, natural
EyesOpen, looking at camera
HeadwearNot allowed (except religious/medical)
Issuing AuthorityDepartment of Internal Affairs (DIA)

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✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

  • Photo taken Within last 6 months
  • Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible
  • Plain white or light grey background — no patterns or shadows
  • Face centred and occupying 70–80%) of the photo
  • Head upright, looking directly at the camera
  • Even lighting — no shadows on face
  • High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
  • Not recommended
  • No headwear (except religious with documentation)
  • No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
  • No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

  • Photo older than 6 months
  • Dark or patterned background
  • Shadows on face or background
  • Smiling with teeth visible
  • Head tilted, turned, or not facing camera
  • Glasses causing glare or obscuring eyes
  • Hair covering eyes or face
  • Photo edited, filtered, or retouched
  • Incorrect dimensions (must be 35×45 mm)
  • Poor focus or low resolution

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

  • Stand against a plain white wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
  • Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
  • Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
  • Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
  • Remove glasses before taking the photo
  • Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the white background
  • Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
  • Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
  • Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 35 × 45 mm size automatically.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

35×45 mm (413×531 pixels at 300 DPI) — the same standard size used by Australia, UK, and most of Europe.
Plain white or light grey with no patterns, gradients, or shadows. The background must be plain and uniform.
The DIA strongly recommends removing glasses to avoid rejection due to glare or tinted lenses obscuring the eyes.
Within the last 6 months and an accurate likeness of your current appearance.
Yes. Use a plain white wall, good even lighting, and the rear camera of a smartphone. Avoid using portrait mode or filters.
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) requires a facial photo uploaded digitally — the same 35×45 mm biometric specifications apply.