Home > Passport Photo Requirements > New Zealand Passport (paper applications) Photo 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)

New Zealand Passport (paper applications) Photo 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Size and Requirements

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Country New Zealand
Document type Passport (paper applications)
Passport picture size Width: 35 mm, Height: 45 mm
Resolution (DPI) 600
Image definition parameters Head must be between 70 to 80 % of the photograph from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
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
Detailed requrements

Your photo must meet these requirements whether it is digital or paper. It needs to be taken within the last 6 months.

Technical requirements

For our online passports system, the photo must be

  • a portrait photo with a 4:3 aspect ratio
  • in jpg or jpeg format
  • between 250KB and 10MB
  • between 900 and 4500 pixels wide and 1200 and 6000 pixels high

Scanned photos are not acceptable for our Online Passport Service.

For paper photos you will need:

  • 2 identical photos, printed on photo quality paper
  • 35mm x 45mm in dimension

Photo requirements

No background shadow or uneven lighting on the face

Stand slightly away from the background.

Ensure that the light source is balanced, natural lighting is best.

Image that shows the correct background

True Likeness

The image must be a true likeness and not be altered or distorted in any way.

Have someone else take the photo, and ensure the camera is:

  • 1.5m back from the face
  • At eye level

If the camera is too close to the face, the nose and forehead may appear larger and the ears less visible.

Image to show distortion

Gap around the head

Your head must be centred with a clear gap around the sides and top of the head.

It helps if you can show part of the shoulders or the upper chest.

Image show correct gap around head

Strong contrast between image and background

Use a plain, light coloured background that is not white and does not contain objects or other people.

Image to show light color background

Face in full view

Face front on to the camera.

Hair should be off the eyes and sides of the face.

Image to show correct angle of head

Eyes are clearly visible

You can wear glasses in your photo.

  • They cannot be sunglasses, tinted or thick-framed.
  • There can be no glare or flash reflection on the lenses.

There must be a clear gap between your eyes and the frames.

Image to show eyes are clearly visible Image to show how eyes are not clearly visible

Neutral expression

Have a neutral expression with the mouth closed.

Image to show neutral expression

No Hats, hoods, headbands or headscarves

No head covering or headband should be worn in the photo, unless you must wear either for religious or medical reasons.

In this case you will need an endorsement in your passport.

Image showing the wearing of a head cover

Selfies

No selfies as it can distort the face.

Image to show distortion

For babies

We recommend you lay the baby flat on a plain coloured sheet, that has been firmly fixed to a base or the floor.

The photo should be taken above the baby with them facing front on with their eyes open, face in full view and no objects or people in the background.
Source https://www.passports.govt.nz/Passp...

Do not worry about the photo size requirements. IDPhotoDIY online tool will help you make correct New Zealand Passport (paper applications) size photos.

How to make New Zealand Passport (paper applications) photo online


Step 1: Use a digital camera or a smartphone

Find someone to take the photo for you and selfie photo is not acceptable for passport photo application. If you have a tripod, use it. A tripod will make it easier to keep the camera steady and level. The distance of the person to the camera should be around 1 meter.

Step 2: Find a venue with good lighting

When taking photo, you should face the light, such as a nice bright window or the door. This can provide even lighting to avoid shadows on the face and background. The face must be evenly lit. There should be no shadows and glares on the face.

Note: No need to worry about the background as our online passport photo generator will automatically remove or change the background for you.

unacceptable passport photo

Step 3: Wear properly for your passport photo

Do not wear uniforms. Wear regular street clothes in your photo.

Do not wear eyeglasses. If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses, take them off for your passport photo.

Your face must still be fully visible.  Don’t let your hair drape over your face and obscure your eyes. If you have very long bangs that cover your eyebrows, you should pin them back with bobby pins. It’s best if your ears show, as well, but that won’t cause your photo to be rejected.

No hats are allowed in passport photos unless it is religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke that you wear every day.

acceptable passport photo

Step 4: Pose for a passport

Look straight towards the camera with face straight on. Head should not be tilted or rotated.

Both ears showing or both edges of the face visible if hair covers the ears.

Shoulders should be visible, and there should be enough space around the head for cropping the photo.

Position the camera in the same height as the head.

unacceptable passport photo

unacceptable passport photo

Step 5: Have a neutral facial expression

You can smile in your passport photos, but the government prefers that you have a neutral facial expression.

Smiling or having your mouth open is usually not acceptable, especially under the new international passport rules.

acceptable passport photo

Unacceptable passport photo

 

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Example of passport photos

Printed passport photos

Online Passport Photo Generator

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