Afghanistan Passport Photo (40×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Afghanistan passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

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Afghanistan Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryAfghanistan
Document TypePassport
Photo Size40 × 45 mm
Pixel Size (600 DPI)944 × 1062 pixels
Head Size70-80% of photo (~32-34 mm chin to crown)
Top Margin~3.6 mm (~8% of photo height)
Background ColorWhite
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
Photos Needed2 identical photos
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months

Afghanistan Passport Photo Size Diagram

Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 40×45 mm (944×1062 pixels at 600 DPI). Your head should occupy approximately 70-80% of the photo, measuring about 32-34 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (crown). Leave a top margin of approximately 3.6 mm (~8% of the photo height).
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 40×45 mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Afghanistan Passport Photo Requirements

Afghanistan embassies and consulates have specific requirements for passport photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance
  • Submit 2 identical copies of the same photo

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 40 × 45 mm (944 × 1062 pixels at 600 DPI)
  • Your head should occupy 70-80% of the photo, approximately 32-34 mm from chin to crown
  • Leave a top margin of approximately 3.6 mm (~8% of the photo height)
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Keep your mouth closed — no smiling with teeth showing
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear

Background

  • Use a plain white background
  • No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head
  • Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Glasses

Glasses are not recommended in Afghanistan passport photos. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare or reflection on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are strictly prohibited.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn daily for religious purposes
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
  • Your facial features from the chin to the top of the forehead and both sides of the face must be clearly visible
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background
  • Ensure your clothing does not obscure your face or neck

Children and Baby Photos

  • The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
  • The child's eyes must be open and visible (for babies, one or both eyes may be partially closed)
  • No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
  • A plain white sheet may be used as a background for babies
  • The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: Afghanistan Embassy — Consular Services / Passport

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How to Take an Afghanistan Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Afghanistan passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

Taking passport photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.
Proper lighting setup for passport photo
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

Appropriate attire for passport photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.

Correct posing for passport photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.

Neutral facial expression for passport photo

Good and Bad Examples of Afghanistan Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is an Afghanistan passport photo?

An Afghanistan passport photo must be 40×45 mm. The head should occupy approximately 70-80% of the photo, measuring about 32-34 mm from chin to crown.

Can I wear glasses in my Afghanistan passport photo?

It is recommended to remove glasses for your Afghanistan passport photo to avoid glare and reflections. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not permitted.

Can I smile in my Afghanistan passport photo?

No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are allowed.

Can I take my Afghanistan passport photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official Afghanistan passport photo requirements.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

How many photos do I need for an Afghanistan passport?

You need to submit 2 identical passport photos with your Afghanistan passport application. Both photos must be identical and meet all the requirements listed above.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?

No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.

How recent must my Afghanistan passport photo be?

Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and should reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly, you should take a new photo.