Central African Republic Passport Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Central African Republic (CAR) passport photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.

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Central African Republic Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryCentral African Republic (CAR)
Document TypePassport
Photo Size35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Resolution (DPI)600
Pixel Size (at 600 DPI)827 × 1063 pixels
Head Size32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo)
Top MarginApproximately 3 mm from top of photo to top of head
Background ColorWhite
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
Quantity Required2 identical photographs
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months
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 35×45mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Central African Republic Passport Photo Requirements

Central African Republic passport photos must meet standard ICAO requirements. 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 digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance
  • You must submit 2 identical photographs with your application

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
  • Head height (chin to top of head): 32–36 mm
  • Head proportion: 70–80% of the photo height
  • Distance from top of photo to top of head: approximately 3 mm
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
  • At 600 DPI, the digital version should be at least 827 × 1063 pixels

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression — mouth closed, no smiling
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera
  • 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. If you must wear them, ensure there is no glare on the lenses, no tinted or colored lenses, and no thick frames that obscure your eyes. Your eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious purposes
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from chin to forehead
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Hair and Jewelry

  • Long hair or bangs must not cover your eyes or eyebrows
  • Avoid wearing large earrings, nose rings, or lip piercings
  • Beards are acceptable if they reflect your normal appearance

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing that contrasts with the background
  • Do not wear uniforms
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the white background

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
  • 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
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How to Take a Central African Republic Passport Photo at Home

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

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera 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
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Use multiple light sources 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 for passport photo
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing that contrasts with the background. Avoid white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes.

Appropriate attire for passport photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 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. Do not smile — a straight, serious expression is required.

Neutral facial expression

Good and Bad Examples of Central African Republic Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Central African Republic passport photo?

A Central African Republic passport photo must be 35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm). This is the standard ICAO size. Your head should measure 32–36mm from chin to the top of the head, occupying 70–80% of the photo.

Can I wear glasses in my Central African Republic passport photo?

Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear them, ensure there is no glare on the lenses, no tinted lenses, and no thick frames that obscure your eyes.

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, our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Can I take my Central African Republic passport photo with my phone?

Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official requirements.

How many photos do I need for a Central African Republic passport?

You typically need 2 identical passport photographs for a Central African Republic passport application. All photos must meet the same requirements.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?

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

How recent must my Central African Republic passport photo be?

Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

If your passport photo doesn't meet the requirements, your passport application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit.