Everything you need to know about Israel passport photo requirements (דרכון ישראלי), including exact dimensions, biometric standards, white background rules, pose guidelines, and how to take a compliant Israeli passport photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Israel (ישראל) |
| Document Type | Passport (דרכון / Biometric Passport) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 (minimum 300) |
| Digital Photo Size | 826 × 1062 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Head Size | 32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo) |
| Top Margin | Approximately 5 mm from top of photo to top of hair |
| Background Color | Plain white or light gray, uniform |
| Printable | Yes — on high-quality photo paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes — JPEG, 100 KB – 2 MB |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Number of Photos Required | 2 identical printed photos (at embassies abroad) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 3–6 months |
Israel issues biometric passports. The Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA / רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה) has strict photo requirements for biometric documentation. Below is a comprehensive guide.
Glasses are NOT permitted in Israeli biometric passport photos. Remove all eyewear including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses before taking the photo.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Israel passport photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera can take 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.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. Use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows on your face.
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 and forehead remain visible.
Stand about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible. Hair should be tucked behind your ears.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral, serious expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, or make any exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
An Israel passport photo must be exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) in portrait orientation. Your face should occupy 70–80% of the photograph, with a face height of 32–36 mm from chin to top of head.
No. Glasses are not permitted in Israeli biometric passport photos. You must remove all eyewear including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses.
The background must be plain white or light gray, uniform, with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. If you don't have a suitable background, our tool will automatically replace it with white.
Yes! Simply upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI 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 biometric requirements.
Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons (kippah, hijab, turban, etc.). Your full face from chin to forehead must remain visible, and your forehead must be uncovered to show the natural shape of your face.
If applying in person at a PIBA office inside Israel, the photo is captured digitally on-site — no printed photo is needed. You need 2 identical printed photos when applying at Israeli embassies or consulates abroad.
If your passport photo doesn't meet the biometric requirements, your application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official Israeli requirements before you submit.
