Iceland Passport Photo Specifications

Iceland Passport Photo Size Diagram

Detailed Iceland Passport Photo Requirements

Iceland follows the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards for passport photos, as set by the District Commissioners (Syslumenn). 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
• No red-eye effect is permitted

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Your head must measure approximately 34.5 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair
• There must be a 3 mm margin from the top edge of the photo to the top of your hair
• Your face should cover approximately 70–80% of the photo width
• Digital resolution: 600 DPI (minimum 827 × 1063 pixels)

Digital Submission

• The digital photo file should be named with your Icelandic national ID number (kennitala)
• Accepted formats: JPEG
• A comparison photo will also be taken at the application office for verification

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
• The horizontal line between your eyes should be parallel to the top edge of the photo
• Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
• Both sides of your face must be equally visible

Background

• Use a plain light grey background
• The background must be flat and uniform — no patterns, textures, or objects
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Both sides of the face must be equally lit

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Iceland passport photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily. This ensures clear visibility of your eyes and facial features.

Head Coverings and Hats

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious or medical reasons with special approval
• If permitted, your full face must still be clearly visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• The head covering must not cast any shadows on your face

Clothing

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

Lighting

• Lighting must be even and balanced on both sides of the face
• No harsh shadows, glare, or reflections on the face
• Skin tone must appear natural and correct

Source: island.is — Applying for a Passport

How to Take an Iceland Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Iceland 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.

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 on both sides of your face.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly light grey. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required light grey color.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

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 clearly visible on both sides.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. The horizontal line between your eyes should be parallel to the top edge of the photo.

Good and Bad Examples of Iceland Passport Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions