Italy Passport Photo Specifications

Italy Passport Photo Size Diagram

Detailed Italy Passport Photo Requirements

Italy issues biometric passports compliant with ICAO standards. Applications are submitted through the Questura (police headquarters) via the PassaportOnline portal. Below is a comprehensive guide.

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, sharp, and in focus with high contrast
• No filters or digital alterations — no retouching, coloring, or manipulation
• No scanned or photocopied photos
• No red-eye or flash reflections

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) in portrait orientation
• Face height: 32–36 mm from chin to top of head
• Head occupies 70–80% of the photograph
• Printed on matte, high-quality photo paper
• You must provide 2 identical photos

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — full front view, head not tilted or rotated
• Maintain a neutral expression — mouth closed, no smiling
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera
• Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead
• Both earlobes must be visible (or both edges of the face)
• Shoulders must be visible

Background

• Use a plain white uniform background
• No patterns, textures, or objects visible
• No shadows on your face or behind your head

Glasses

Glasses are strongly recommended to be removed. The Italian Polizia di Stato advises against wearing glasses because reflections and shadows are the leading cause of photo rejection. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are always prohibited. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare, your eyes are fully visible, and the frames are not heavy or obscuring.

Head Coverings

• No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious reasons
• If worn for religious reasons, your full face must be visible from chin to forehead and both sides of the face
• The head covering must not cast 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 white background

Source: Consulate of Italy in Houston — ICAO Photo Guidelines

How to Take an Italy Passport Photo at Home

Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Italy passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera can take a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and set to the highest resolution. Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight. Use multiple light sources to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically replace the background with white.

3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops. If you wear religious head coverings, keep them on as long as your full face remains visible.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.2 meters in front of the camera. Keep your shoulders relaxed, head level. Ensure both earlobes are visible. Hair should not cover your face or ears.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes open, mouth closed. No smiling.

Good and Bad Examples

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions