Latvia Passport Photo Specifications

Latvia Passport Photo Size Diagram

Detailed Latvia Passport Photo Requirements

Latvia follows the EU/ICAO biometric passport photo standard. 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 digital alterations — do not apply beauty filters or digitally alter your appearance
• Must reflect your current appearance
• Natural skin color with no red-eye

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
• Your head must measure between 32–36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (70–80% of photo height)
• Leave a minimum of 3 mm of space from the top of your head to the upper edge of the photo
• The photo must show your face in close-up with a small portion of shoulders visible
• 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, looking straight at the camera
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
• Keep your head centered in the frame

Background

• Use a plain white, cream, or light grey 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
• Uniform lighting across the entire background

Glasses

Glasses are NOT permitted in Latvia passport photos. You must remove all eyeglasses, including prescription glasses, before taking the photo. This follows the EU biometric standard.

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
• 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 background
• Avoid large earrings or facial piercings that may obscure facial features
• Avoid heavy makeup that significantly alters your appearance

EU/ICAO Biometric Standard

Latvia, as an EU member state, follows the EU/ICAO biometric passport photo standard. This means your photo must meet the same requirements as other European Union countries: 35×45mm size, white or light grey background, neutral expression, and no glasses. The photo must be suitable for facial recognition technology used at border crossings.

How to Take a Latvia Passport Photo at Home

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

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.

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.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) 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.

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, frown, or show teeth.

Good and Bad Examples of Latvia Passport Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions