Madagascar Passport Photo (40×40mm) Requirements and Size Guide

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

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Madagascar Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryMadagascar (Madagasikara)
Document TypePassport (Passeport)
Photo Size40 × 40 mm (4 × 4 cm, square format)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size32–36 mm from chin to top of head (~70% of photo)
Space Above HeadApproximately 3 mm from top of head to photo edge
Background ColorPlain white
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital Photo Size945 × 945 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Photo Paper TypeMatte or glossy photo paper
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months

Madagascar Passport Photo Size Diagram

Madagascar Passport Photo Size Diagram - 40x40mm square format
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 40×40mm (square format). Your head should measure approximately 32–36mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, with about 3mm of space above your head to the upper edge.
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 40×40mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official requirements.

Detailed Madagascar Passport Photo Requirements

The Madagascar passport photo follows standard ICAO guidelines. 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

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 40 × 40 mm (square format)
  • Your head should measure approximately 32–36 mm from chin to top of head
  • There should be approximately 3 mm of space between the top of your head and the upper edge
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
  • No white border around the photo

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Keep your mouth closed
  • 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 for Madagascar passport photos. If you must wear them:

  • The frames must not obscure any part of your eyes
  • Lenses must be clear — no glare or reflections
  • Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious reasons
  • 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 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 Madagascar Passport Photo at Home

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

Taking passport photo with smartphone or camera
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.
Proper lighting setup for passport photo
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.

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 or frown. Ensure there are no shadows on your face.

Neutral facial expression for passport photo

Good and Bad Examples of Madagascar Passport Photos

Good and bad examples of passport photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Madagascar passport photo?

A Madagascar passport photo must be 40×40mm (square format). The head should measure approximately 32–36mm from chin to top of head, with about 3mm of space above the head.

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 Madagascar passport photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your passport photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official requirements.

Can I wear glasses in my Madagascar passport photo?

Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear them, the frames must not obscure any part of your eyes and lenses must be clear with no glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted.

How recent must my Madagascar passport photo be?

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

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 the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.

What happens if my photo is rejected?

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