Everything you need to know about Philippines visa photo requirements in the 2×2 inch format, as specified by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration. Includes exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Philippines (Pilipinas) |
| Document Type | Visa (2×2 inch format) |
| Photo Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head |
| Face Coverage | 70–80% of the photo |
| Background Color | Plain white |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes |
| Digital Photo Size | 1200 × 1200 pixels minimum (at 600 DPI) |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte or glossy photo paper |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity Required | 2 photos typically required |
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has strict requirements for visa photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Source: Philippines Bureau of Immigration
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Philippines visa photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
A Philippines visa photo in the 2×2 inch format must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). The head should occupy 70–80% of the photo, measuring about 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
No. Glasses are not allowed in Philippines visa photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily.
Yes! You can take your Philippines visa 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 Philippines visa photo requirements.
Your Philippines visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance.
Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
Some Philippine embassies and consulates accept both 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) and 35×45 mm formats. However, the 2×2 inch format is standard when applying from the USA or countries using US-standard photo sizes. Always check with the specific embassy or consulate where you are applying to confirm which format they accept.
If your visa photo does not meet the requirements, your application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official Philippines visa requirements before you submit.
