Everything you need to know about South African passport photo requirements in the 2×2 inch format (for overseas applications), including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Document Type | Passport (2×2 inch format for overseas applications) |
| Photo Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 25–35 mm (1 to 1⅜ inches) from chin to crown |
| Background Color | White or light grey |
| 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 |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Number of Photos | 2 |
| Recency | Taken within the last 1 month |
This 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format is used for South African passport applications at certain embassies and consulates abroad. The same strict rules as the standard 35×45 mm format apply, with the only difference being the photo dimensions. Below is a comprehensive guide.
Glasses are permitted in South African passport photos, but with restrictions. Lenses must not make your eyes invisible — no tinted, reflective, or heavily glare-coated lenses. Sunglasses are strictly prohibited. Ensure your eyes are clearly visible through the lenses with no reflection or glare.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant South African passport photo at home using your smartphone.
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. Note: Photo booth photos are not accepted for South African passports.
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 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted or turned. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible, photographed directly from the front.
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 passport photos
The 2×2 inch format for South African passport photos (used at certain embassies/consulates abroad) must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format is used for South African passport applications at certain embassies and consulates abroad, particularly in the United States. Check with your local South African embassy or consulate to confirm which format they require. The standard 35×45 mm format is used within South Africa.
Yes, glasses are permitted as long as the lenses do not make your eyes invisible. Tinted or reflective lenses are not allowed. Sunglasses are strictly prohibited. Ensure there is no glare or reflection on the lenses.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are allowed.
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 South African passport photo requirements.
The background must be plain white or light grey. 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 the required color.
Your South African passport photo must have been taken within the last 1 month. This is stricter than most countries, which typically require photos within 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance.
No. Photo booth photos are NOT accepted for South African passport applications, regardless of the format. You must provide properly taken photographs that meet all the official specifications. Neither the photo nor copies may be defaced by holes, pencil, or ink marks.
