GOV.UK-based photo guidance
Printed 45 × 35 mm UK photo
A 45 × 35 mm print is a passport-style physical photo. You only need it when your route or appointment instructions ask for printed photos; it does not replace the digital upload.
Checked: 2026-09-22
The photo requirements to check first
- Printed UK passport-style photos are 45 mm high by 35 mm wide.
- The head height should be about 29 to 34 mm from chin to crown.
- Printed photos should be on photo paper, clear, undamaged, and not cut down from a larger picture.
- If your online visa route asks for a digital upload, a physical print is not the same deliverable.
Use printed-photo rules only when your route asks for prints
Many UK immigration journeys now involve digital upload or an appointment where biometrics are captured separately. In those cases, preparing a beautiful 45 × 35 mm print does not solve the upload requirement.
Printed-photo rules still matter for paper forms, some appointment instructions, or comparison with passport-photo standards. Keep the print output as a separate deliverable from the digital JPEG.
What the 45 × 35 mm print must preserve
- Exact print size: 45 mm high by 35 mm wide.
- Head height: about 29 mm to 34 mm from chin to crown.
- No border, creases, tears, stains, or heavy marks.
- Professional-quality print on photo paper.
- Do not cut the final photo from a larger casual picture.
Printing mistakes that are hard to notice on screen
The most common print issue is scaling. A photo that looks correct in the app can become too large or too small if the printer adds “fit to page” scaling. Print at actual size and check the final physical dimensions with a ruler.
Also check paper choice. Office paper or low-quality prints can make the face less sharp, which defeats the purpose of preparing the layout carefully.
Create your photo in the browser
Prepare the photo for UK ETA (Online) directly in your smartphone or computer browser. Creating and reviewing are free.
Open the web toolWhat this tool creates
- the required face photo (for digital upload)
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Official-source note
The photo guidance for visa applications, permission to stay, UK passport digital photos, and printed 45 × 35 mm passport photos is based on published GOV.UK information where the rule is relevant.
This website and app are independent photo preparation tools. They are not affiliated with GOV.UK, UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office, HM Passport Office, or a visa application centre. Preparing a photo does not guarantee acceptance, approval, or visa issuance.
FAQ
Is the UK printed photo size 35 mm by 45 mm or 45 × 35 mm?
Both describe the same portrait photo: 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. GOV.UK writes printed passport photos as 45 mm high by 35 mm wide.
Can I scan a printed photo for a digital visa upload?
It is usually better to prepare the original digital photo directly. A scan can add blur, paper texture, dust, and compression artifacts.
Official sources
- GOV.UK - Printed passport photo requirements Checked: 2026-07-01