Philippines Passport Photo Requirements
A Philippine passport photo is 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) with a head height of 1–1⅜ inch (25–35 mm) on a white background, with a neutral expression — no smiling. This page lists the full DFA spec and how to get it right at home.
Philippines passport photo — official specifications
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 – 1⅜ inch (25–35 mm) |
| Eye line from bottom edge | 1 1/8–1 3/8 inch (29–35 mm) from bottom edge |
| Background | Plain white |
| Print type | Glossy photo paper |
- • Taken within the last 6 months
- • White background with no shadows or patterns
- • Both ears visible if possible, full face forward
- • No glasses (since 2023, medical exceptions may apply)
- • Digital: 600×600 px minimum, JPEG under 240 KB
How to take a compliant Philippine passport photo
- Use a plain white background, ensure even lighting with no shadows behind the head.
- Look straight at the camera, mouth closed, neutral expression, both eyes open.
- Keep the full head in frame — from chin to the top of the skull — with the head centred.
- Crop to 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) with head height between 1–1⅜ inch.
- Print on glossy photo paper at 300 dpi or save digitally at 600×600 px.
Philippine passport photo standards explained
The Philippine passport photo standards are set by the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and are strictly enforced. Every photo that does not meet these specifications is automatically rejected, regardless of how good the rest of the application is.
- Size: 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) — the standard passport photo size in the Philippines.
- Head height: 1–1⅜ inch (25–35 mm), measured from the chin to the top of the hair.
- Background: Plain white with no shadows, patterns, or objects behind the head.
- Expression: Neutral — mouth closed, no smiling, both eyes open and clearly visible, facing the camera directly.
- Glasses: Generally not allowed since 2023; medical exceptions may apply with no tint/reflection.
- Head position: Centered in the frame, with the full head visible from chin to the top of the skull.
- Photo quality: Sharp focus, no motion blur, even lighting with no harsh shadows. The photo must be a true likeness — no filters, no retouching, no red-eye removal.
Make your Philippines passport photo free
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