Philippines passport photo size — 4.5×3.5 cm DFA dimensions

Exact dimensions and pixel size

The Philippines passport photo dimension is commonly written as 4.5×3.5 cm in DFA literature — that's 45 mm tall by 35 mm wide, identical to the global ICAO 9303 portrait standard used by the UK, Australia, India PR, and most Schengen states. At 300 DPI the digital equivalent is approximately 413×531 pixels.

While the DFA appointment system at passport.gov.ph captures a fresh biometric photo on site, applicants must still bring a print-ready 4.5×3.5 cm photo for the file. OFW renewals at Philippine consulates in the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore often require two printed copies; the 4×6 inch sheet from complypic delivers exactly that.

Head height and framing

Head height from chin to crown — hair included — should measure 32-36 mm, occupying 70-80% of the photo height. This is tighter framing than the US 2×2 spec, in line with the ICAO 9303 European-style portrait crop. Eyes should sit roughly two-thirds up from the bottom.

Face must be squared to the camera with shoulders visible at the bottom edge. The most common rejection cause at DFA Aseana and DFA satellite offices is the head framed too low in the photo, leaving excess space above the crown.

Background and colour

The DFA requires a plain white background with no shadows or textures. Uniform lighting is essential — a wall-mounted lamp casting a shadow behind the head is the most-cited reason for on-the-spot rejection at the DFA Aseana facility.

Photo must be in colour with natural skin tone. DFA officers reject black-and-white, sepia, and obviously filtered images. Lighter skin tones especially benefit from the slightly warmer white we apply (#FFFFFF in print, ~#F8F8F8 visually) to preserve facial contour.

Recency, glasses and expression

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. For child passports under seven, the recency rule tightens to within 3 months because rapid growth changes facial features. The DFA compares the photo against your previous passport on file.

Glasses are not permitted since the DFA aligned with ICAO 9303 during the e-passport rollout. Religious head coverings are accepted only when the face is fully visible from chin to forehead. Expression must be neutral with mouth closed; eyes open and looking at the lens.

DFA passport appointment upload requirements

passport.gov.ph captures the biometric photo at the appointment itself — applicants are not required to upload a digital photo before the appointment. However, the printed 4.5×3.5 cm photo is required as part of the supporting documents, especially for first-time applications and replacement of lost passports.

Philippine consulates abroad sometimes have different procedures: many require two printed photos at the appointment, signed on the reverse, plus a digital JPG submitted via the consulate's online appointment system. complypic delivers both formats from one upload.

FAQ