Biometric Passport Photo Specifications
Understand biometric requirements to ensure your photo passes automated verification at immigration checkpoints.
What is a Biometric Photo?
A biometric passport photo is designed to be read by facial recognition systems and other biometric technology. These photos follow strict international standards (ICAO) to ensure they work with automated border control systems worldwide.
ICAO Standards
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) sets global standards for passport photos. Key requirements:
- Face position: Centered, facing forward
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Eyes: Open, looking at camera
- Head coverage: 70-80% of frame
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI
Technical Requirements
| Face Coverage | 70-80% of photo height |
| Eye Line | Centered horizontally |
| Eye Position | 1/3 to 1/2 from top |
| Head Tilt | Maximum 5 degrees |
| Inter-pupil Distance | Minimum 90 pixels |
| Focus | Sharp, especially on eyes |
Face Recognition Guidelines
For Best Results
- ✅ Keep face straight toward camera
- ✅ Neutral expression, relaxed face
- ✅ Both ears visible (if possible)
- ✅ Eyes wide open and clearly visible
- ✅ Hair away from face
Avoid These
- ❌ Tilted or rotated head
- ❌ Smiling or expressions
- ❌ Squinting or half-closed eyes
- ❌ Glare on glasses
- ❌ Hair covering forehead or eyes
Common Issues That Fail Biometric Checks
- Head rotation: Even slight tilt causes failure
- Eyes not visible: Blocked by hair, glasses glare
- Expression: Smiling changes face geometry
- Shadows: Interfere with face detection
- Low resolution: Can't extract facial features
Quick Check
PassportSizePhoto.in automatically validates biometric compliance and adjusts positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a photo biometric-compliant?
A biometric photo meets ICAO standards for machine-readability: correct face position, neutral expression, sharp focus, and proper dimensions for automated verification.
What are ICAO standards?
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) sets global passport photo standards to ensure photos work with facial recognition systems at borders.
Why is neutral expression required?
Facial recognition algorithms are calibrated for neutral expressions. Smiling or other expressions can change face geometry and cause verification failures.