HM Passport Office has issued an official checklist
Brits have been warned that simple mistakes could delay family holidays.
His Majesty’s Passport Office has issued an official checklist for digital passport photos amid the annual rush for renewals ahead of the peak holiday season. Officials warned applications can be delayed if images fail to meet strict rules. Delays prove costly for travellers who leave renewals until close to departure dates, particularly families preparing for summer holidays.
In a social media post, HM Passport Office said: “A quick checklist for your digital passport photo: Taken in the last month, plain background, no objects or other people, no red eye or shadows.”
The Government’s passport guidance states: “Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.”
Under the rules, digital passport photos must be clear, in colour and unaltered by computer software. Applicants must face forwards, look directly at the camera and keep a plain expression with their mouth closed.
The guidance also warns against shadows on the face or background, hair covering the eyes and wearing tinted glasses. Photos must be taken against a plain light-coloured background and contain no other people or objects.
HM Passport Office says photos taken in booths or shops are more likely to be approved than images taken at home on phones or tablets. Officials also reminded applicants that digital passport photos must have been taken within the last month – even if their appearance has not changed since their previous passport.
Parents have also been warned about strict rules covering children’s photos. Children must be on their own in the picture, while babies cannot be holding toys or using dummies.
Children under six do not have to look directly at the camera or keep a neutral expression, while babies under one do not need to have their eyes open. Travellers are also being urged to check passport expiry dates well before flying, with many European countries requiring passports to have at least three months remaining before expiry on the date of return.
Brits travelling to the EU must also ensure their passport was issued less than 10 years before the date of entry.
