OFFICIAL CONSULAR STANDARDSSPECIFICATION RECORD: OCTOBER 5, 2026South Africa Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Prepare South Africa passport photos at 413×531 px with Plain white or light gray background. Check the receiving authority’s current instructions before submitting.
This summary describes the recorded South Africa photo specifications. Check the official source below for your application route; the receiving authority decides whether a photo is acceptable.
South Africa Passport photo requirements at a glance
South Africa passport photo: do and don't
Do
- Frame the photo at 413×531 px, with the head taking up 70-80% of the height.
- Use a plain white or light gray background.
- For an online upload, save one JPEG no larger than 250KB.
- Use a recent photo that looks like you today.
- Glasses are allowed if both eyes are clearly visible, with no glare and no tinted lenses.
Don't
- Don't smile or open your mouth; keep a neutral expression.
- Don't wear a hat or head covering unless it is for religious or medical reasons.
- Don't leave shadows on your face or on the background behind you.
What a South Africa passport photo costs
R89 for the standard download: one JPEG sized for upload plus a printable sheet. R149 adds a specialist review and a compliance report. You see the automated check before you pay, there is no account or subscription, and our refund policy covers a photo rejected for a photo-rule reason.
Photo sizes by document // South Africa
- Dimensions:413×531 px
- Background:Plain white or light gray background
- Head Ratio:70-80%
- Quality:JPEG · ≤250KB
- Dimensions:413×531 px
- Background:Plain white or light gray background
- Head Ratio:70-80%
- Quality:JPEG · ≤250KB
How to Make a South Africa Passport Photo Online
Take a front-facing selfie with your phone camera or upload an existing portrait. Our live viewfinder ensures proper face angle and neutral expression.
The engine prepares the background and crops to 413×531 px. Review the individual assessment and application instructions.
Download a 413×531 px JPEG (maximum 250KB) and an A4 print sheet. Review the single image against your application requirements before uploading.
The recorded 35×45 mm size matches the most common document size in our dataset (35×45 mm). In the same dataset, head-height range 70-80% matches; the recorded background (plain white or light gray background) differs from the most common background colour.
Frequently Asked Questions for South Africa Passport Photos
What are the photo size and background rules for a South Africa Passport?
A South Africa passport photo is 35×45 mm (413×531 pixels for a digital upload), with a plain white or light gray background. The recorded head-height range is 70-80%. Output settings: 300 DPI, JPEG. Recorded file-size limit: 250KB. Check the linked source for the submission route you are using.
Can I take this photo with my smartphone?
Yes. Our AI engine automatically corrects perspective distortion, extracts the subject, replaces the backdrop with the required consular color, and verifies lighting and eye height.
What if my photo is rejected by the embassy?
The receiving authority decides whether to accept your photo. If it is rejected, contact support and review our refund policy.
Q:How do I print my South Africa Passport photo?
ApprovaVisa provides a single 413×531 px JPEG (maximum 250KB) and an A4 tiled print sheet with cut marks. Upload the single JPEG to the application portal. Print the sheet at actual size and check the mission’s paper-photo instructions.
Ready to Generate Your South Africa Passport Photo?
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Launch Photo Studio (South Africa)