logo
Canada Passport / Visa Photo Requirements and Size
iVisa
4 min read
Updated on Mar 01, 2024

The Canadian passport is one of the most powerful in the world, but it has strict regulations when it comes to what kind of photo you can use.

If you’re traveling in or out of Canada on a trip, you may also want need to see whether or not your destination requires a visa. If it does, you’ll be able to get one before you leave and save yourself trouble down the road.

What are the passport photo dimensions and requirements for Canada?

A Canadian Passport photo dimensions are required to be 50 mm wide x 70 mm long (2 in wide x 2 3/4 in tall). The face dimensions must be between 31 mm and 36 mm in length (1 1/4 in to 1 7/16 in).

More Photo Specs

  • Passport Photo Size: 70 mm x 50 mm
  • Visa Photo Size 45 mm x 35 mm
  • Color: Black and white or color is acceptable.
  • Head size and position: Head should measure 31mm and centered.
  • Recency: Taken in the last 6 months.
  • Background: Plain white or light-colored.
  • Smile: Neutral expression only.
  • Eyes: Wide open.
  • Glasses: Prescription is acceptable as long there is no glare on lenses.
  • Headgear: For religious purposes only and only if it doesn’t block facial features.
  • Dimensions and size (pixels): None specified.
  • Attire, clothing, dress code: None specified.
  • Beard: No restrictions.
  • Quantity needed in application: 2

Canada Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide

Fill me in

Information Required on the back

Your Canadian photo requires information on the back of the photo that verifies the person in the photo is actually the same person who will apply for the new passport.

The following info MUST be included on the back of one photo:

  • Applicant name
  • Address of the photo studio, date photo was taken. (The photographer can use a stamp or handwrite the info.)
  • He/She must also write: "I certify this to be a true likeness of (applicant)" and sign (guarantor’s name and surname).

If you are renewing an adult´s passport then you do not need to add the info from the guarantor, only your name, address, and the date the photo was taken.

Additional Canadian Passport and Visa Photo Requirements, Rules, Guidelines, and specifications

The above facts give you an idea of what to look forward to when getting a photo done, however, there is much more to the process. Be sure to understand each requirement as a rejected passport photo means a delay in vacations.

  • Your head needs to be squared with the camera and casting no shadows.
  • Only solid backgrounds are allowed. No designs, scenery, or medical equipment can be showing.
  • Canada requires all photos to be taken with a neutral expression and no smiling. This allows for better face recognition with their system. It’s a true identity without distortion.
  • Obviously eyes need to be open and not closed.
  • Prescription glasses are OK so long as the eyes are clearly visible. If the frames are too thick, this could hinder identification. No glare. Sunglasses or tinted prescription glasses are not allowed.
  • Hats, beanies, or any other item on your head besides hair should not be worn. The only exception is a headpiece for religious purposes. Be sure these items don’t block your face.
  • Skin tone must be natural and not distorted with flash photography.
  • For photos submitted by a commercial photographer: Name, address, and signature of the photographer must be on the back of the photos submitted.
  • Natural lighting and with you clearly visible and in focus.
  • Photos cannot be altered in any way. This includes red-eye removal. Any signs of Photoshop or changes may cause automatic rejection and delay of application.
  • If wearing a medical device in the photo, a signed letter from your doctor must be submitted with the application.
  • Hair can be either up or down.
  • Printed on high quality, photo paper. Glossy preferred.
  • Be sure the tops of your shoulders are square with the photo and not twisted or slumped.

Rules and requirements for babies, infants, and newborns Passport and Visa photos

If you are in need of a passport and are planning to take children, each child needs to have their own passport or visa. This includes an individual photo for each child. All regulations stated earlier apply to infants and children. Though the Canadian government recognizes the difficulty of taking the correct photo of an infant and will be a bit more lenient toward the rules. To help assure your child’s photo is as compliant as possible, here are a few tips:

  • The infant can be laying down or in a car seat as long as the background is solid and white. Use a sheet for best results. No part of the picture should show anything other than white or the child.
  • If a parent is holding the infant, his or her hands cannot be visible in the picture.
  • Do try and get the infants’ face square and with mouth closed.

References

Learn more about Canada and apply for a Visa with us!

Disclaimer
  • iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. For government source information, please visit our product pages.

Stay in touch!

Join our newsletter to receive the best traveling tips

Thanks! Please check your email and confirm you want to join our Newsletter.

© 2014-2024 iVisa.com. All rights reserved. iVisa and iVisa logo are registered trademarks of iVisa.com.

en flag English
$ USD
Intercom Chat