Algeria passport 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Photo Size Requirements for DZ (2025 Update)

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: image must be exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (5 × 5 cm) with no borders
• Head size and position: head (from chin to crown) must measure 30–36 mm in height and be centered vertically and horizontally
• Background color: uniform light gray or off-white with no patterns, shadows, or textures
• Facial expression and pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, facing straight to camera
• Recentness: photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance (no outdated prints)
• Photo quality and finish: high-resolution color print on glossy or matte professional photo paper, no pixelation or over-exposure
• Lighting and contrast: even front lighting, no shadows on face or background, natural skin tones without red-eye
• Glasses and eyewear: if worn, frames must be thin and rims not cover eyes, lenses clear (no tinted or reflection), eyes must be fully visible
• Head coverings: only permitted for religious reasons; must not obscure facial features, from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both cheeks
• Clothing and accessories: wear everyday attire (no uniforms or camouflage), no large earrings or hair accessories that cover face
• Quantity of photos: submit two identical, unretouched prints attached separately (not stapled)
• Print border and mounting: photos must have no border and be free-standing (no mounting on cardboard or paper backing)
• Photo thickness: professional photo paper thickness between 20 mm and 40 mm to prevent tears or bends

Step-by-Step Process

• Understand the Official Specifications: Algeria mandates a 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) portrait‐format photo printed on high-quality, matte or glossy, white-passport photo paper; the head (from crown to chin) must occupy 70–80% of the frame (approximately 31–36 mm in height) with 3–5 mm space above the hairline.
• Prepare Your Background and Lighting: set up a uniformly lit, plain white or very light grey background; use two diffused light sources at 45° angles to the subject to eliminate shadows on the face and background while maintaining natural skin tones.
• Position and Pose the Subject: seat or stand the applicant 1–2 meters from the background to avoid shadows; have them look straight into the camera with a neutral expression (mouth closed, eyes open), both ears visible, and hair pulled back from the face.
• Camera Settings and Framing: use a digital camera or high-resolution smartphone set to at least 2,000 × 2,600 pixels; frame the shot so the subject’s head is centered, the top of the hair is 3–5 mm from the top edge of the capture frame, and shoulders are visible.
• Crop to Exact Dimensions: import the image into a photo-editing tool, set the crop aspect ratio to 35:45, adjust the crop box so the head height measures between 31–36 mm within the 45 mm frame and save at 300 dpi in JPEG format with minimal compression.
• Print and Measure: print on certified photo paper using a lab printer or professional photo service; immediately measure the output with a ruler to confirm exactly 35 mm width × 45 mm height with no white borders.
• Final Quality Control: inspect for uniform lighting, correct head size and position, natural color balance, sharp focus (no red-eye or blur), and absence of reflections or shadows; reject and retake if any criterion fails.
• Submission and Handling: handle photos by their edges only, place them in a clean envelope or plastic sleeve to avoid fingerprints, and submit with your passport application within six months of the photo date to ensure freshness.

Tips and Best Practices

• Size Precision: print exactly 35 × 45 mm on quality passport‐grade photo paper without any white borders to meet Algeria’s strict dimension rules and avoid automatic rejections
• Head Placement: position the head centered with the crown-to-chin height at 32–36 mm so facial features fill the frame and comply with biometric scanning requirements
• Background Uniformity: use a plain white or light gray backdrop with no shadows or patterns to ensure clear face detection and prevent manual refusal
• Lighting & Glare Control: employ soft, even lighting and remove eyeglass glare to eliminate shadows and reflections that can obscure eyes and delay visa processing
• Expression & Appearance: maintain a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open, remove hats and tinted glasses to satisfy Algeria’s visibility standards and speed up approvals

Conclusion

In summary, to meet Algeria’s DZ passport photo 35×45 mm requirements you must:

• Photo size: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high
• Head dimensions: 32–36 mm from chin to crown
• Background: plain white or light-coloured, no shadows or patterns
• Expression: neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open, direct gaze
• Headgear: not permitted except for documented religious reasons (face must remain fully visible)
• Accessories: no glasses, sunglasses, scarves, headphones or jewellery obscuring the face
• Print quality: high-resolution, matte-finish on professional photo paper

Following these specifications precisely will help you avoid delays or rejection when applying for your Algerian passport.