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

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (width × height) with a tolerance of ±1 mm, no borders or frames
• Head size and placement: head length (chin to crown) must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm and be centered vertically, with the top of the hair 3–5 mm below the top edge
• Eye line positioning: eyes must lie between 55 % and 70 % of the photo height (approximately 25 mm–31 mm from the bottom edge)
• Background color: plain, uniform light-colored background (preferably white), free of shadows, patterns or textures
• Expression and pose: neutral facial expression with closed mouth, both eyes open, head straight and facing the camera directly
• Lighting and contrast: even, natural-looking illumination without glare, reflections or shadow on face or background
• Glasses and eyewear: if worn, frames must be thin, lenses clear (no tinted or photochromic glasses), no reflections obscuring eyes, no flash glare
• Head coverings: permitted only for religious reasons, but must not obscure or cast shadows on the face; full face from chin to forehead and both edges of the face must remain visible
• Photo quality and print: high-resolution color print on matte or semi-matte photo paper, minimum 600 dpi, faithful skin tones, no inkjet artifacts or retouching
• Recency and validity: photo taken within the last 6 months, accurately representing current appearance (no drastic hairstyle changes, heavy makeup or filters)

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Capture a recent full-face color photograph with the subject looking directly at the camera, neutral expression, mouth closed and eyes fully open.
• Second step: Ensure the digital file or printed photo measures exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (5 × 5 cm) so it fits Algeria’s passport window without further resizing.
• Third step: Frame the head so that the distance from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin is between 32 mm and 36 mm (approximately 70–80% of photo height) to meet DZ biometric standards.
• Fourth step: Position the subject’s eyes between 24 mm and 28 mm from the bottom edge of the photo to ensure proper alignment in the passport holder’s portrait window.
• Fifth step: Use a plain, uniform white or very light gray background with no shadows, gradients or objects so the face stands out clearly against a neutral backdrop.
• Sixth step: Employ even, diffused lighting from both sides or from above and below to eliminate harsh shadows on the face or background, and disable any camera flash reflection.
• Seventh step: Remove glasses, hats, headbands or any accessories that obscure the facial features or hairline; religious head coverings are permitted only if the face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face are fully visible.
• Eighth step: Print on high-quality, matte or semi-matte photographic paper at a resolution of at least 600 dpi using color ink to preserve natural skin tones without over-saturation or red-eye.
• Ninth step: Precisely crop the printed image to 35 × 45 mm using a professional trimmer or guillotine, then verify with a ruler that borders are even and head measurements remain within the specified ranges.
• Tenth step: Attach two identical photos to your passport application form in the designated slots, ensuring they lie flat without adhesive on the face area, then sign and date the back of each photo lightly in pencil as per Algerian Interior Ministry guidelines.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Print Size: ensure the final printed photo measures exactly 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) without borders—any scaling or extra margins can trigger automatic rejection by Algerian passport control systems.
• Correct Head Proportion: position the head so it occupies 70–80 % of the frame (about 32–36 mm from chin to crown)—if the face is too small or too large, biometric readers may not capture key features.
• Centered Face Position: align your eyes roughly 2/3 up from the bottom edge and keep the head centered horizontally—off-center photos can be cropped incorrectly, cutting off hairlines or chins.
• Uniform White Background: use a clean, matte white backdrop with no shadows, patterns, or texture—uneven lighting or colored backgrounds compromises contrast and may lead to a retake request.
• Recent, High-Quality Print: submit a photo taken within the last 6 months, printed at a minimum of 600 dpi on professional-grade photo paper—outdated, pixelated, or glossy prints often fail quality-control checks.

Conclusion

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

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with no cropping or borders
• Head size and position: head height 32–36 mm and top of hair 3–5 mm from photo top edge
• Background and lighting: plain white or light grey, even lighting with no shadows
• Image quality: high-resolution color print on matte or semi-gloss paper with natural skin tones
• Facial expression and attire: neutral expression, eyes open and visible, no glasses glare, no headgear except for approved religious reasons
• Photo age: taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance

Following these precise specifications helps ensure your Algerian passport application proceeds without photo-related delays.