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

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) printed on quality photo paper with no cropping or borders
• Head size & positioning: head height 25–35 mm measured from chin to crown, centered vertically and horizontally
• Background: solid white or off-white, even tone with no shadows, patterns or objects visible
• Facial orientation: full face facing camera, eyes level and looking straight ahead, both ears visible
• Expression: neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open, no smile or frown
• Lighting & exposure: evenly lit face, no shadows or hot spots, accurate skin tones, no red-eye
• Glasses: if worn, frames must be thin, lenses clear with no glare or tinted coatings, eyes fully visible
• Headwear: not permitted except for documented religious reasons; must not obscure facial features or cast shadows
• Color & quality: high-resolution color print, sharp focus, natural contrast, no over- or under-exposure
• Paper finish: matte or semi-matte photo paper, fingerprint-proof, no creases or scratches
• Recency: photo taken within the last six months reflecting current appearance
• Image integrity: no digital alterations, filters, or retouching that change natural skin texture or features

Step-by-Step Process

• First step: Prepare and set up the photo environment
• Select a plain, light‐grey or white background: free of shadows, textures or patterns
• Use a high‐resolution digital camera or smartphone (minimum 10 MP) mounted on a tripod at eye level
• Position two soft, diffused light sources at 45° on either side of the subject to eliminate shadows on the face and background
• Instruct the subject to stand 1–5 m from the background to prevent casting shadows
• Ensure the camera is portrait orientation, lens centered on the subject’s eyes
• Second step: Position the subject and capture the image
• Ask the subject to face the camera directly with a neutral expression, closed mouth, eyes open and visible—no hair covering the face
• Remove glasses (unless medically required) and all headgear (religious head coverings are permitted if they do not obscure facial features)
• Frame the shot so the top of the head to the bottom of the chin occupies 70–80% of the 45 mm height (approximately 31–36 mm) and the width remains 35 mm
• Keep the eyes at about 30–35 mm from the bottom edge of the photo
• Take multiple images to verify even lighting, correct framing, and natural skin tones
• Third step: Edit, crop, and format the digital image
• Import the best shot into photo‐editing software (e.g., Photoshop, GIMP)
• Crop to exactly 35 × 45 mm at 300–600 dpi to preserve sharpness when printed
• Center the subject so that head and shoulders are balanced vertically and horizontally
• Confirm face dimensions: 31–36 mm height, 70–80% of frame; eyes on the correct horizontal axis
• Fourth step: Print and verify final output
• Print on high‐quality, non‐glossy (matte or semi‐matte) photo paper using a professional photo printer
• Verify printed size with a ruler or ISO/ICAO passport‐photo template: width 35 mm, height 45 mm
• Check that background is uniform, no shadows or reflections on face, and colors are natural
• Inspect the photo under daylight or daylight‐balanced lamp to ensure faithful skin tone reproduction
• Fifth step: Final checks and submission
• Place photo on a white sheet next to a ruler to double‐check dimensions before cutting
• Use clean scissors or a guillotine cutter to trim precisely—no white borders allowed
• Affix to passport application form as instructed by Algerian authorities or submit digitally per embassy requirements (JPEG, maximum 500 KB)
• Retain digital master file and print proof in case re‐submission is needed

Tips and Best Practices

• Dimension & Head Positioning: ensure the photo is exactly 35×45 mm with the head height 25–35 mm and centered—incorrect sizing or off-center faces lead to automatic rejections.
• Background Uniformity: use a plain white or light-gray background with no textures or shadows—non-uniform backdrops often fail the Algeria passport authority’s quality checks.
• Even Lighting & No Shadows: employ soft, diffused lighting to eliminate shadows on the face and background—harsh shadows or uneven illumination can obscure facial features and trigger photo refusal.
• Glasses & Accessories: remove tinted or thick-rimmed glasses and avoid hats or headbands (unless for religious reasons), ensuring eyes and eyebrows remain fully visible—reflections and obstruction breach the official guidelines.
• Neutral Expression & Recent Photo: maintain a relaxed, closed-mouth expression and submit a photo taken within the last six months—smiling, frowning or outdated images risk non-compliance and processing delays.

Conclusion

In summary, the Algeria (DZ) passport photo must meet these core requirements:

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm)
• Head dimensions: 32–36 mm from chin to crown, with approx. 3 mm top margin
• Background: uniform light gray to white, no shadows or patterns
• Image quality: high-resolution color print, matte finish, true-to-life skin tones
• Expression & pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and directly facing camera
• Accessories: no tinted glasses or glare; simple frames allowed; religious headwear OK if it doesn’t obscure face
• Recency: photo taken within the last six months

Adhering precisely to these specs will ensure your Algerian passport application proceeds without photo-related delays.