First-Time EG Egypt passport (from USA only) 2x2 inch, 51x51 mm Application Tips - Beginner's Guide

Requirements

• Photo size: exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) printed on plain white photo paper with no borders
• Head dimensions: head height between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown and centered
• Background: uniform white or off-white with no shadows, textures, or objects visible
• Expression & pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully open, direct front-facing view
• Lighting & quality: even lighting with no glare or red-eye, high resolution (600 dpi), sharp focus, no creases or smudges
• Glasses & headwear: no glasses or tinted lenses; religious head coverings allowed only if face is fully visible from forehead to chin and both edges of your face are shown
• Attire: everyday clothing; avoid uniforms, camouflage, or colors matching the background
• Recentness: photo taken within the last six months reflecting your current appearance
• Application form: fully completed and signed passport application form (Form EG–01) obtained from the Egyptian Consulate website
• Civil status documents: original Egyptian birth certificate or national ID plus U.S. residency proof (valid visa, green card or I-797)
• Document legalization: all Egyptian civil documents legalized by the U.S. Department of State and by the local Egyptian Consulate General
• Photos & copies: submit two identical passport photos and photocopies of all required documents (front and back of U.S. status)
• Appointment booking: schedule an in-person appointment online at your consular district (NY, DC, LA, Chicago, Houston) before visiting
• Fees & payment: pay applicable fees via U.S. bank cashier’s check or money order payable to “Consulate General of Egypt” (confirm current fee online)
• Submission & return: bring originals and copies to your appointment and include a prepaid self-addressed UPS/FedEx envelope for return shipment
• Processing time: standard service 10–15 business days; expedited service available for an additional consular fee and 5–7 business-day turnaround

Step-by-Step Process

Content about First-Time EG Egypt passport (from USA only) 2x2 inch, 51x51 mm Application Tips - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Correct Dimensions & Scaling: make sure your photo is exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) at 100% scale with no added borders—use a printed template or ruler to verify actual size; photos too large or small are instantly rejected.
• Uniform Background & Lighting: shoot against a solid white or very light‐gray background with even, diffused lighting—no shadows, textures, or color casts; inconsistent backgrounds often lead to embassy retakes.
• Proper Head Position & Size: center your head both vertically and horizontally, with the top of the skull to chin measuring 1–1⅜ inches and eye line 1⅛–1⅜ inches from the bottom—off‐center or mis-sized heads fail the biometric requirements.
• Neutral Expression & Unobstructed Features: maintain a straight-on, neutral face (no smile), remove glasses and hats (unless for religious reasons), pull hair away from eyes and cheeks—any obstruction or expression deviation triggers automatic refusal.
• Professional Print Quality & Paper: use high-resolution (300 dpi+) digital capture and print on dedicated matte or glossy photo paper—avoid office printers or kiosks that produce grainy, color-shifted images, as poor print quality risks application delays.

Conclusion

In summary, your first-time Egyptian passport application from the USA hinges on precise photo specs and a complete document package:

• Photo Specs: 2×2 inch (51×51 mm), white background, head height 1–1⅜ inch, neutral expression, no glasses or headwear
• Documents Needed: completed DS-11 form, U.S. birth certificate or current U.S. passport, two compliant photos, application fee, self-addressed prepaid envelope
• Application Steps: fill out DS-11 without signature, schedule consulate appointment, submit documents in person, pay fees, sign DS-11 before the officer
• Common Pitfalls: incorrect photo dimensions, shadows or uneven lighting, non‐white background, outdated supporting documents
• Pro Tips: double-check Egypt consulate guidelines online, use a professional photo service, verify all paperwork 24 hours before your appointment