South African passport photographs are 35mm wide and 45mm high, with the face taking up 70 to 80 percent of the photo. Where a printed photo is needed you bring two identical colour photographs, taken within the last month, per the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) specification sheet. Photos are not needed at Smart ID card offices, where your image is captured digitally (DHA).
This page follows the DHA passport and ID photograph specification as reproduced by DIRCO, a copy dated April 2024. Confirm with Home Affairs that nothing has changed.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Number: two identical colour photographs for a passport
- Age of photo: not more than one month old
- Size: 35mm wide by 45mm high, with the face taking up 70 to 80 percent of the photograph (the template shows a head size of 29 to 34mm)
- Background: light grey or plain cream, with even lighting and no shadows, flash reflections or red-eye
- Subject: you alone, facing the camera squarely with a neutral expression, mouth closed and eyes open and clearly visible
- Printing: professionally printed; DHA warns that photos printed at home are not likely to be of acceptable quality
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
You do not need printed photographs when you apply at a Smart ID card or automated Home Affairs office, because your image is captured digitally. If the office does not capture it, DHA asks for two colour photographs that meet its specification. Check with your office or bank branch which applies before you pay a photographer.
Applying abroad can differ. The South African High Commission in the UK asks for six professionally taken colour photographs for a first adult ID and passport, 35 mm x 45 mm, without glasses and with a clear forehead (DIRCO UK); the number varies by mission, so ask the mission you will use. See also our passport application requirements.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
The rules above are for South African passports and IDs. Visa photographs are set by the destination country, so do not assume a South African passport photo will be accepted for a visa. Check the specification with the embassy or visa application centre handling your application.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
DHA’s sheet sets these rules for how you look in the photo:
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible.
- Glasses: your eyes must be clearly shown, with no flash reflection, dark-tinted lenses or heavy frames. Frames must not cover the eyes.
- Head coverings: not permitted except for religious reasons, and your face from chin to forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Find out whether your office captures photos digitally. If it does, you need none.
- If printed photos are required, go to a professional photographer and say they are for a South African passport: 35mm x 45mm, colour, light grey or cream background.
- Check that you have two identical photos, taken within the last month.
- Take them with your Form DHA-73 and ID to your application. DHA’s helpline on the sheet is 0800 60 11 90, and the DHA travel documents page lists the other documents.
DHA does not appear to publish a list of approved photographers, so we cannot point you to an official one. Look for a professional studio and give them the specification above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passport photo size in South Africa?
35mm wide by 45mm high, with the face filling 70 to 80 percent of the photo, according to the DHA specification sheet.
How many photos do I need for a passport?
Two identical colour photographs, where printed photos are required. Missions abroad can ask for more (the SA High Commission in the UK asks for six for a first adult application), so confirm with the mission.
Do I need photographs for a South African passport?
Not at Smart ID card offices, where images are captured digitally. Otherwise yes, two compliant colour photos.
Where can I get a passport photo taken?
DHA does not publish a list of photographers. Use a professional photographer, because DHA says home-printed photos are not likely to be acceptable, and give them the specification above.
Can I wear glasses?
Your eyes must be clearly visible with no flash reflection. DHA does not allow dark-tinted lenses or heavy frames, and frames must not cover the eyes. The UK High Commission asks for photos taken without glasses.
Can I wear a head covering?
Only for religious reasons, and your face from chin to forehead and both edges of your face must be visible.
Can I use the same photo for a visa?
Not automatically. Visa photograph rules are set by the destination country, so check them with the embassy or visa application centre.
Confirm current photo requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (0800 60 11 90) or, abroad, with the South African mission, before you pay for photographs. See visa requirements for your destination and browse all travel and immigration requirements.