Most countries require passport photos with a plain, light-coloured background — usually white. A trip to a photo studio costs R100-R300, and even quick-service photo booths charge R50-R150. But you can take the photo at home and fix the background yourself using remove-bg.io.
The catch is getting the background colour right. Here's what each country actually requires, plus how to avoid the most common rejection reasons.
Important: Requirements change. Always verify your country's current passport photo specifications on the official government website before submitting. The information below is accurate as of early 2026 but should be double-checked.
Background Requirements by Country
South Africa
The Department of Home Affairs requires a plain white background. The full specs:
- Photo size: 35x45mm (standard passport photo size)
- Face centred, looking straight at the camera
- No shadows on face or background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- No glasses (Home Affairs increasingly rejects photos with spectacles)
- Both ears visible
United States (US Visa)
The U.S. State Department requires a white or off-white background.
- Photo size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm)
- Head height: 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches from chin to top of head
United Kingdom (UK Visa)
The UK accepts a plain white or light grey background.
- Photo size: 35x45mm
- No shadows, no texture in the background
European Union (Schengen Visa)
Most follow the ICAO standard:
- Light-coloured, uniform background
- Photo size: 35x45mm
- Check the specific embassy's requirements
Australia
- Plain light-coloured background (white or light grey)
- Photo size: 35x45mm
- No glasses
Taking the Photo
You can use any smartphone. A few things that matter:
Lighting is the most important factor. Stand facing a window so natural light falls evenly on your face. Avoid overhead room lights that create shadows.
It doesn't matter what's behind you. You're going to remove the background anyway.
Have someone else take it. Selfies are technically usable, but a rear camera photo taken by someone else gives better results.
Shoulders visible, face centred.
Replacing the Background
Upload your photo to the Background Remover. Once removed, switch to the Background tab:
- White for SA passport, US visa, and most countries — use the White Background tool
- Light grey for UK — use Change Background Colour
- Light blue for some EU countries
Download in full resolution. No watermarks, no account needed.
Why Passport Photos Get Rejected
Shadows on the background. The #1 issue. AI background removal eliminates this entirely.
Wrong background colour. Check the specific requirement for your application.
Poor lighting on the face. Retake the photo with better lighting.
Wrong dimensions. Crop to the correct aspect ratio.
Glasses. Many countries no longer accept photos with glasses.
Printing
- At home: Print at 35x45mm on photo paper at 300 DPI or higher.
- At a photo shop: Most shops near Home Affairs offices accept digital photos on USB or WhatsApp.
- At a pharmacy: Clicks and Dis-Chem often have self-service photo kiosks.
For a family of four, doing this at home saves R400-R1,200 compared to a photo studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my passport photo be accepted? Background removal gives you a clean, compliant background. But compliance also depends on face positioning, expression, lighting, and dimensions.
What resolution do I need? At least 600x600 pixels. Modern smartphone photos are typically 3000x4000 pixels or higher.
Can I use a selfie? Technically yes, but a rear camera photo taken by someone else gives better results.