Philippines passport photo size & requirements
DFA requires a square 2×2 inch photo on a plain white background — most rejected photos fail on the background rather than the size, especially selfies shot indoors under yellow lighting.
Official requirements
| Issuing authority | DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) |
|---|---|
| Print size | 51×51 mm (2×2 in) |
| Pixel size | 600×600 px |
| Background | White |
| Digital file size | No strict digital limit published — export at full quality |
| Format | JPEG, no borders, neutral expression |
Common reasons Philippines passport photos get rejected
- ✕Background has a yellow or warm colour cast from indoor lighting, instead of a neutral white.
- ✕Photo isn't square — cropped as a normal rectangular portrait instead of 2×2 inch.
- ✕Shadows cast on the background from an overhead light source.
- ✕Smiling with teeth showing — DFA requires a neutral facial expression.
How to get it right in under a minute
- 1
Upload or take a photo
A phone selfie against any plain, evenly lit wall — the tool works out the crop and background.
- 2
Line up to the guides
Drag and zoom until your head sits between the crown and chin lines for Philippines's 51×51 mm (2×2 in) spec.
- 3
Download, compliant
Exported at exactly 600×600 px — ready to upload or print.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo does the DFA require?
A square 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo — 600×600 pixels at standard print resolution — on a plain white background.
Can I smile in a Philippine passport photo?
DFA requires a neutral expression with mouth closed. A slight smile without visible teeth is generally accepted; a full smile is not.
Is a selfie against a white wall acceptable?
It can work if the wall is evenly lit with no yellow colour cast or shadow — this tool's background replacement corrects most of these issues automatically.
Ready to make your Philippines passport photo?
Free, no account, no watermark — processed entirely on your device, nothing uploaded.
Open the photo maker