Print version
Photo ready to print
A separate file prepared at the official physical size, ready to produce your paper copies.
- Official size: 35 × 45 mm (1.4 × 1.8 in)
- Prepared at 300 dpi
- Print-ready sheet included
- light grey or cream background
🇿🇦 South Africa · Passport
South Africa passport photo, valid and ready in 30 seconds
Take or upload a photo. We prepare and check it so your South Africa passport photo is compliant and ready to print.
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Included with your order
Two versions. One complete delivery.
Your South Africa passport photo order includes the files you need for both online submission and printing, when supported by the application route.
Digital file
Your photo as a digital file
The same final photo as a file you can keep or send to print wherever you like: a print shop, photo store or at home.
- JPEG file
- light grey or cream background
- Direct download from your account
Take a normal photo. We turn it into the official photo you need.
You don't need to understand the rules for South Africa passport photo. Just face the camera in good light; Imagokit handles the rest.
Correct background
We replace your surroundings with the light grey or cream background required for the application.
Properly framed face
We center and crop the image to the required biometric position.
Checked before download
We detect issues that could cause rejection and tell you if you need to take another photo.
Verified official information
What to know about South Africa passport photo
If you apply for a South African passport at an embassy, high commission or consulate, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires two identical 35 × 45 mm colour photos with a plain light grey or cream background, taken less than one month earlier. The face must measure 29 to 34 mm.
From everyday portrait to compliant result: South Africa passport photo
We correct the framing and prepare the light grey or cream background while preserving your natural appearance.
How it is actually submitted
You hand in the printed photos with form DHA-73 at the mission, where fingerprints are also taken in person. Some missions work with VFS, which offers to take the photo there, although you can bring your own. Children under 16 need the consent of both parents and must attend with them. Inside South Africa, DHA offices with live capture take the photo on the spot.
How to prepare
Take the photo no more than a month before your appointment, in front of a light grey or cream background, never pure white. Face the camera with your mouth closed and avoid glare on glasses. Print on quality photo paper.
Common rejection reasons
- Pure white background instead of light grey or cream
- Photo older than one month
- Face outside 29–34 mm
- Glare, tinted lenses or frames over the eyes
- Copies that are not identical
We check the requirements for you
You don't need to memorize measurements or biometric rules. Imagokit applies this document's official setup and checks the result before delivery.
Government Photo Compliance Guaranteed
- Size
- 35 × 45 mm (1.4 × 1.8 in)
- Suitable for online submission?
- No
- Is it printable?
- Yes
- Background
- Light grey or cream
- Head height
- 64–76% of the photo
What the photo must comply with
- Face the camera. Head straight and eyes looking directly at the camera, no tilting.
- Neutral expression. Mouth closed, no smiling.
- Even lighting. No shadows on the face or background, no glare.
- Glasses. Glasses are allowed if there is no glare and the eyes are fully visible.
- Hats and caps. Head uncovered; religious garments that do not cover the face are allowed.
- Filters and beauty retouching. The photo must faithfully show your current appearance.
- Religious garments (hijab, turban…) are allowed if the face is visible from forehead to chin.
Specific rules for South Africa
- Two identical colour photos of 35 × 45 mm, professionally printed on photo paper.
- Plain light grey or cream background; not pure white.
- Photo less than one month old.
- Face 29 to 34 mm from chin to crown; neutral expression and mouth closed.
- Glasses allowed without glare, tinted lenses or heavy frames, and frames must not cover the eyes.
- Head cover only for religious reasons, with the face visible from chin to forehead and both edges.
- Children: same rules; they must be alone, with no toys or other people.
How to get ready
1
Camera distance
Take the photo from at least 40 cm (16 in) away from your face. Ideally, have someone else take it for you.
2
Face the camera
Position your face in front of the lens and keep a neutral expression. Hold the camera at face level.
3
Even lighting
Face a light source, such as an open window. Don't worry about the background — we'll replace it.
Photos that pass and photos that don't
Don't worry about the background or framing — our AI fixes that. Focus on this.
Other document photos for South Africa
If you need to complete more than one application, prepare each photo to the exact size and rules of its document.
Secure payment
Your photo ready for your document today.
Get your photo ready for your application and use your Imagokit dashboard for the next 7 days.
- Encrypted payment, securely processed by Stripe.
- Cancel online at any time.
7 days of Imagokit Unlimited
$1.95
7 days of access to Imagokit from your dashboard.
- Your official photo, digital and ready to print
- The guide to your application: steps, what to bring, fees and official links
- Unlimited photos for you and your family, for any document and country
- Reminders before your documents expire
- If it's rejected, we refund your money
Today you'll pay $1.95 and get 7 days of full access to Imagokit. After that, your subscription renews at $49.95/month until you cancel. You can cancel at any time.
Frequently asked questions about South Africa passport photo
What size should the photo be for South Africa passport photo?
It must be exactly 35 × 45 mm (1.4 × 1.8 in), with a light grey or cream background. Imagokit crops and adjusts your photo to those measurements automatically.
What color should the background be?
The background must be light grey or cream. Our tool replaces your photo's background with the required one automatically.
Can I smile in the photo?
No. South Africa passport photo requires a neutral expression, with your mouth closed and no smiling. Imagokit checks this before delivering your photo.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are allowed as long as there's no glare and your eyes are clearly visible, though we recommend removing them to avoid issues.
How much does South Africa passport photo cost and how long does it take?
It costs $1.95. It's ready to download instantly — no waiting, no trips.
Is it valid for the official application?
Yes. The photo meets the official measurements, background and biometric requirements of South Africa. And if it's still rejected, we refund your money.
Can I print it on paper?
Yes. Along with the digital photo you get a 10×15 cm (4×6 in) print template ready to print with 2, 4, 6 or 9 copies at any photo shop or kiosk.
Is my photo safe? What do you do with it?
The biometric analysis and cropping run on your own device, inside the browser. Your photo is only stored — in private storage — when you generate your order, so we can deliver it.