Canada Passport Photo
50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in) · Passport
For the best photo: a plain face, looking straight at the camera, even light with no shadows, and no glare on glasses. Stand in front of a plain light wall.
The official rules
From the government's own website, checked September 2026. Rules can change, so check the official page before you apply.
| Photo size | 50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in) |
|---|---|
| Head size | Face between 31 mm (1 1/4 in) and 36 mm (1 7/16 in) from chin to crown (top of head). |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured. |
| Expression | Eyes open, mouth closed, not smiling or frowning. |
| Glasses | Allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare. No tinted glasses. |
| Head coverings | Only if worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons, with the full face visible and no shadows. |
| How recent | Taken no more than 6 months before you apply. |
| Copies | 2 identical, unaltered photos from a commercial photographer or studio. Colour or black and white. Your guarantor signs one. |
| Good to know | Neutral face. No editing at all. |
Applying online
- Online passport renewal: 1200 × 1800 px to 3000 × 4500 px, 200 KB to 5 MB, JPEG or JPG. Follow the upload steps on the official site, which asks for the original photo rather than a cropped one.
Common questions
What size is a canada passport photo?
50 × 70 mm (1.97 × 2.76 in). Face between 31 mm (1 1/4 in) and 36 mm (1 7/16 in) from chin to crown (top of head).
What background do I need?
Plain white or light-coloured.
Can I wear glasses?
Allowed if your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare. No tinted glasses.
Can I smile?
Eyes open, mouth closed, not smiling or frowning.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken no more than 6 months before you apply.
Will my photo be accepted?
We can't promise that. The final decision is always made by the passport or visa office. This page follows their published rules, which we last checked in September 2026, so check the official page before you apply.