New Zealand Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Official photo size: 35 x 45 mm (1.4 x 1.8 inches) at 300 DPI
Photo Specifications
Overview
New Zealand requires a 35x45 mm (413x531 pixels at 300 DPI) passport photo with a white or off-white background, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), Te Tari Taiwhenua. New Zealand was one of the first countries to adopt facial recognition technology for passport processing, and its automated system is particularly sensitive to shadows, expression, and head positioning. Photos can be uploaded digitally through the DIA's online passport renewal service or submitted as printed copies. The face must be completely neutral with no smile, and both eyes must be clearly visible without any obstruction.
Plain white or off-white background with uniform lighting and no shadows
Requirements
- Photo dimensions must be 35x45 mm (413x531 pixels at 300 DPI)
- Background must be plain white or off-white with even lighting
- Full frontal face with completely neutral expression and no smile
- Both eyes open and clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses or sunglasses permitted
- No head coverings except for religious or medical reasons with documentation
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- For online applications, digital photo must meet DIA's specific upload requirements
Common Rejection Reasons
- Any trace of a smile, as New Zealand's automated system is particularly strict about neutral expression
- Wearing glasses of any kind
- Shadows on the face or background
- Background not white or off-white, or not uniformly colored
- Digital photo not meeting DIA online portal resolution or format requirements
- Head tilted or eyes not looking directly at the camera
Tips
- Use the DIA's online photo checker tool to verify compliance before submitting
- New Zealand's facial recognition system is one of the strictest, so practice a completely neutral expression before your photo session
- AA offices throughout New Zealand offer compliant passport photo services
- For online renewals, ensure your digital photo meets the specific pixel and file size requirements on the DIA website
- Wear a dark top that contrasts with the white background and avoid high necklines
Create Your New Zealand Passport Photo Now
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