What is ICAO 9303?

ICAO 9303 is the international standard published by the International Civil Aviation Organization that defines the specifications for machine-readable travel documents (MRTDs), including passports, visas, and ID cards.

Why Does ICAO Matter for Your Photo?

Every Schengen country follows ICAO 9303 for their passport and visa photo requirements. This ensures that your photo can be scanned by automated border systems, matched against facial recognition databases, and stored on biometric chips in modern passports.

Key ICAO Photo Requirements

Face Position

Face must be centered in the frame

Full frontal view (no profile or three-quarter views)

Head must be straight with no tilt or rotation

Eyes at approximately 60% of the photo height from the bottom

Face Coverage

Face (from chin to crown) must be 70-80% of the photo height

For a 35x45mm photo, this means 32-36mm face height

Expression

Neutral expression only, mouth closed, no visible teeth

Eyes

Both eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera

Iris and pupil clearly visible

Background

Plain, uniform color with no patterns or shadows

Light gray or white depending on country

Lighting

Even illumination across the face

No harsh shadows or hot spots

Natural skin tones preserved

How EuPass Helps

EuPass validates your photo against all ICAO 9303 requirements automatically with 12 individual compliance checks.

Biometric Photo Standards: ICAO Explained