Most countries require that passport photos have a plain, light-colored background, typically white or off-white. Some may ask for a light blue or grey background for specific reasons. If your self-made passport photo has a dark, patterned, or busy background, it will likely be rejected. Even light backgrounds with textures or patterns may not be acceptable. Changing the background color of your passport picture is necessary at this time. This can also significantly enhance its overall look and feel. First, let’s dive into the common passport photo requirements and then learn how to naturally fix the passport photo background.

portrait of businesswoman at window

Understand the Requirements for Background Color 

Before you set out to change your available passport photo’s background color or shoot at home by yourself, it is important to understand that different countries have varying requirements regarding the acceptable colors for passport photos. These requirements are set by the respective government agencies and failure to comply with them may lead to your application being rejected.

United States

The U.S. Department of State requires passport photos to have a white or off-white background. No shadows should appear on the background or on your face.

United Kingdom

The UK government mandates a plain cream or light grey background for passport photos. No patterns or shadows are allowed.

Canada

The Canadian government requires a solid white or light-colored background. Your face and hair must contrast with the background, so if you have light-colored hair, a medium-gray backdrop may be more suitable.

Australia

Australian passport photos must have a plain white or light grey background, free from shadows or other distractions.

India

In India, the passport photo background should be a light, preferably white, color without any pattern or design.

Germany

German biometric passport photos require a neutral grey background.

France

French passport photos require a light grey or blue background.

China

Chinese passport authorities mandate a white background for all passport photos.

South Africa

South African passports call for photos to have either a white or light-colored background.

Brazil

Brazilian passport photos must have a white background.

DIY Ways for Shooting Your Passport Picture at Home

If you do not have a qualified photo for your passport, you may consider shooting at home. One thing you should know is that preparing a suitable background for a passport photo at home is quite simple and can save you time and money. Here are some easy steps to help you create the ideal background for your passport photo.

Choose an Appropriate Wall

Find a plain wall in your home, preferably white or off-white as most passport-specific regulations require. Ensure that the wall is clean and free from any stains or marks. The wall should also be well-lit and not have any shadows cast by furniture or other items.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for a good-quality passport photo. Make sure the area is well-lit, but avoid harsh, direct light that can create shadows or overexpose the photograph. Natural daylight is usually the best option, so taking a picture during the daytime near a window may offer the best results.

Use a Backdrop

If you do not have an appropriate wall, consider using a white or off-white sheet or poster board as a backdrop. Hang or attach it to a wall ensuring it’s flat and wrinkle-free.

Check for Shadows

Before taking the picture, check for any shadows on the wall or backdrop. Shadows can cause your photo to be rejected as they affect the uniformity of the background color. You can do this by taking a fe wall or backdrop to avoid casting shadows on it. Make sure your full face and shoulders are visible in the frame while taking the picture.

Camera Settings

Use a high-resolution setting on your camera for clear, sharp images. Avoid using flash as it can cause red-eye or unwanted shadows.

While preparing a background for your passport photo at home, the key is to ensure that it doesn’t distract from your face and meets all passport photo requirements. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create an acceptable background for your passport photo right in the comfort of your home.

Change Background with AiPassportPhotos

If you have a photo with an inappropriate background and do not want to reshoot, you may consider changing the background with software by yourself. For a not tech-savvy person, a DIY passport photo can be a bit difficult. Nonetheless, the procedure becomes simple and efficient with online passport photo makers.

AiPassportPhotos is an innovative platform designed to assist people in producing perfect passport photos from the convenience of their homes. The tool with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology allows your photos to be edited in a way that adheres to the particular requirements stipulated by different countries. Regulations include appropriate size, format, and background color, thereby removing the necessity for professional photographers or complicated editing software, such as PhotoShop.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can easily change your passport photo’s background color using this innovative tool.

Open the Online Passport Photo Tool on a Browser 

No need to download the app on your mobile phone or personal computer. You can handle all the process through the AiPassportPhotos website.

Select Your Country

Once you’re on the website, before uploading the photo, you need to select the document type first, including your country and the photo type. Photo requirements and regulations may vary among different countries. Some countries such as the U.S. require a white background while countries like the Philippines might ask for a passport photo with a plain light blue background. If an American citizen trying to edit a passport photo selects the country as the Philippines, he or she could probably get the photo background changed into one not up to standard. That’s why a correct choice for your country is of great importance. AiPassportPhotos offers 23 options of countries, allowing most users worldwide to get their passport photo background color easily changed. 

Get Photos for Philippines Passport and Visa

Select the Photo Type

Various types of photos could be edited through AiPassportPhotos. Remember to choose the right option as the specification of each type is different such as size, resolution, and background color. 

Upload the Photo

After the selection of your country and the photo type, click the button to upload the photo you wish to be edited. Just wait 15 seconds to get your photo processed.

Waiting for the passport photo tool to process the photo

Download Your Photo

After the AI has successfully changed the background color of your passport photo, you can download it directly to your device. Simply click on the ‘Download’ button, and you’ll have your brand-new passport photo ready in seconds.

Wrap up

With these passport photo tools, changing your passport photo’s background color is effortless and quick. You do not need any technical skills or expensive software; this AI-powered tool does all the work for you in a matter of seconds, ensuring that your passport photo is perfect and up to standard. If you are not satisfied with your passport photo background, just have a try with AiPassportPhotos!

By Erin Lo

My passion lies in the intersection of technology and storytelling, and I'm thrilled to explore the world of AI and its impact on passport photography. I strive to make complex concepts easy to grasp for readers, sharing the wonders of AI in our everyday lives. Beyond writing, I find inspiration in art, diverse cuisines, and outdoor adventures. Contributing to AiPassportPhotos' innovative approach is an exciting journey, making passport photos and more creative pictures simpler and more efficient through the power of AI.