ICAO Photo App
Free AI-powered biometric photo checker — validates against ICAO Doc 9303, runs entirely in your browser
Drop your photo here or browse
Your photo stays on your device — nothing is uploaded
What we check
Resolution
Verifies minimum DPI and pixel dimensions for the document type
Aspect ratio
Checks width-to-height ratio matches the required format
Face in frame
Checks face centring, head height ratio, and chin-to-crown measurements
Eyes open
Verifies both eyes are fully open, not obstructed, and looking at the camera
Expression
Verifies neutral expression with mouth closed
Face lighting
Ensures even lighting across both sides of the face
Skin glare
Detects shiny spots or specular highlights on the face
Head tilt angle
Measures head rotation and tilt against acceptable limits
Red-eye
Detects red-eye artefacts caused by camera flash
Hair not covering face
Ensures hair or head coverings do not obscure facial features
Natural skin tones
Validates that skin tones look natural without colour casts or filters
Brightness
Checks that the image is neither too dark nor overexposed
Contrast
Verifies sufficient contrast between light and dark areas
Background
Validates plain, uniform background with no patterns or shadows
Objects in frame
Detects glasses, hands, headwear, and other accessories in the photo
Focus / sharpness
Checks image sharpness and focus quality
Digital alterations
Detects beauty filters, retouching, and other digital modifications
How it works
- Upload your photo — it stays on your device
- AI analyses it against ICAO Doc 9303 requirements
- Get instant results with actionable suggestions
Frequently asked questions
Is this ICAO photo app really free?
Yes, completely free with no limits. There are no hidden fees, no watermarks, and no account required. The app runs entirely in your browser using AI models, so there are no server costs to pass on.
Does this app upload my photo to a server?
No. Your photo never leaves your device. All processing happens locally in your browser using on-device AI models. No data is sent to any server — your privacy is fully protected.
What ICAO requirements does this app check?
The app checks all key ICAO Doc 9303 requirements: face position and size, eye openness, facial expression, background colour and uniformity, lighting and shadows, image sharpness and resolution, and digital alterations or beauty filters.
Can I use this app on my phone?
Yes. The app works on any modern device with a browser — smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. No installation required.
What happens if my photo fails the ICAO check?
You get a detailed report showing exactly which checks failed, with actionable suggestions for each issue. You can then fix the photo in our built-in editor or retake and re-upload.
Is this app accurate enough for official use?
The app uses the same AI models and ICAO Doc 9303 specifications that official systems reference. While we can't guarantee acceptance by every authority, our checks cover all standard ICAO biometric requirements.
Why ICAO compliance matters
ICAO Doc 9303 is the international standard for machine-readable travel documents, adopted by 190+ member states. Every biometric passport photo must meet these requirements so that automated facial recognition systems at borders can verify your identity.
Non-compliant photos are the most common reason for passport application delays and rejections. Use this free checker before submitting, or read our complete ICAO requirements guide for detailed specifications.