Italy
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 4 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in Italy
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for an Italian passport, your photograph must strictly adhere to the biometric standards set by the Polizia di Stato. These regulations ensure that images are compatible with the electronic chips embedded in modern travel documents. Following these guidelines is essential to avoid delays at your local Questura or passport office, as minor errors often lead to immediate application rejection.
The mandatory size for an Italian passport photo is 35mm by 45mm, with the face occupying 70 to 80 percent of the frame. You must provide a high-quality print on white or light-grey background with neutral lighting to avoid shadows. Glasses are not allowed, and head coverings are strictly prohibited except for religious reasons. Ensure your expression is neutral with your mouth closed and eyes looking directly at the camera lens.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:899aaaa4§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
In Italy, the passport application process remains largely an in-person procedure at the Questura or Carabinieri station. While you must bring physical prints, some online appointment booking systems allow for digital uploads, though the physical requirement remains the primary standard. For those needing to prepare these images at home, idpic.app offers a convenient way to format your photos to meet these exact biometric specifications before printing them.
Common issues
The most frequent cause for rejection in Italy relates to improper lighting, which creates shadows on the face or behind the ears. Many applicants also submit photos with tilted heads or non-neutral expressions, which violate the strict biometric identification protocol. Additionally, poor print quality or using standard home photo paper often results in the Questura rejecting the submission, as the image must be sharp and free of pixelation or ink streaks.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
To ensure your photo meets the requirements, visit a professional photographer or a dedicated photo booth equipped for biometric images, which typically costs between five and ten euros. If you choose to take the photo yourself, ensure you stand against a plain, well-lit wall and maintain a distance of at least one metre to prevent facial distortion. Always double-check that your ears are visible if your hair is long, as this is a common point of contention.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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