Slovakia

About photo requirements

When applying for a new travel document in Slovakia, your passport photo must strictly adhere to the standards set by the Police of the Slovak Republic. These requirements follow the EU biometric guidelines, ensuring that images are suitable for facial recognition technology. Obtaining a high-quality, compliant photograph is the most critical step in ensuring your passport application is processed without unnecessary delays or administrative friction.

The official size for a Slovak passport photo is 35mm by 45mm, with the face occupying 70 to 80 percent of the frame. You must provide a clear, high-resolution image against a plain, light-coloured or white background. Neutral facial expressions are mandatory, meaning your mouth must be closed and eyes wide open looking directly at the camera. Glasses are generally discouraged to avoid glare, and head coverings are only permitted for documented religious or medical reasons.

See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:27b0d83b§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.

In Slovakia, passport applications are primarily handled in-person at the district police directorate office where your biometric data, including fingerprints and digital signatures, is captured. While you typically do not upload a digital file yourself, having a professionally prepared image can be helpful if you are using an online portal for other official document requests. For a quick and compliant digital file, you can use idpic.app as a free alternative to prepare your image correctly.

Common issues

The most frequent reasons for rejection in Slovakia include poor lighting that creates shadows across the face or an incorrect head-to-frame ratio. Many applicants also struggle with the strict requirement for a neutral expression, as even a subtle smile can lead to a rejected biometric scan. Furthermore, wearing thick-rimmed glasses that obscure the eyes or failing to remove hair from the facial area will almost certainly result in your photo being declined by the police authority.

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

For the best results, visit a local professional photo studio in your city, where photographers are well-versed in the specific biometric requirements of the Slovak Police. Costs for a set of professional photos typically range between 5 and 10 Euros. If you decide to take the photo yourself, ensure you stand at least one metre away from a plain wall to avoid unwanted shadows and use natural, front-facing light to achieve the crisp, clear quality required.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.