Czechia
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 Czechia
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 a travel document in the Czech Republic, your passport photo must strictly adhere to the biometric standards set by the Ministry of Interior. These regulations ensure that images are suitable for automated facial recognition systems used at border controls. Securing a compliant Czech Republic passport photo is the most critical step in your application process, as non-compliant images will lead to immediate rejection by local authorities.
The mandatory size for a Czech passport photo is 35x45mm, with the face covering 70 to 80 percent of the vertical frame. The photograph must feature a plain, light, and uniform background without shadows, while your expression must remain neutral with your mouth closed. Glasses are generally discouraged to prevent reflections, and head coverings are only permitted for documented religious or medical reasons. You must ensure the image is high quality and printed on professional photographic paper.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:6ec92de5§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
The Czech Republic primarily mandates in-person applications at local municipal offices where your biometric data is captured directly by officials. However, for specific digital services or online renewals, any uploaded scans must be clear, high-resolution, and saved in a standard JPEG format. If you need to prepare a compliant photo beforehand, idpic.app offers a convenient way to ensure your image meets the specific dimensions required for official processing before you visit the office.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in the Czech Republic involve improper lighting and incorrect head positioning. Many applicants submit photos with subtle shadows on their faces or backgrounds that are not perfectly uniform. Additionally, failing to maintain a completely neutral facial expression—such as slight smiling or squinting—often results in the Ministry of Interior declining the application during the initial verification phase at the municipal 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
Most Czech citizens prefer visiting local photo studios or specialized kiosks found in major shopping centres, which typically charge between 150 and 300 CZK for a set of four photos. If you choose to take the photo yourself, ensure you stand at least one metre from a plain white wall to avoid casting shadows. Always request a professional print, as home-printed photos on standard paper are frequently rejected due to poor quality or incorrect ink density.
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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