✅ DHA Compliant 2025

South Africa Passport Photo Requirements 2025

Official Department of Home Affairs (DHA) photo requirements for South African passports and ID documents.

Create Your SA Passport Photo

South African Passport Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
Photo size35 × 45 mm
Head height32–36 mm from chin to crown
BackgroundPlain white
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, eyes fully open
Photo ageTaken within the last 6 months
GlassesPreferably not worn; if worn, no tinted lenses
Head coveringOnly for religious or medical reasons

Create Your South African Passport Photo

PassportSnap applies the correct 35×45 mm DHA format. Takes 2 minutes at home.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Non-white background

DHA requires a plain white background. Cream or grey backgrounds used for other countries are not accepted.

❌ Wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses

Eyes must be clearly visible. Tinted lenses are not permitted.

❌ Head covering without reason

Head coverings are only allowed for documented religious or medical reasons.

How to Take Your SA Passport Photo at Home

1

White wall background

Plain white background, well-lit, no shadows or patterns visible.

2

Face forward, neutral expression

Both eyes open and visible, mouth closed, look straight at the camera.

3

Upload to PassportSnap

Select South Africa. We apply the 35×45 mm DHA format automatically.

4

Download and print

Get a print-ready file for your DHA passport application.

Why Use PassportSnap?

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DHA-specific format

Correct 35×45 mm dimensions with white background for South Africa.

2-minute turnaround

No queuing at Home Affairs offices just for a photo.

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Cost effective

Save the cost of pharmacy or studio passport photos.

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Private

On-device processing — your photo stays on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a South African passport photo?
South African passport photos must be 35 × 45 mm with a plain white background and neutral expression.
Can I wear glasses in a South African passport photo?
It is preferred that you do not wear glasses. If you must, tinted or dark lenses are not permitted — eyes must be fully visible.
Can I take my South African passport photo at home?
Yes — as long as the photo meets DHA requirements for size, background, and expression, it can be self-taken. PassportSnap ensures compliance.