Overview

• On June 16 the Passport Office urged applicants to follow all guidelines, especially photo standards, to prevent rejections or processing delays
• Photos must be clear, high-resolution, unaltered, taken within the last month and feature the subject against a plain light-coloured background without objects, shadows or red-eye effects
• Children under six have relaxed rules on gaze and expression and infants under one need not open their eyes, provided no hands or toys appear in the image
• Each application requires a new photo even if the applicant’s appearance hasn’t changed, with accepted sources including approved digital services, personal devices or professional booths
• Eligibility for a UK passport covers British citizens, subjects, nationals, protected persons, overseas citizens and overseas territories citizens applying for first or replacement documents