Thailand Passport & Visa Photo Tool - 35×45mm Standard Format

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The Challenge

Thailand passport and embassy visa applications require 35×45mm photos with face covering 70% of frame, white or off-white background. Some Thai consulates (e.g. USA) accept 2×2 inch format instead. e-Visa portal accepts JPG/PNG under 2MB. Wrong size or format = delayed processing. Note: Visa on Arrival uses different 4×6cm format.

Thailand passport and visa photo requirements

Thailand uses 35×45mm photos for Thai passport applications and standard visa submissions at embassies and consulates worldwide. The e-Visa portal at thaievisa.go.th also accepts this format as a digital upload (JPG or PNG, under 2MB). Face must cover approximately 70% of the photo, centred with head straight. White or off-white background required. Photos must be taken within last 6 months in colour. Two identical printed photos are needed for embassy submissions; one digital photo for e-Visa applications. This is the same format used across the EU—35×45mm is the most common passport photo format globally.

Important: Different formats exist for Thailand

This tool: 35×45mm — for Thai passport and standard visa applications
Visa on Arrival (VOA): uses larger 4×6cm (40×60mm) format — use the separate VOA tool
Some US-based Thai consulates accept 2×2 inch (51×51mm) — check your specific consulate
When in doubt, 35×45mm is the safest format accepted by most Thai embassies worldwide

Thailand photo requirements checklist

35×45mm dimensions (3.5×4.5 cm)
Face covers approximately 70% of photo height
Head centred, face straight at camera
White or off-white background, no shadows or patterns
Taken within last 6 months
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
No teeth visible (slight natural smile acceptable)
No hats or head coverings unless religious/medical
Glasses allowed if eyes clearly visible with no glare
No sunglasses or tinted lenses
Colour photo — black and white not accepted
Full face and shoulders visible
Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
No digital alterations or filters
Avoid white or light-coloured clothing (low contrast with background)

Common rejection reasons

Using VOA format (4×6cm) instead of 35×45mm for embassy submission
Photo older than 6 months
Shadows visible on face or background
Head tilted or rotated, not facing camera directly
Smiling with teeth showing
Background not white/off-white or has patterns
Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
Wearing hat or headband (non-religious)
Glare on glasses obscuring eyes
File too large for e-Visa upload (max 2MB)
Wearing light clothing that blends with white background

How to upload photo to Thailand e-Visa portal

Go to thaievisa.go.th and create account or log in
Select visa type and complete personal details
Navigate to document upload section
Upload passport-size photo: JPG or PNG format, under 2MB
Minimum dimensions: 500×352 pixels (higher resolution recommended)
Photo must show full face with white/off-white background
System validates upload — if rejected, check file size and format
Submit application and proceed to payment

How to print Thai passport photos at home

Paper: Use photo-quality paper — Thailand accepts both matte and glossy finish.
Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
Alternative: Print at local photo shop. In Thailand, photo shops are abundant and inexpensive (฿50-150 for 4-6 photos).

Thai visa types using 35×45mm format

The 35×45mm format is used for: Tourist Visa (TR/single and multiple entry), Non-Immigrant Visa B (business), Non-Immigrant Visa ED (education/study), Non-Immigrant Visa O (visiting family, retirement), Non-Immigrant Visa F (official/diplomatic), Smart Visa, Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), and Transit Visa (TS). All these visa types use the same 35×45mm photo specifications. One compliant photo works for all. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is the exception — it requires 4×6cm (40×60mm) format.

US-based Thai consulates and 2×2 inch format

Some Thai consulates in the United States (e.g. Los Angeles, New York, Chicago) accept 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photos for e-Visa applications — matching the US passport photo standard. This is a convenience accommodation for US-based applicants, not the official Thai standard. If applying through a US-based Thai consulate, check their specific website. For all other countries and the main thaievisa.go.th portal, use 35×45mm format.

Good vs bad Thailand visa photo examples

Face covers 70% of frame, head centred, straight gaze

Face too small — too much empty space around head

White or off-white background, evenly lit, no shadows

Shadows on wall or face, uneven lighting

Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open

Smiling with teeth showing or mouth open

Glasses with no glare, eyes clearly visible through lenses

Flash reflection on glasses obscuring eyes

Dark or coloured clothing contrasting with background

White shirt blending with white background

No headwear, ears visible

Wearing cap, hat, or headband (non-religious)

Taking passport photos of children

Children under 6 don't need to look directly at camera or have neutral expression (Thai relaxation rule)
Infants can be photographed on baby chair or lying on floor
Hands, toys, pacifiers, bottles must not be visible in frame
Background must still be plain white or off-white
Only the child should appear in the photo — no parents visible
Eyes should be open and mouth closed (relaxed for very young children)
Take 10-20 shots to get one compliant photo — normal for young children

Cost comparison

Photo studio in Bangkok/Chiang Mai: ฿100-250 (approx. $3-7 USD)
Photo booth at train station/mall: ฿50-150
Photo shop near embassy: ฿150-300
Photo shop outside Thailand: $8-20 USD depending on country
This tool: Free — print at home or at photo service
At home in Thailand: ฿20-50 for photo paper + ink

Need Visa on Arrival (VOA) photo?

Thailand Visa on Arrival uses a different 4×6cm (40×60mm) format — larger than standard passport photos. If you're arriving at a Thai airport without a pre-approved visa and applying for VOA, use the dedicated Thailand Visa on Arrival Photo tool. Using 35×45mm photos at the VOA counter may result in rejection or airport photo fees.

Official Thai Government Resources

Step-by-Step Workflow

Upload Photo

Position Face Using Guidelines

Select Enhancement

Download or Print Sheet

Specifications

Photo Size: 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
Resolution: 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
Head Height: ~34.5 mm (approximately 70-77% of frame)
Face Coverage: 70% of photo, centred
Background: White or off-white
Recency: Taken within last 6 months
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Paper Type: Photo paper (matte or glossy accepted)
Quantity: 2 identical photos for embassy applications
Valid For: Thai passport, tourist visa, business visa, work visa, e-Visa, student visa

Best Practices

35×45mm is the standard format — accepted at most Thai embassies worldwide and the e-Visa portal
Visa on Arrival uses different 4×6cm format — don't bring 35×45mm photos for VOA
US-based Thai consulates may accept 2×2 inch — check your specific consulate website
Glasses are allowed in Thailand visa photos if eyes are clearly visible with no glare
Avoid white or light clothing — it blends with the required white/off-white background
Thailand accepts both matte and glossy photo paper
For e-Visa upload: JPG or PNG, under 2MB, minimum 500×352 pixels
Children under 6 don't need neutral expression or direct camera gaze
Print two identical copies for embassy submissions — one for e-Visa digital upload

Frequently Asked Questions

What size are Thailand passport and visa photos?

Thailand uses 35×45mm (3.5×4.5 cm) for passport and standard visa applications. This is the same as the EU standard. Visa on Arrival uses larger 4×6cm (40×60mm) format — a different specification.

Can I use the same photo for Thai passport and visa?

Yes. Thai passport and all standard visa types (tourist, business, student, work, retirement) use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for all applications if taken within 6 months. Exception: Visa on Arrival requires 4×6cm.

Can I wear glasses in Thailand visa photos?

Yes, unlike many countries, Thailand allows glasses in visa photos as long as your eyes are clearly visible. Frames must not cover eyes, no glare or reflection on lenses, no tinted or dark lenses. If in doubt, remove glasses to be safe.

What background colour for Thailand photos?

White or off-white background required. No patterns, prints, or objects. Even, shadow-free lighting. Wear dark or coloured clothing to contrast with the light background.

What format for Thailand e-Visa photo upload?

JPG or PNG format, maximum 2MB file size, minimum 500×352 pixels. Upload through the thaievisa.go.th portal during application. Higher resolution is recommended for best results.

Do US-based Thai consulates accept 2×2 inch photos?

Some US-based Thai consulates (e.g. Los Angeles) accept 2×2 inch (51×51mm) JPEG photos for e-Visa applications. This is a US convenience — not the standard Thai format. Check your specific consulate website. For all other countries, use 35×45mm.

What's the difference between visa and Visa on Arrival photos?

Standard visa (embassy/e-Visa): 35×45mm. Visa on Arrival (at Thai airports): 40×60mm (4×6cm). These are different sizes and not interchangeable. Use the correct tool for your application type.

How recent must Thailand visa photos be?

Within last 6 months to reflect current appearance. Some sources suggest photos should ideally be as recent as possible. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.

Can I smile in Thailand visa photos?

A slight natural smile is acceptable, but no teeth should be visible. Neutral expression is preferred. Do not frown or make exaggerated expressions.

Where can I get visa photos in Thailand?

Photo shops are abundant and inexpensive in Thailand: ฿50-250 ($1.50-7 USD) depending on location. Available at malls, near government offices, train stations, and tourist areas. Specify '35×45mm visa photo' or '4×6cm for VOA' depending on your need.