After meticulously planning your next trip abroad, don’t forget to consider your Passport photo. Now you’ve got a date set, the clock is ticking. Getting an approved Canada Passport photo can take time.
This article is your first stop in knowing how to get a certified Passport photo in a short time.
Canada Passport photo specifications
It can be daunting, trying to work out how to take the perfect Canada Passport photo. At first thought, it might seem like there’s not much to it. However, there are quite a few requirements that need to be met in order to appease the Canadian Passport authority.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to snap a Canada Passport photo by yourself. Make sure you’ve considered all the key points in our Canada Passport checklist below.
If you’re still not sure, why not try our super helpful app?
‘Smartphone iD’ has been uniquely designed to help you take great Passport photos. It will handle the heavy lifting, whilst you just take a photo through the app. You can make Canada Passport photos through ‘Smartphone iD’ in real-time from the comfort of your home.
Once you’ve snapped a few pictures using our handy app, they can be sent off to our team of experts who work in hand with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). We fully comply with ICAO standards when reviewing your photos.
Canada Passport photo requirements checklist
We’ve put together a comprehensive Passport checklist to give you peace of mind when preparing for your travels.
According to the Canadian government, an acceptable photo must be:
- Clear and in focus.
- Captured with a neutral facial expression, eyes open with the face in resting position.
- Lighting must be consistent across the face, without shadow or glare.
- Captured so that the face and body are straight on with the camera.
- Represent skin tones that are true to reality.
- Original photo taken for this purpose.
- No more than 12 months old at the time of submitting.
- Glasses can be worn, eyes must be visible.
- Head coverings can be worn for religious or medical reasons, the face must be clearly visible.
It’s vital that you take these key points into account before you think about taking Canadian Passport photos. That’s because if your Passport photo gets rejected, there can be delays in processing your document application.
Haven’t got the time to get all this right? Don’t worry.
Our app ‘Smartphone iD’ can guide you through taking a Passport photo, step by step. Your photos will be pre-approved by our experts, taking the hassle out of your document application altogether.
What is the size of a Canadian passport photo?
When it comes to producing your Canada Passport photos, you need to make sure they are to the right specification and dimensions. If you don’t, it’s likely your Passport photo will be rejected by the Canadian Passport authorities.
The Canadian government requires that Passport photos are:
- 50 mm wide x 70 mm high.
- The length of the face must be between 31 mm and 36 mm.
- Printed on high-quality photographic paper.
If you choose to use ‘Smartphone iD’, the app can create validated document photos for the required size of any country, all from the comfort of your home.
If you’d like, we can even provide a printing service, offering high-quality photographic paper using the latest printing technology.
What is the Information Required on the back of the Canada passport photo?
When submitting your photos to the Canadian Passport authority, you need to add a few pieces of information on the back of the photos. This is so that the Canadian government can confirm your identity from multiple sources.
The details required are:
- The name and full address of the photographer.
- The date the photo was taken.
- Your guarantor needs to sign and date the back of one photo and write: “This is a true likeness of [name of applicant]”.
How to get Canada Passport Photos at home using your phone?
Sometimes, it’s hard to fit all the little things into your busy schedule. And sometimes those little things are the most important! Getting a Canada Passport photo can be quick and easy, you just need a smartphone.
If you don’t want to go through the long process of taking pictures by yourself, you can use ‘Smartphone iD’. There are so many benefits to the app, it’s definitely worthwhile.
Here’s how Smartphone iD works :
- Get the app: Using Smartphone iD, you can take approved document photos for any country whilst you’re at home.
- Expert check: Our in-house experts will inspect and certify your photos. We uphold ICAO ( international biometric regulating body) standards when validating your document photos.
- Our service: When you choose Smartphone iD, it’ll do the heavy lifting. The unique algorithm will correct the photo including straightening, scaling, and background removal, in compliance with national requirements.
- Delivery: Once approved, you’ll receive your Canada Passport photos digitally, via email. Alternatively, we can offer you a professional printing service using high-quality photographic paper.
- Our guarantee: We offer a speedy service where you’ll benefit from excellent customer service. In the unusual event that your photos are rejected, we offer a money-back guarantee.
Where can you print passport photos in Canada?
If you don’t have the facilities at home to print out Canada Passport photos, there are a few things you can do. When getting a professional Passport photo, you need prints on quality photographic paper.
here are a few options for you to choose from
- Walmart offers a printing service for document photos you can choose their 4×6 inch option to print out photos you’ve taken. Or they offer an in-store photograph for $12.97 CAD.
- Jean Coutu offers Passport printing, available for $13.80 CAD.
- Shoppers Drug Mart can print Passport photos for $19.99 CAD.
Alternatively, you can order professional-grade prints on photographic paper through our ‘Smartphone iD’ Passport app. However, if that’s not to your liking, we can send you digital copies for you to print out at your local printing service.
What are Passport photo requirements for children in Canada?
Let’s face it, traveling with children can be stressful. But it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. You can give yourself some peace of mind when you’ve got a Canada Passport photo for your children sorted.
The Canadian government requires Passport photos for children to be:
- Taken with only the child’s head and shoulders visible.
- There should be no hands visible in the photo.
Newly born babies can be photographed sitting in a car seat, with a white blanket behind the child’s head as a background.
- The photograph should have consistent lighting across the face, shoulders, ears, and background.
- The photograph should be of a neutral expression.
Summary
It’s evident that there’s a lot to consider when snapping the perfect Passport photo. Not all of us have got time to get lost in the details. That’s where ‘Smartphone iD’ can step in for you. From the comfort of your own home, you can get great service and a great Passport photo.
Whether you need document photos or just want to relax somewhere exotic for a week or two, simply use ‘Smartphone iD‘ to get your document photos.
FAQ
Are US and Canadian Passport photos the same?
To put it simply, they’re not. There are a few reasons why.
- US Passport photos can be used from the last 6 months.
- Canadian Passport photos can be 12 months old.
As well as size requirements:
- US Passport photos must be 2″x2″ (51 x 51mm)
- Canadian Passport photos must be 50mm wide x 70mm high
Does Walgreens do Canadian Passport photos?
Yes! In fact, most convenience stores and pharmacies provide a Canada Passport photo printing service.
You can purchase professional-quality Canada Passport photos at Walgreens for $16.99 CAD.
How many photos do you need for a Canadian Passport?
There are different requirements depending on whether you are applying for a US passport or a Canadian Passport.
- US government requires you have one photo.
- The Canadian government requires two photos.
How much does a Passport photo cost in Canada?
Depending on what you need and what services are available to you, the price will vary.
- Walmart Photo center $12.97 CAD, includes a photo taken at the store.
- Walmart upload service, use 4×6 print, $0.12 CAD each (30 prints minimum).
- Jean Coutu offers Passport printing, available for $13.80 CAD.
- Shoppers Drug Mart can print Passport photos for $19.99 CAD.
Use ‘Smartphone iD’ for quick and cheap Canada Passport photos, from home. You can get our professional printing service, for photos delivered to your door!
