Immigration Corner | How to use a digital photo to apply for a British passport online

Dear Mr Bassie,

I understand that I need a digital photo to apply for a British passport online. Any guidance on this would be appreciated.

– WP

Dear WP,

Persons will need to obtain a digital photo to apply for a passport online. They must get a new photo when obtaining a new passport, even if their appearance has not changed. This photo must have been taken within the last month. It should be noted that the application will be delayed if the photo does not meet the rules.

HOW TO OBTAIN A DIGITAL PHOTO

Persons can get a digital photo either from a photo booth or shop before applying for the passport, or by taking one using their own device during the passport application. Please note that photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than a photo taken using a personal device.

It is advisable that before starting the application, persons should get a digital passport photo from a photo booth or shop and choose the option to get a code with their photos. They will be asked to enter the photo code during the passport application and the digital photo will be added to the application.

If persons opt to use their own device, they will need someone to assist them to take the photo during the application process.

RULES FOR DIGITAL PHOTOS

Please be aware that the quality of the digital photo being used is important.

The photo must be:

• Clear and in focus

• In colour

• Unaltered by computer software

• At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall

• At least 50KB and no more than 10MB

In addition, the digital photo must:

• Contain no other objects or people

• Be taken against a plain light-coloured background

• Be in clear contrast to the background

• Not have ‘red eye’

Those applicants that are using a photo taken on their own devices must include their head, shoulders and upper body. It is important the photo is not cropped as the authorities will do this.

In terms of instructions when taking the photo, persons must:

• Be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera

• Have a plain expression and their mouth closed

• Have their eyes open and visible

• Not have hair in front of their eyes

• Not have a head covering (unless it is for religious or medical reasons)

• Not have anything covering their face

• Not have any shadows on their face or behind them.

Also, applicants should not wear glasses in their photo unless they have to do so. If they must wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and they must ensure that their eyes are not covered by the frames or any glare, reflection or shadow.

I hope this helps.

John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a chartered arbitrator, the past global president of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (UK). Email: lawbassie@yahoo.com