Tajikistan Passport Photo Requirements (2026)
Applying for or renewing a Tajikistan passport requires submitting photographs that strictly conform to the official biometric standards set by Tajikistan's passport authorities. Failing to meet even one requirement can result in your application being delayed or returned. This complete guide covers every official Tajikistan passport photo requirement for 2026 โ from exact dimensions and background color to facial expression, clothing, and print quality.
Photo Size and Dimensions
The official Tajikistan passport photo size is 35 mm ร 45 mm (3.5 cm ร 4.5 cm), equivalent to approximately 1.37 ร 1.77 inches. At a resolution of 600 DPI, this corresponds to 413 ร 531 pixels. Applicants are required to submit four (4) identical photos with their passport application. Photos that do not conform precisely to these measurements will not be accepted. The photo must be printed on high-quality photo paper at a minimum resolution of 600 DPI โ standard inkjet or laser prints are not suitable for submission.
Background Requirements
The background must be plain white with no shadows, patterns, gradients, or textures of any kind. The background must be uniformly lit and completely free of any objects, furniture, or other people. The applicant's clothing must contrast clearly with the white background โ wearing white or very light-colored tops is strongly discouraged, as clothing that blends into the background can cause the photo to be rejected. A plain white wall or a clean white sheet (non-transparent) works well as a home background if a professional studio is unavailable.
Head Size and Positioning
The face โ measured from the forehead edge to the bottom of the chin โ must occupy 70% to 80% of the total photo height, with the head length from chin to forehead typically measuring between 31 mm and 36 mm within the 45 mm frame. The head must be perfectly centered within the photo. In the case of voluminous or large hairstyles, ensure that the entire head including the hairstyle is fully depicted within the frame without reducing the visible face size. The top of the shoulders must be visible at the lower portion of the image to provide proper framing context. The face must not be cut off at any edge of the photograph.
Facial Expression and Eyes
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, squinting, or any non-neutral expression is not permitted. Both eyes must be fully open, clearly visible, and looking directly into the camera lens. There must be no hair, accessories, or shadows obscuring the eyes. Red-eye caused by camera flash must be avoided โ use appropriate diffused lighting or an off-axis flash setup rather than post-processing corrections. The face must be in sharp focus with all facial features clearly distinguishable.
Lighting and Photo Quality
Lighting must be even and uniform across the entire face, with no harsh shadows on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. Reflections on the face from direct flash must also be avoided. The photo must be in full color โ black-and-white or monochrome photos are not accepted. The image must be sharp, properly exposed, and free from blur, pixelation, or graininess. No digital retouching, beauty filters, or color alterations are permitted. The skin tone must appear natural and true to life โ both over-exposed (too light) and under-exposed (too dark) photos will be rejected.
Clothing and Accessories
Wear regular, everyday clothing for the photo. There is no specific dress code, but clothing must clearly contrast with the white background โ avoid all-white or very light tops. Uniforms or clothing resembling military, police, or official government attire are not permitted. Headwear is generally not allowed; exceptions are made only for religious or cultural reasons, provided the full face remains clearly visible from chin to forehead with no shadows cast on the face. Glasses must be removed for Tajikistan passport photos โ spectacles are not permitted regardless of prescription or medical need. Beards are permitted provided they represent the applicant's everyday appearance and do not significantly obscure facial features.
Photo Recency
Tajikistan passport photos must have been taken within the last six months of the application date. Photos older than six months are considered outdated and will not be accepted. The photo must accurately reflect your current appearance โ significant changes in appearance (such as weight changes, new facial hair, or changed hairstyle) since the photo was taken may require a new photo to be submitted.
Infants and Children
Infants and children must have their own individual passport photo meeting the same technical specifications as adults. The photo must show only the child โ no hands, toys, car seats, or other adults may appear in the frame. Photographing infants from above in a lying-down position is acceptable, provided a white sheet is placed underneath to achieve the required white background. The infant's headwear and pacifier must be removed before taking the photo. The child's full face must be visible and centered within the frame.
Common Reasons for Rejection
The most frequent reasons Tajikistan passport photos are rejected include: glasses not removed, shadows on the face or background, head not centered or tilted, photo older than six months, background that is not plain white, clothing that blends into the background, red-eye effect, digital retouching or filters applied, head or hairstyle cut off at the edges, and insufficient print resolution or quality.
Where to Apply
Tajikistan passport applications are processed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs (passportization departments) at regional offices across Tajikistan, as well as through Tajikistan diplomatic missions abroad. When applying at overseas embassies or consulates, four compliant printed photographs must accompany the application along with all required supporting documents.