Bhutan Passport Photo Requirements — 45 × 35 mm, White Background
The Bhutanese passport photo is a 45 × 35 mm (height × width) print on a white background, with the face filling 70–80% of the frame and no border. It must be taken within the last 6 months and glued — not stapled — to the application form. The standard follows ICAO minimum requirements. Verified against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), September 2026.
The official Bhutan passport photo specification
| Size | 45 mm × 35 mm |
| Head size | The face should occupy 70–80% of the photo |
| Background | White |
| Border | None — a photo without a border |
| Recency | Recent — not more than 6 months old |
| Fixing | Glued to the application form — staples and pins are not allowed |
The department states that the photograph is a primary means of identification and must meet ICAO minimum standards. It does not publish a pixel, DPI or file-size figure, nor a number of copies — so treat those as not specified rather than assume a value.
Pose and glasses
- Face the camera straight on — do not use a “portrait style” shot turned at the shoulder.
- Eyes open and clearly visible.
- If you wear glasses: no flash reflection or glare, no tinted lenses, and the frame must not cover any part of the eyes.
The eye rules are where glasses-wearers most often trip up: a small reflection across the lens, or a thick frame sitting over the pupil, is enough to fail. If in doubt, have the optician remove the lenses for the shot or take the photo without glasses.
Image quality and presentation
- In sharp focus, with no shadow on the face or background.
- High quality — no ink marks, creases or stains.
- Photos taken with a digital camera must be printed on photo-grade paper.
The department publishes good and bad examples: an accepted photo is on a white background with the face filling roughly 70% of the frame, while rejected examples include a non-white background, a frame covering the eye, and a face that is too small in the frame.
60-second Bhutan check
- ☐ 45 × 35 mm print, no border
- ☐ Face filling 70–80% of the frame
- ☐ Plain white background, no shadow
- ☐ Taken within the last 6 months
- ☐ Facing the camera straight on, eyes open and clear
- ☐ Glasses: no glare, no tint, frame off the eyes
- ☐ Sharp, clean, photo-grade paper — then glue it (no staples or pins)
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Bhutan passport photo?
45 mm × 35 mm, with no border.
How big should the face be?
The face should occupy 70–80% of the photograph.
What background do I need?
A white background, with no shadow.
How old can the photo be?
It must be recent — not more than 6 months old.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, but there must be no flash reflection or glare, no tinted lenses, and the frame must not cover any part of the eyes.
How do I attach the photo?
Glue it to the application form. Staples and pins are not allowed.
Related: lay out a 45 × 35 mm print with the passport photo print sheet, and check size, background and head position with the passport photo checker. Browse other formats in the size chart.