The quick answer (size, background, cost)
Official size: 35 mm × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Some missions phrase it as “3.5×4.5 cm.”
Background: plain light or white, depending on the authority. Follow the rule for your application channel (department office vs. embassy/mission).
Submission: Sri Lanka now uses digital photographs captured via authorised studios for standard passport applications. Printed photos aren’t accepted at department counters.
Typical cost: passport photo price Sri Lanka varies by studio and turnaround. Expect a base fee for a compliant set, plus optional digital copies and reprints.
If you’re applying for a foreign visa (US/UK/Schengen), sizes differ. See the chart below for 2×2 inch (US) and 35×45 mm (UK/Schengen) references.
Full-size chart (Sri Lanka + common foreign documents)
| Document | Size | Background | Notes |
| Sri Lanka Passport | 35×45 mm | Plain light/white | Department uses digital capture; some missions may ask for prints. |
| UK Passport (printed) | 45×35 mm | Light grey/cream/plain | Chin-to-crown 29–34 mm. |
| US Visa/Passport | 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) | White | Head height 25–35 mm; strict digital specs. |
| Schengen (typical) | 35×45 mm | Light/white | Check specific mission before you shoot. |
This chart helps if you need multiple document photos in one visit. It also clarifies passport photo dimensions in Sri Lanka versus foreign standards.
Background, lighting, and pose (what actually gets rejected)
Background: plain, even tone; no patterns, textures, or gradients. Many missions specify white; some say “plain light.” Keep it clean to cover both.
Lighting: no shadows on face or background. Avoid hotspots on the forehead and glare on the skin.
Pose: face straight to the camera; neutral expression; eyes open; mouth closed; both ears visible. No hair across eyebrows or eyes.
Accessories: no sunglasses; remove everyday glasses to avoid glare unless a mission explicitly permits with medical proof.
Head size and framing: follow destination rules (e.g., UK 29–34 mm chin-to-crown; US 25–35 mm).
Why this matters: Most rejections come from wrong passport photo background colour, shadows, glasses glare, or incorrect head size in frame.
Most rejections come from wrong passport photo background colour, shadows, glasses glare, or the head being too small/large in frame.
Digital photo specs (pixels, DPI, file size)
Sri Lanka Department processes digital images via authorised studios. That means the studio handles pixel size, DPI, file format, and biometric standards for you.
UK online: strict rules on recent capture and image framing.
US online: 2×2 inch equivalent with strict pixel/DPI ranges; 300 ppi for scans.
If you’re submitting digital files yourself, ask for: JPEG, even lighting, no compression artifacts, and a margin around the head so automated croppers pass the first time.
Price and where to get compliant photos in Sri Lanka
Here’s how studios usually price:
• Base shoot (Sri Lanka passport): capture + compliance check + digital handoff or code.
• Add-ons: printed sets for foreign embassies, instant prints, WhatsApp/email delivery, baby handling, rush service.
• What affects price: retakes, express turnaround, on-site cropping for foreign sizes (e.g., 2×2 inch), and light editing (dust removal; no beautifying).
Tip: ask for a multi-document pack if you also need US/UK visa photos in the same sitting.
Step-by-step: from studio shot to submission
1. Confirm the document you need (Sri Lanka passport, US visa, UK passport, etc.).
2. Tell the studio your destination’s rules (size + background). They’ll set the template.
3. Prepare: no hats; remove glasses; tie back hair; avoid white tops (keeps separation from background).
4. Capture: straight posture, steady gaze, neutral face.
5. Compliance check: technician verifies head size, eye line, background, and exposure.
6. Delivery: receive the digital file or department-ready capture confirmation.
7. Final review at home: open the image at 100%—check sharpness, no shadows, no colour casts.
DIY at home vs pro studio (pros, cons, checklist)
DIY Pros: cheaper, instant, you control time.
DIY Cons: colour casts, uneven lighting, wrong framing, rejection risk.
Studio Pros: calibrated lighting, sizing templates for multiple countries, biometric checks, and lower rejection risk.
Studio Cons: small fee; you travel once.
DIY checklist: daylight near a window; plain white/light wall; phone on tripod; no wide-angle distortion (step back and zoom slightly to ~2×); even light; no shadows; shoot at highest resolution; crop to the exact template.
Special cases: babies, head coverings, glasses
Babies/infants: lay the baby on a plain sheet; ensure eyes open; no hands supporting the head in frame; avoid shadows. Allow extra time and multiple tries.
Religious head coverings: usually allowed if the full face is visible and no shadows on features. Follow mission rules.
Glasses: remove to prevent glare; medical exceptions vary by mission.
Common rejection reasons and fast fixes
Wrong size/background: reshoot to 35×45 mm with plain light/white; confirm the exact rule for your submission channel.
Glare or shadows: re-light with two soft sources or use a studio.
Head too small/large: recrop using the right template (UK 29–34 mm chin-to-crown; US 25–35 mm head height).
Hair across eyes/eyebrows: tidy hair and retake.
Old photo: many authorities require a recent photo—check the portal’s timeframe.
Mini case example (what top pages miss)
A student needs three outputs in one visit:
– Sri Lanka passport (35×45 mm, plain light).
– US visa (2×2 inch, white).
– UK renewal (45×35 mm, 29–34 mm chin-to-crown).
A pro studio shoots once with even lighting, then exports three compliant crops and prints just the foreign sets. This saves time and avoids the most common passport photo requirements mistakes (wrong background and head size).
If you want your passport photos done correctly the first time, skip the guesswork and get them taken at Tashma Studio. They follow every current Sri Lankan biometric rule, handle the lighting and background perfectly, and give you both printed and digital copies that meet official standards. Visit Tashma Studio today and get passport photos that never get rejected.
FAQs
What is the official passport photo size in Sri Lanka?
The standard is 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). Wordings differ (“plain light” vs “white” background) by mission, but the size is consistent. Use a studio that follows the passport photo requirements Sri Lanka to reduce rejections.
Does the Sri Lanka Department accept printed photos?
The Department takes digital photographs from authorised studios for standard applications; printed photos are not accepted at counters. Some overseas missions still ask for printed sets—check their page.
I also need a US/UK visa photo. Can I do both sizes together?
Yes. Ask for 2×2 inch (US) and 35×45 mm (UK/Schengen) during the same session. Studios keep templates for each.
What should I wear?
Avoid white tops (you’ll blend into light backgrounds). No hats. Remove glasses. Keep hair off eyebrows. These small choices cut rejection risk.
How much does it cost in Sri Lanka?
passport photo price sri lanka changes by studio and add-ons (prints, rush, multiple sizes). Expect a base shoot fee plus extras for foreign sizes or immediate delivery.
