Malaysia Passport Photo Requirement – Complete Guide for New Users
The official photo specifications must be adhered to when applying for a Malaysian passport. In the passport section, applicants are photographed using the Facial Live Capture tool. The following are the main requirements for passport photos:
Passport applications must include a photo that meets the following specifications:
Recent Photo: Within the last six months.
Size: 35 x 50 mm.
Background: White ( ), with no shadows.
Quality: High-resolution, no editing, clear face.
Image Format: Various formats are available: .pdf, .jpg, .gif, .bmp, .png ..
File Size: There is no specified file size, but photos should not exceed 300 kB.
Lens Resolution: The camera lens should have a resolution of 400DPi.
Measurements at Eye Level and at Head Level
From the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, your head should be 29 mm high. Eyes should be visible and positioned at eye level. Face the camera with your eyes open.
The space between the hair and the top of the photo should be 10 millimeters.
Requirements for facial expression and pose
You must meet the following requirements for facial expression and pose when taking your Malaysia passport photo:
Facial Expression: Keep your mouth closed and maintain a neutral facial expression. Exaggerated expressions, such as smiling or frowning, should be avoided. The result is a clear and professional representation of your face.
Head Position: Direct your head toward the camera, making sure that your face is fully visible and centered in the frame. The accuracy of the photo may be affected if you tilt your head or turn your head.
Eyes Open and Visible: Make sure both eyes are visible in the photo. Check the lenses for obstructions or glare, and remove glasses unless they are medically necessary.
Accessories and Clothing
Follow these guidelines for clothing and accessories when taking your Malaysia passport photo:
Everyday Attire: Wear clothing that you would normally wear on a daily basis. You should avoid wearing uniforms, costumes, or clothing that resembles official attire.
Hat and Head Covering: Hats and head coverings are generally not permitted. It is recommended, however, that you submit a signed statement confirming their religious significance if you wear them for religious reasons. Include a signed doctor’s statement if the item is worn for medical reasons. Make sure your face is clearly visible, without shadows or cover-ups.
Glasses and Headphones: Unless you have a documented medical reason for wearing glasses, you cannot wear them. The use of headphones or wireless devices is also prohibited.
Jewelry and Piercings: Face piercings and jewelry are permitted as long as they do not hide your face. For passport photos, permanent tattoos are also acceptable.
Passport Photo Quality
The quality of your passport photo must meet the specific standards set by the Malaysia passport requirements. The following are some key factors to consider:
Clarity: All facial features and details should be clearly visible in the photo. Avoid any blurriness or fuzzyness that may compromise the photo’s quality.
Focus: Your entire face should be in focus in the photo. Ensure there are no blurry or out-of-focus areas in the photo.
Color: You should have a color passport photo that accurately represents the tone of your skin and the color of your hair. Take pictures in color rather than black and white.
Retouching: You should not alter or retouch your passport photo. The removal of blemishes, wrinkles, and other imperfections is part of this process. Ideally, the photo should show your natural appearance without any enhancements or modifications.
Lighting: Your face should be lit evenly, without harsh shadows or glares. Lighting that may create unflattering highlights or shadows should be avoided.
Recency: The photo must have been taken within the last six months.
Malaysia Passport Requirements for Children
Malaysian passport photo requirements for children are as follows:
No other person is in the photo: Passport photos should only show the child being photographed.
Positioning: A white or off-white sheet should be laid on the back of infants and toddlers who cannot support their heads. It is important to ensure that their faces are not shadowed, especially when taking a picture from above. If you prefer, you can cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and place your child in it.
Clear visibility of the child’s face: A child’s face should be clearly visible without obstructions. Even infants with partially open eyes are acceptable. The eyes of all other children must be open in the photo, however.
Size and Quality: For infants and children, passport photos must meet the same quality and size requirements as for adults.
Are the Photos Worth Printing Out?
Yes, For your Malaysian passport application, you must print the photos out. It is important that the photos are not torn or damaged. Online applications may not require you to print the photos since they can be uploaded digitally.
Is a New Passport Photo Required if I Change my Appearance?
Passport photos need to be updated only if there has been a significant change in your appearance. The following are examples:
Facial trauma or significant facial surgery.
Numerous or large facial piercings or tattoos have been added or removed.
Significantly lost or gained weight.
Transitioned from one gender to another.
Changing your hair color or growing a beard is not considered significant. The natural aging process does not require children under 16 to apply for a new passport if their appearance has changed.
FAQs About Malaysia Passport Photo Requirement
The dimensions are 35 millimeters wide by 50 millimeters high. It is important that you center your face in the picture and that it takes up approximately 30-35 mm of the picture, height-wise. The distance between the top of your head and the top of the picture should be about 5 mm.
A Malaysia passport photo must meet these requirements for facial expression and pose: Facial Expression. Keep your mouth closed and maintain a neutral facial expression. Do not smile, frown, or make any exaggerated expressions.
Your passport office will require you to retake your photos if they are rejected. Upon taking the new photos, you must wait in the office until your passport is ready for collection.
Conclusion
Following Malaysia passport photo requirements ensures a smooth application process. Photos must meet size, background, and quality standards, with clear visibility and neutral expressions. Children’s photos have specific rules, and updates are needed only for significant appearance changes.
