An international traveler needs to have a valid passport when traveling internationally. A passport in Malaysia requires adhering to specific guidelines, including submitting a passport photo that meets the Immigration Department’s official requirements. We will explore the Malaysian Passport Photo Requirements Complete Guide 2024 in this article and explain how to take a compliant passport photo from the comfort of your own home. Also Read Malaysia Visa Check
What Is Malaysian Passport Photo?
Malaysian passport photos serve as identification in Malaysian passports. They are a standard requirement for applying for a passport and must meet specific criteria set by the government.
Standard Requirements for Malaysian Passport Photo 2024
Malaysian passport photos must meet the following requirements:-
Size: The photo must be 35mm wide and 50mm tall.
Background: The background should be plain white or off-white without any patterns or shadows.
Expression: The applicant should have a neutral expression with the mouth closed and eyes open. A natural smile is allowed, but the mouth should be closed.
Head Position: The head should be centered within the frame and the face should take up about 70-80% of the photo.
Eye Position: The eyes should be positioned between 28mm and 35mm from the bottom of the photo.
Glasses: If the applicant wears glasses, there should be no reflection or glare, and the eyes should be clearly visible.
Headgear: Headgear is generally not allowed, except for religious purposes. Even then, the face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
Background Color: The background should be plain white or off-white, with no patterns or shadows.
Quality: The photo should be clear, in focus, and with good contrast.
No Red-eye: The photo should not have any red-eye effect.
Recent Updates (2024) About Malaysian Passport Photo Requirements:
Specifications for passport photos
There must be no shadows on the background. Applicants must wear dark clothing and cover shoulders and chest. Colored backgrounds will not be accepted. For applicants who wear scarves or hijabs, they must wear dark scarves or hijabs that do not cover their faces.
Photo Taking Tips for Malaysian Passport Photo 2024:
It is important that all your facial features are visible, including your forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and chin. Keep your eyes open and your mouth closed. Smiling is okay, but just lift the corner of your mouth and do not show teeth.
Also Focus On this:-
- Background
- Lighting
- Expression
- Head Position
- Eye Position
- Headgear
- Glasses
- Hair
- Facial Hair
- Clothing
- Quality
Special Cases (e.g., Children, Disabilities):
Newborns and Infants (Under 4 Years Old)
Expression: Neutral expressions are preferred, but newborns and infants usually don’t maintain them perfectly. Aim for a calm and relaxed state. Light smiles and closed eyes are generally acceptable.
Head Support: Use a white cloth or blanket to support the baby’s head and shoulders if they can’t hold their head up on their own. Make sure the cloth contrasts with the baby’s clothing and doesn’t cover their face.
Photo Assistant: The baby can be kept calm and positioned correctly by having another adult gently hold their hands or arms near their body.
Multiple Attempts: It is advisable to take several photos since babies are unpredictable. Choose the clearest one that meets most of the requirements.
Children (Over 4 Years Old)
Understanding: Describe the photo requirements to the child in an age-appropriate way. Encourage them to cooperate and maintain a neutral expression.
Distractions: Keeping the child focused and looking directly at the camera can be achieved by using toys or games off-camera.
Patience: Be patient and understanding if the child takes some time to cooperate. Taking breaks and trying again later might be necessary.
Additional Notes
Hair Accessories: For young children, headbands or hair clips are allowed if they are plain and don’t cover the face or ears.
Glasses: If your child wears glasses medically necessary, they can wear them in the photo. However, the frames should be thin and non-reflective.
Online Applications: For online applications, ensure the digital photo resolution is appropriate for babies and young children. Some systems may require a close-up view of the face to ensure clarity.
In Case Of Disability
Assistance Devices: If the individual uses assistive devices such as wheelchairs or braces, ensure that these are not obstructing their face or the background.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Choosing a background that is not plain white or off-white.
- Face shadows caused by poor lighting.
- Frowning or smiling incorrectly.
- Head position is incorrect, not facing the camera directly or not centered.
- Eyes that are not directly facing the camera or that are obscured by hair or accessories.
- The wearing of headgear that covers the face or is not worn for religious purposes.
- Eyes are obscured by glare or reflection on glasses.
- Head or eye hair that is untidy or uncut.
- The hair on the face obscures facial features or is not neatly trimmed.
- The wearer’s clothing blends into the background or is not suitable for a passport photo.
- The photo does not meet the requirements if it is low-quality or blurry.
Where to Get Passport Photos Taken:
Photo Studios: A variety of photography studios provide passport photos and can provide photos that meet the specifications for passports.
Retail Stores: Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart, for example, offer passport photos in their photo departments.
Post Offices: Passport photos are available at some post offices in some countries.
Online Services: In several online services, you can upload your photo and have passport-sized prints mailed to you.
Mobile Apps: Your smartphone can also be used to take and format passport photos.
Suggested Apps are
- Passport Photo Booth (iOS, Android)
- ID Photo Print (iOS)
- Passport Photo ID Studio (Android)
- Passport Size Photo Editor (Android)
DIY: Following the guidelines provided by the relevant authority, you can take your passport photo at home if you have the right equipment and are confident in your photography skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adhering to the Malaysian passport photo requirements is crucial for international travelers. You can easily take a compliant passport photo from home by following these guidelines and using the suggested apps or services.
FAQs About Malaysian Passport Photo Requirements
Q1) What are the rules for passport photos in Malaysia?
Ans:- In Color: Your photo must be in color and not black and white. White Background: The background for the photo must be plain white to ensure that you stand out clearly. Size Specifications: The photo must be 45mm high and 35mm wide, should not be trimmed or altered from a larger image to fit these dimensions.
Q2) Can we smile in passport photo Malaysia?
Ans:- It is generally not acceptable to smile or have your mouth open when applying for an international passport.
Q3) What colour to wear for passport photo Malaysia?
Ans:- Kindly wear dark colour attire. Forehead and ears must be visible.
Q4) Can I wear makeup for passport photo?
Ans:- Makeup can be worn for a passport photo, but there are some restrictions. The general rule of thumb is to avoid makeup that is too obvious, interferes with photo clarity, blurs the edges of the face or covers it up.
