Israel uses a square 5 × 5 cm photo — the same format as the United States and Canada, but larger and with its own framing rules. The background must be plain white, the face should fill about 70–80% of the frame, and glasses are not allowed. Applications made at Israeli missions abroad need two identical printed copies at 600 DPI. Full specification below.
Make an Israeli Passport Photo →As required by the Israeli missions abroad for travel documents, and by the Population and Immigration Authority for applications inside Israel.
| Photo size | 50 × 50 mm (5 × 5 cm) square, borderless — 1.97 × 1.97 inches |
|---|---|
| Face height | 70 – 80% of the frame height, roughly 35–40 mm from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white, evenly lit, no shadows, patterns or objects behind you |
| Resolution | 600 DPI minimum when printed; a 5 × 5 cm file at 600 DPI is 1181 × 1181 px |
| Number of copies | Two identical photos for applications submitted at a mission abroad |
| Colour | Colour only — black and white is not accepted |
| Pose | Full frontal view, head straight, shoulders square, both eyes looking into the lens |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, teeth not showing |
| Glasses | Not allowed — remove glasses, sunglasses and tinted lenses. Contact lenses are fine |
| Ears and hair | Ears should be visible where possible; hair must not cover the eyes, eyebrows or the edges of the face |
| Head covering | Only for religious reasons, and the face must stay visible from chin to forehead and ear to ear, with no shadow cast on it |
| Clothing | Everyday clothing. Uniforms are not allowed |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Israeli missions issue non-biometric travel documents, which is why printed photos still matter.
Outside Israel there is no photo server. You bring or post two printed 5 × 5 cm photos with the application form.
600 DPI on photo paper. Home inkjet prints on plain paper are frequently refused — order a proper lab print.
If you are renewing an expired document, many missions accept the pack by mail; first-time applicants and minors must appear in person.