New Zealand passport photo requirements 2026: three rules most applicants don't expect

The practical answer

NZ passport photos must be 35×45mm for printed applications. For online submissions, the digital file must be a JPEG between 900–2250 pixels wide × 1200–3000 pixels high, between 500KB and 3MB. The background must be plain and light-coloured — but specifically not white: DIA requires a non-white background such as light grey or off-white to ensure sufficient contrast for biometric facial recognition. The face from chin to crown must measure 29–34mm (60–70% of the image height). Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must be taken by another person — not a selfie.

Where people get surprised

Three rules differ from what generic passport photo guides say. First, the background: unlike the US (white only), UK (white, grey, or cream accepted), and most other countries, New Zealand specifically requires a non-white background. A pure white background will fail the DIA's automated checker because it reduces contrast. Light grey or off-white is required. Second, no selfies: DIA explicitly states that the New Zealand Government does not accept selfies because they distort facial proportions. The photo must be taken by another person standing approximately 1.5 metres away. Third, glasses: New Zealand allows prescription glasses if there is no glare and the lenses are not tinted — but tinted lenses and sunglasses are prohibited under all circumstances, even light tints.

How PassSnap fits

PassSnap 2.0 supports the New Zealand Passport photo type with DIA-compliant crop dimensions and a light grey background option. The app's guided capture workflow ensures another person is operating the camera at the correct distance — consistent with DIA's no-selfie requirement. The optional AI verify step checks expression, background, and facial edge compliance before export. No photo is uploaded to a server during the capture and export process.

Before you take your NZ passport photo

• Have another person take the photo from approximately 1.5 metres away. The DIA does not accept selfies — the wide-angle distortion from a phone held at arm's length is a specific disqualifying factor.
• Use a light grey or off-white wall as the background. A pure white background reduces the contrast DIA's biometric system needs and will fail the automated checker in the online portal.
• Prescription glasses are permitted if there is absolutely no glare on the lenses and the frames do not obstruct the eyes. Any tint — including very light photochromic tint — means the glasses must come off.
• Disable Portrait mode and all AI enhancement before shooting. The DIA prohibits photo editing that alters appearance, including automatic processing applied by smartphone cameras.
• For online applications, upload the original digital file taken directly by the camera — not a scan of a print, not a screenshot, not a file shared through a messaging app. Compression from app sharing frequently causes quality failures in the DIA's automated checker.

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