The photographs which you have to provide with your application must be in the format specified below. These format requirements meet internationally agreed standards.

• Size 480 * 640

• with the subject facing forward, looking straight at the camera

• in colour, not black and white

• taken against a light grey or cream background

• free from shadows

• taken with the eyes open and clearly visible (with no sunglasses or tinted spectacles, and no hair across the eyes)

• with a neutral expression with the mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows)

• Image of the person’s face only, no other people or objects

• In sharp focus without blur

• with a strong definition between face and background.

• Taken no more than 6 months before

• No red eyes effect

• No additional processing

• taken of the full head, without any covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons

• be free from reflection or glare on spectacles, the frames of which must not cover the eyes

 

Good

 

 Acceptable: medical transparent glasses are allowed

 

Not acceptable: Portrait style photographs are not permitted

 

Not acceptable: Even a slight smile distorts the normal facial features

 

Not acceptable: the mouth is open, smile, the head is turned

 

Not acceptable: Hair covering the face is not permitted

 

Not acceptable: Dark glasses and smiling are not permitted

 

Not acceptable: Hats are not permitted

 

Not acceptable: other objects are not allowed