What is the Italian passport photo size?

Italian passport photos must be 35mm × 45mm (known as fototessera format). This is the standard EU passport photo size.

Can I wear glasses in Italian passport photos?

No, glasses are not allowed in Italian passport photos since 2018, following ICAO standards for biometric photos.

Italian Passport Photo Size Requirements - 35×45mm Fototessera (2026)

Official Italian Passport Photo Specifications

The Italian passport (Passaporto Italiano) is one of the most powerful passports in the world, offering visa-free access to over 190 countries! Whether you're applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one, your photo must meet strict EU and ICAO standards.

Italian passport photos are called "fototessera" and follow the standard 35×45mm European format.

Fototessera - Italian Passport Photo Specs

Photo Size	35mm × 45mm
Digital Dimensions	413 × 531 pixels (300 DPI)
Background Color	Plain white or light grey
Head Size	32-36mm (70-80% of photo height)
Eyes Position	28-35mm from bottom
Expression	Neutral, no smiling
Glasses	NOT ALLOWED ❌
Photo Age	Within last 6 months

Italian Passport Types

Passaporto Ordinario

Standard Italian passport for citizens.

• Burgundy cover (EU standard)
• 48 pages
• Valid 10 years (adults), 5 years (minors)
• Biometric chip included

Passaporto di Servizio

Official/Service passport.

• Blue cover
• For government officials
• Same photo requirements

Passaporto Diplomatico

Diplomatic passport.

• Green cover
• For diplomats
• Same photo specifications

ETD - Emergency Document

Emergency Travel Document.

• Single-use emergency document
• Issued by embassies

Important Rules for Italian Photos

What's NOT Allowed

✗

Glasses of any type (even clear)

✗

Smiling or unusual expressions

✗

Head coverings (except religious)

✗

Colored or patterned backgrounds

✗

Shadows on face or background

✗

Filters or heavy editing

What IS Required

✓

Face clearly visible from chin to forehead

✓

Both eyes open and visible

✓

Natural skin tones

✓

Sharp focus and proper lighting

How to Apply for an Italian Passport

1

Book an Appointment

Use the Agenda Passaporti online system or Poste Italiane.

2

Prepare Documents

ID card, old passport (if renewing), tax payment receipt (€73.50 + €42.50).

3

Bring Your Photo

2 identical fototessera photos (35×45mm).

4

Visit the Questura

Attend your appointment at the Questura or Ufficio Passaporti.

FAQs - Italian Passport Photo

What size is an Italian passport photo?

Italian passport photos must be 35mm × 45mm, the standard EU format known as "fototessera" in Italian. This is the same size used across most European countries.

How many photos do I need?

You typically need 2 identical passport photos for an Italian passport application. Having extras is always a good idea in case some are rejected.

Why are glasses not allowed?

Since 2018, Italy follows ICAO guidelines prohibiting glasses in passport photos. This improves biometric facial recognition systems. Even clear prescription glasses must be removed.

How long is an Italian passport valid?

Adult passports (18+) are valid for 10 years. Children's passports are valid for 3 years (ages 0-3), 5 years (ages 3-18). All Italian passports are biometric.

Italian Passport Photo Requirements