passports.govt.nz

New Zealand passports | Uruwhenua Aotearoa

The Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua

 

Passport photos

An example photo page showing how your photo is converted to black and white

Your photo helps make your passport secure

You must supply 2 identical colour photographs. Your photos must not be more than 6 months old.

Your photo will appear in the front of your passport as a black and white image. It is stored in colour on the security chip itself. Learn more about the design and security features of New Zealand passports.

  • Examples of adult passport photos

    We recommend you use a business that provides a specialist passport photo service. Make sure your face is clearly visible, otherwise your application will be delayed.

  • Examples of child passport photos

    The same security rules apply to children and babies. For babies, lay them down on the floor on a plain sheet. This makes it easier to take a photo with your baby looking straight ahead.

  • The photo rules in detail

    Here's a list of example photos with the various rules explained in more detail. If your photos don't meet the requirements, we are not able to issue your passport.

  • Tips to help you get correct photos

    High-quality photos in New Zealand passports makes them harder to counterfeit and enables New Zealanders to travel visa-free to more countries around the world.