Passport photo: what is it, and should you take it with you on a trip or while backpacking?

What is a passport photo?

  • Passport photos are those official, often unflattering, photos of your head on a light background, without sunglasses, a broad smile or hair in your face. Not intended as a nice holiday snapshot, but for authorities that want to identify you.

What can you use a passport photo for when traveling and backpacking?

  • For applying for or extending visas (some countries want two to six physical passport photos).
  • For applying for local ID cards, permits or SIM cards.
  • For public transport cards, student cards or library cards (yes, still a thing).
  • For emergency documents in case of loss of your passport.
  • For volunteer work or (temporary) work permits.

When do you take a passport photo with you when traveling or backpacking?

Always take it with you if you:
  • Travel to countries that issue a visa at the border (think: Nepal, Cambodia, Tanzania).
  • Are planning to stay in one country for a long time (visa extension or local registration).
  • Visit multiple countries with different visa requirements.
  • Don't want to be dependent on blurry copy shops that take photos with a Nokia from 2003.

Where can you buy a passport photo locally in the world?

  • In almost every country you can have passport photos taken at:
    • Copy shops.
    • Photo shops.
    • Photo booths in shopping malls or at stations.
    • Pharmacies (in the US, Canada, Thailand, etc.).
  • In some countries (such as India or Vietnam) they do it right at the visa office.
  • Format and requirements vary per country, so make sure to inquire about this in advance!
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