If your passport photo was rejected by ICA, it almost certainly broke one of a handful of rules. In a 2022 response to public feedback, ICA listed the most common problems: a non-white background, mirror-image photos, photos that are not recent, shadows or uneven brightness, and glare on spectacles.
A rejected photo slows down your application. ICA says passports are usually ready in one to two weeks, but this can stretch to four weeks if the photo does not meet the guidelines.
1. Non-white background
Why it's rejected: ICA requires a plain white background. Off-white walls, grey studio backdrops, patterned curtains and shadows behind you all count as non-white.
How to fix it: Stand about half a metre to a metre in front of a white wall or white sheet and light the background evenly. Do not paint over the background digitally if it changes the outline of your head or hair.
2. Mirror-image (laterally inverted) photo
Why it's rejected: Front-facing phone cameras often save a flipped image. ICA can tell because your hair parting, moles and other asymmetric features appear on the wrong side.
How to fix it: Ask someone to take the photo with the rear camera, or switch off your phone's "mirror front camera" setting before you shoot.
3. Photo is not recent
Why it's rejected: Your photo must have been taken within the last three months and must look like you now. Reusing an old photo from a previous application is a common cause of rejection.
How to fix it: Take a new photo for each new application. If you have changed your appearance, such as a new hairstyle or a beard, make sure the photo reflects it.
4. Shadows or uneven brightness
Why it's rejected: Light from one side leaves half the face darker, and overhead lights cast shadows under the eyes and nose. Both make facial recognition less reliable.
How to fix it: Face a window in daylight, or use two lights at 45 degrees on either side. Turn off flash if it creates a shadow on the wall behind you.
5. Glare on spectacles
Why it's rejected: ICA has explained that reflections on spectacle lenses appear as patches when the photo is laser-engraved into the passport.
How to fix it: Tilt your glasses slightly downwards, move the light source to the side, or take your glasses off for the photo.
Other reasons ICA may reject a photo
ICA's Dos and Don'ts also rule out these problems:
- Smiling with an open mouth, or any expression other than neutral
- Tinted glasses, sunglasses, or frames covering the eyes
- Coloured contact lenses or red-eye
- Hair covering the eyes
- White headwear, or headwear that hides the face
- Photos that are blurry, pixelated, distorted or edited
What to do if your photo is rejected
- Check your photo against the reasons above and compare it with our correct and incorrect sample photos.
- Take a completely new photo rather than editing the old one. ICA does not allow altered or enhanced photos.
- Resize the new photo to 400 × 514 pixels and submit it through the ICA e-Service.
Taking the photo yourself? Follow our step-by-step guide to taking a passport photo at home.
Official sources
- ICA: Response on passport photo submissions (2022)
- ICA: Photo guidelines
- ICA: Apply for a passport (processing time)
Last checked October 2026. Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.