Indonesia's passport and visa photo rules differ in size between the two documents — the passport uses the standard 35 × 45 mm portrait, while the visa uses a taller 40 × 60 mm format. Both require a plain white background and a neutral expression. This guide explains what you need to know and how PicToPassport helps you create a compliant photo for free, entirely in your browser.
Why Indonesian photo requirements matter
Indonesian passport photos are judged on framing: the head must occupy 60–70% of a 35 mm × 45 mm print on plain white, without teeth showing. Photographs that frame the head too small, carry a tinted background or break the neutral expression come back rejected, and you reprint before applying again. Getting the head proportion right at the outset keeps your submission moving.
Measuring an Indonesian passport photo
The required Indonesia passport photo size is 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall, with the head taking up 60–70% of the photo. Indonesian visa photos use a taller format — 40 mm wide × 60 mm tall — with the head measuring between 25 mm and 35 mm from chin to crown. Always check the latest guidelines on the official Directorate General of Immigration before submitting, as requirements can change.
If you are moving between two sizes, resize rather than crop and hope: Photo Resizer
Keeping the Indonesian background plainly white
The background must be plain white for both passport and visa photos. Avoid any patterns, textures, or objects behind you. Lighting must be even across the face with no shadows on the background or behind the ears. Natural daylight from a window works well, but avoid direct sunlight that creates harsh shadows. Photos must be professionally printed with no pixelation.
More often than not the wall is the problem rather than the face, so replace the background before you print: Background Eraser
Indonesia visa photo: red background or white?
The passport photo stays on plain white, and so does the picture uploaded with an e-Visa or VOA application — the rule above covers both. The red background comes from the other side of Indonesian immigration: a limited-stay visa or work permit (VTT, KITAS, IMTA) asks for a color 4 × 6 cm print shot against red, which is why studios in Indonesia keep both backdrops ready. Check which form you are filing before you print, because a red-backed photo on a passport application is refused on sight.
Indonesian expression: mouth closed, no teeth
Indonesian photos demand a neutral face with the mouth closed and the teeth kept out of sight — showing a smile is explicitly ruled out. Look straight at the camera with your head centred in the frame. Glasses are advised against rather than banned outright: if you keep them, there must be no glare or reflection on the lenses. Religious headgear is acceptable provided the whole face remains visible, and uniforms must not be worn.
Take off glasses for an Indonesian passport photo
Glasses are advised to be removed for both passport and visa photos. If you must wear them, ensure there is no glare or reflection. Religious headgear is allowed only if it does not cover the face. Do not wear uniforms — normal day-to-day clothes are required. Avoid excessive jewellery or make-up, and do not let scarves or hats cover the face.
Face visible under religious headgear in an Indonesian photo
The Indonesian passport frame is 35 mm × 45 mm with the head taking up 60–70 per cent of the photo — noticeably smaller head sizing than India's 80–85 per cent standard, so a crop built for one country fails here. Visa photos switch to 40 mm × 60 mm with a head of 25 mm to 35 mm from chin to crown. Hair must not fall over the eyes, and the background stays plain white for both documents.
Visa photos from Indonesia need to be under 6 months
Indonesia sets a six-month limit for visa photos, and passport photos are expected to be current for the same reason: the image has to match the applicant who appears for biometrics. Reusing a print from a previous trip abroad is where people lose time, because the older photo may no longer show the same hairline or face shape. Take a fresh capture, print four passport copies from it, and keep the file for the visa too.
Four copies for an Indonesian passport, two for a visa
Indonesian passport applications require 4 photos. Visa applications require 2 photos. When you use PicToPassport, you receive a digital file ready for upload or printing plus a print-friendly layout with multiple copies on a single page. The digital file is sized exactly for the Indonesian passport and visa photo requirements, so you can upload it directly or take it to a photo shop.
Printing them yourself? Lay the whole set out on one sheet: 4x6 Passport Photo Print Sheet
Indonesian photo mistakes that trigger rejection
The most frequent reasons for rejection are using the wrong size (remember the visa is the taller 40 × 60 mm, not the 35 × 45 mm passport size), a non-white background, a head that is too small or too large, wearing a uniform, or showing teeth in the photo. Other issues include tilting the head, hair over the eyes, or wearing glasses with glare. Always double-check the Indonesia passport photo requirements before submitting.
Indonesian baby photos and what to expect
No separate infant size exists in the Indonesian rules, so photograph the baby in the ordinary 35 mm × 45 mm frame with the head at 60–70 per cent and a plain white background. Rest the child on white cloth and shoot from above in daylight, keeping the mouth as closed as an infant allows and the eyes open. Remove dummies, toys and any supporting hand from the frame, then print all four passport copies from the single best take.
Perfect Indonesian passport photos with PicToPassport
Set the frame at 35 mm × 45 mm for an Indonesian passport, or 40 mm × 60 mm for a visa, by letting PicToPassport do the crop in your browser. The background stays plain white for both documents, the head sits at 60–70% of the photo, and the output is print-ready: 4 copies for a passport and 2 for a visa on professional-quality paper with no pixelation. The tool costs nothing, runs on your device, and uploads nothing.
Make an Indonesian passport photo right now
Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi asks Rp 650,000 for a 5-year e-passport (Rp 350,000 non-electronic); regular service runs 4 working days, and express service is the same day after biometrics. Fit the photo around those dates: PicToPassport is a free browser tool that crops to the official frame, sets the plain white background, and outputs print-ready copies without uploading anything — the file stays private on your device.
