"Plain white background" is what most people expect for a passport photo, and for many countries it is right. But not for all of them. A few documents ask for light grey or cream, and some do not accept white at all. Using the wrong colour is an easy way to get a photo rejected, so here is what each country asks for, grouped by colour.
Every rule below comes from the official source linked on the country's SafeResize page, checked in September 2026.
White (or off-white)
These documents ask for a white or near-white background:
| Country | Document | Background |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Visa (DS-160), passport, DV lottery | Plain white or off-white |
| China | Visa | White or close to white, no border |
| India | Passport applied abroad | White |
| Brazil | e-Visa | White |
| Vietnam | e-Visa | White |
| Saudi Arabia | Tourist e-Visa | White, no pattern, no shadows |
| Singapore | Visa | White |
| South Korea | Visa | Plain white, no border |
| Türkiye | Visa | White, no pattern |
| United Arab Emirates | Visa | Plain white (ICP also allows plain light colours) |
| Pakistan | Passport, visa | Plain white |
| Nigeria | e-Visa, passport | White |
White or another light colour
These accept white, light grey, cream or another light colour:
| Country | Document | Background |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Passport, visa | Plain light colour, in clear contrast with you (printed photos: cream or light grey) |
| Schengen area | Visa | White, off-white or light grey |
| Canada | Visa and permits | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Ireland | Passport | Light grey, white or cream |
| Australia | Passport | Plain white or light grey |
| India | e-Visa | Plain light colour or white |
| Japan | Passport | Plain, no pattern or gradient; white is best, pale colours are fine |
| Qatar | Hayya e-Visa | Plain white or light grey |
| Thailand | e-Visa | Plain light colour, no patterns |
Light, but not white
These are the ones that catch people out. A white background is not accepted:
| Country | Document | Background |
|---|---|---|
| India | OCI card | Plain light colour, not white |
| France | Passport and ID card | Light blue or light grey, not white |
| New Zealand | Visa | Plain light neutral colour, not white |
Grey preferred
| Country | Document | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Passport or ID applied abroad | Plain light colour, ideally neutral grey |
| Australia | Citizenship | Neutral or light grey |
| South Africa | Visa | Light grey or plain cream |
Blue allowed
| Country | Document | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | eVISA | White recommended, blue also allowed |
| New Zealand | Passport | Light blue, grey or cream |
| Colombia | Visa | White; blue only in special cases |
How to get the right background at home
- A painted wall in the right colour is easiest. Check there is no texture you can see in the photo.
- For a white background, stand half a metre in front of the wall and light your face from the front, so no shadow falls behind you. A white wall in shadow looks grey.
- For light grey or cream, a sheet of matt card from a craft shop works well. Avoid glossy paper, which reflects light.
- Do not change the background with an app. Several countries do not allow it: Japan's online passport service rejects photos with the background removed, and US passport rules do not allow edited photos.
Not sure which rule applies?
Pick your document on the passport and visa photos page. Each country page shows the background rule, links to the official source, and says when we last checked it.