Austrian Passport Photo Requirements: Size, Background and the New York Consulate
Passport Photo Guide · Austria
An Austrian passport photo is 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, in color, with the head filling about two thirds of the photo and no more than 36 mm from chin to crown. The background is light, ideally grey.
Last checked against Austria's Federal Ministry of the Interior on October 15, 2026.
Austrian passport photo requirements
| Requirement | What Austria asks for |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 mm wide by 45 mm high |
| Head size | About two thirds of the photo, and no more than 36 mm from chin to crown. Tall hairstyles may extend past the edge |
| Eyes | At least 8 mm between the centres of the eyes, ideally 10 mm. Head centred |
| Background | One light color, ideally grey, with no pattern and no shadow. Medium grey for light hair, light grey for dark hair. Only you in the photo |
| Lighting | Even, with no reflections or shadows on the face |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, facing the camera. Portrait poses such as a half profile are not allowed |
| Glasses | Eyes clearly visible. No reflections, tinted lenses or sunglasses |
| Head coverings | Not allowed, except for religious or medical reasons, with the face visible from chin to forehead and no shadow |
| Color and paper | Natural colors only, no black and white. High-quality, glossy, smooth paper with no surface texture and a high print resolution |
| Age of photo | No more than 6 months old |
The background: light, ideally grey
Austria is one of the few countries that suggests a background shade by hair color, so your face and hair stand out clearly.
ThisPix · Midtown Manhattan
Get your Austrian passport photo in NYCWalk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Two identical color photos at 35 × 45 mm, on a light background, printed on smooth glossy paper.
Book your passport photo212-753-4671Applying at the Consulate General in New York
- Two photos. Bring two recent passport pictures that meet the criteria, no more than 6 months old.
- In person, by appointment. Passports and ID cards must be applied for in person, with a prior appointment booked online. Applications by mail are not possible.
- Payment. Cash, a certified check made out to the Austrian Consulate General New York, or a money order. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.
Children
- Alone. The child must be the only person in the photo.
- Face and eyes. The whole face must be visible and the eyes open.
Common reasons photos are refused
- A head taller than 36 mm
- A US 2 by 2 inch photo instead of 35 by 45 mm
- Black and white photos
- A patterned or dark background
- Shadows on the face or the background
- A half profile or tilted head
- Smiling or an open mouth
- Reflections on glasses or tinted lenses
- Textured or matte paper with low resolution
- A photo older than 6 months
Since 1986
Austrian passport photos in Midtown ManhattanFor 40 years ThisPix has photographed New Yorkers to the size and rules of consulates around the world. Tell us it is for an Austrian passport and we will set up the grey background and size.
Get your photo at ThisPix212-753-4671Questions, answered
What size is an Austrian passport photo?
35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with the head filling about two thirds of the photo and measuring no more than 36 mm from chin to crown.
How many photos does the New York consulate need?
Two recent passport pictures that meet the Austrian criteria, no more than 6 months old.
What background color should I use?
One light color, ideally grey: medium grey if you have light hair, light grey if you have dark hair. No pattern and no shadow.
Can the photo be black and white?
No. Black and white photos are not accepted for passports, ID cards or residence permits.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, if your eyes are clearly visible, with no reflections and no tinted lenses. Sunglasses are not allowed.
Can I apply for an Austrian passport by mail from New York?
No. The Consulate General in New York accepts passport and ID card applications only in person, with a prior appointment.
Where can I get an Austrian passport photo in New York?
At ThisPix, 805 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, at East 50th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Sources. Requirements change, so always confirm with the Austrian authorities before you apply. Last checked October 15, 2026.