Malaysia passport & visa photo requirements

When applying for your Malaysian passport or eVisa, you must have a passport-size photo that complies with the Malaysian government's requirements.

Malaysia has precise rules for passport photos, and failing to meet these can result in your application being denied. Let’s explore the official photo requirements for Malaysian passports and visas to help avoid any unnecessary delays in your travel plans.

Guidelines for taking Malaysia passport/visa photos

Before you visit Malaysia, most travelers will need to obtain an eVisa, which requires submitting a passport-size photo.

To ensure smooth processing of your passport or visa application, your photo should meet the following criteria:

• Recent: The photo should have been taken within the last six months and accurately represent your current look.

• Dimensions: The photo should be 35mm x 50mm, with your face filling 50-60% of the image, approximately 25mm to 30mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

• Quality: The photo needs to be in color and high resolution, and printed on high-quality paper. Avoid using color filters; the image must reflect your true, natural skin tone.

• Background: Use a plain white background, free from patterns and shadows.

• Head position: Face the camera directly, with your head level, not tilted, and centered in the frame.

• Facial expression: Maintain a neutral expression, with eyes open and mouth closed.

• Lighting: The photo should be well-lit with no shadows or glare on the face or background.

• Glasses: Glasses are permitted as long as they don’t cause glare and your eyes are still fully visible.

• Head coverings: They are generally not allowed except for religious reasons, and the face must be fully visible from the chin to the forehead. If you must wear a hijab or scarf, it should be dark-colored.

• Clothing: Wear dark clothing that covers your shoulders and chest and contrasts with the background. Avoid military or law enforcement uniforms.

Passport & visa photo guidelines for infants and children

While the basic photo requirements for children and infants mirror those for adults regarding quality, background, and head alignment, additional guidelines are necessary for younger applicants.

• Eyes and glasses: It's important that children's eyes are open and visible in the picture. Infants may require timing to capture them with open eyes. Glasses should only be worn if necessary for medical reasons and must not reflect light or obscure the eyes.

• Facial expression: Adults are expected to maintain a neutral expression, but children and infants can have a bit more freedom. Still, it's best to aim for a photo where the child appears calm and face-forward.

• Attire and accessories: Dress children in simple, everyday outfits. Avoid headgear like hats unless it’s for religious reasons. If worn, the entire face from chin to forehead should be visible.

• Supporting the child: Only the child should be in the photograph. If support is needed to keep them steady, ensure that your hands or arms are not showing in the picture. ​

• Props: Do not use any props or pacifiers in the photo. The focus should be solely on the child without any distractions.

For infants who can't yet sit or stand, you can take the photo from above while they lie on a plain white background.

Apart from a passport photo, what else do you need when applying for a Malaysia eVisa? Get all the details here

Need more information?

If you’d like to apply for a Malaysian eVisa and need more information, you can get in touch with our customer support team. Contact them any time via WhatsApp or through the iVisa chat.

If you need consular assistance for Malaysian visas, our Embassies Finder tool can direct you to the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission, no matter where you are in the world.