How recent must a passport photo be? The 6-month rule
Many countries: 6 months. UK: taken in the last month. Switzerland: 1 year. How counters judge the age of a photo, and the table per country with each limit.
Short answer
For many countries the rule is 6 months. The UK is stricter: the photo must be taken within the last month. Switzerland allows up to a year. An old photo can be rejected even if it is otherwise perfect.
Country by country
| Country | Maximum age of the photo |
|---|---|
| Austria | 6 months |
| Belgium | 6 months |
| Bulgaria | Not confirmed by us |
| Czechia | Not confirmed by us |
| Denmark | Not confirmed by us |
| Finland | Not confirmed by us |
| France | 6 months |
| Germany | 6 months |
| Hungary | Not confirmed by us |
| Italy | 6 months |
| Netherlands | 6 months |
| Norway | Not confirmed by us |
| Poland | 6 months |
| Romania | Not confirmed by us |
| Spain | 6 months |
| Sweden | The police take the photo when you apply |
| Switzerland | 1 year |
| United Kingdom | 1 month |
| United States | 6 months |
“Not confirmed by us” means we have not checked that country's rule against the official source yet. A recent photo is always the safe choice.
How counters judge the age
- Your appearance. If you look clearly different from the photo (haircut, weight, glasses), the clerk can question it.
- The print itself. A printed photo that has been in a wallet for a year shows scuffs, colour shift or curling.
Why the rule exists
Faces change, even over six months: weight, haircut, glasses, beard. A recent photo keeps the chip photo close to your face on the day you travel, so the comparison at the border works.
Practical advice
Take the photo shortly before you apply. That way you are within every country's limit.
Ready to try Foto2Pass?
Upload a selfie, we handle the crop, lighting, and compliance check. Only pay if the result passes.
Start my passport photo