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You might well feel spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a place to take your passport picture. After all, the days of queuing at a photo booth are long gone and there’s a whole world of places that would make for a suitable spot to stand in front of the camera. The question is: where is the best place to take your passport picture? Well, you might want to consider taking it in work – especially if you work in an office. Here are three reasons why it makes for a great option.

Background

The rules are clear that you must take your photo in front of a ‘plain light-coloured background’ for it to be accepted. There can, of course, be an abundance of such backgrounds in the average workplace since offices generally rely on neutral colours. You need just look around your office to find the most suitable site and start flashing away when you’re stood in a spot that fits the bill.

Presentation

Everyone wants to have a passport photo that they can be proud of. This usually means looking your best and wearing clothing that is ageless. Thankfully, you’ll be used to achieving a certain level of presentation before you go into your office and work alongside your colleagues. This should mean that you’re ready to stand in front of the lens and have your passport picture taken at a moment’s notice without having to spend additional time making yourself look presentable.

Analysis

You should hopefully feel switched on during the working day as your brain is stimulated by different tasks. This is handy because it should mean that you’re in a good position to make an assessment about the suitability of your picture once it’s been taken. Don’t forget, a photo that doesn’t meet the strict criteria is likely to be rejected and cause significant delays to your passport application – so you should take in when you are in the right headspace to thoroughly look it over.

Let us help you

If you’ve taken a passport picture in work but still aren’t sure whether it’s in line with the guidelines then you shouldn’t wait to send it over to Paspic. This way you’ll have a guarantee that it’s suitable before submitting it alongside the rest of your passport application.

A quarter of holiday-makers embark on a crash diet before going on vacation, according to a survey carried out by Pizza Express. If you’ve been successful in your mission to lose weight before going away – or if you’ve simply shed the pounds for a different reason – you might be questioning whether your current passport picture is still a decent representation of your appearance. The question is: will you need a new passport photo after losing weight? Here’s what you need to know.

Is a new passport necessary?

It really depends on how much weight you’ve lost and, in particular, whether your face has been transformed as a result. Significant changes to your appearance (such as plastic surgery) are deemed sufficient to require a new passport photo. You’ll have to assess whether you’re still recognisable before deciding what route to take.

What if you keep your old picture?

You can, unfortunately, expect delays if your appearance has changed dramatically and your passport picture is no longer representative of your facial features. It’s not just that a border official might question your identity, but also that you might not register against the biometric e-gates now found at most airports. It could mean that your holiday both starts and ends with undue hassle.

Are there benefits to a new picture?

Yes. Aside from the fact that a new passport photo will remove any questions about your identity when you arrive in a new country, there’s also the fact that you’ll likely feel happier with the picture. After all, if you’ve gone to the effort of sticking to a rigorous diet to transform yourself then you might very well welcome the opportunity to pose for a new passport photo.

What’s the process?

You’ll have to apply for a passport renewal, which will allow you the chance to submit a newer, more accurate photo. You can now take the picture at home, so it shouldn’t be inconvenient to do in the slightest.

Let us assist

We’re skilled at ensuring passport photos meet the government’s strict criteria and won’t be the cause of any delays. Therefore, once you’ve taken your photo, be sure to send it through to us at Paspic.

If you love to travel, then the arrival of a baby should not stop you. It’s only right that you get them a passport and travel together as a family. The thing about passports is that they require a photo and getting your infant to pose can be quite tricky. Here are some tips on how to prepare your baby and make the photo session a success.

Ensure your baby is well rested

If you’re using a professional or visiting a photo booth, the infant passport photo session is bound to tire out your little one so ensure they are well rested before you attempt to take their picture. If they don’t have enough sleep beforehand, they may fall asleep or act out, which would be inconvenient. It is highly recommended that you take your baby’s photo when they are most alert. You probably know what time if they are usually wide awake and that is the perfect time for a photo. 

Have the right documents

Before you acquire a passport for your baby, there are certain preparations you need to make. For starters, you need to have the birth certificate of your child. You also need to know the government requirement for child passport photos before you have one taken.

Prepare your baby appropriately

The background of a child passport photo should be white, which makes it necessary for you to dress them in contrasting colours. Ensure you have toys or other means of distracting your baby in order for them to remain calm throughout the session.  

Supporting the baby

Most parents will tell you how they had to crouch on the ground to hold their baby without being visible. Others will tell you how the baby had to be propped up with objects to keep them from toppling over. These are all good tips to bear in mind to avoid being snapped in your infant’s passport photo.

Passport photo sessions for babies can be more challenging than you think which is why it makes sense to take your photo in the comfort of your own home and use a service such as Paspic. With Paspic you can verify if your photo is approved online without having to suffer delays to your passport application. Why not try it today?

Every effort should be taken to ensure that your passport is kept in pristine condition. Yes, general wear and tear is acceptable – but it should be avoided where possible. In July this year, a passenger was denied boarding a flight from Heathrow to Qatar after a pre-boarding inspection determined that there was a security risk due to the fact that the paper had begun to come away. The question is: will you need a new passport photo if your passport is damaged? Here’s what you need to know.

What constitutes damage?

There’s a wide spectrum of faults that could mean your passport would be determined to be damaged and as a result, rendering it invalid. This includes that the ‘details are indecipherable’ and that the ‘laminate has lifted enough to allow the possibility of photo substitution’. The passport office can determine this before you are due to go abroad and – if necessary – renew or replace your existing passport.

Will a new picture be needed?

Your existing picture might suffice, though it will depend on if it is damaged or cause for concern. You might once again have to re-establish your identity, which would involve submitting another picture along with a countersignature. The process can run more smoothly if you ask for renewal rather than a replacement, in which case you’ll have the freedom to take a new passport photo.

Will it take long?

Thankfully it’s never been easier to submit a passport photo. In fact, you can now take your picture at home. This will allow you greater scope to snap an image that you’re pleased with and should soften the blow of having to renew your passport early. You’ll be pleased to know that your new passport – along with the passport picture – will last for 10 years from the day it’s issued.

Let us help

You’ll, of course, want the process to run both quickly and smoothly when trying to get hold of a functioning passport. Luckily, we can help at Paspic. Just send us your picture and our team will confirm it meets all guidelines and won’t be the cause of delay when getting your hands on a new passport.

When you have a baby, there are innumerable things to sort out. Your days will blend into one another, and you’ll end up purchasing bits and pieces that, up until a few months ago, you didn’t even know existed.

Day-to-day life can become incredibly tiring, and many young parents decide that a well-earned holiday will give them something to look forward to. However, with so many things to consider, and given that the daily routine never ends, it can be easy to forget that your young child will need a passport to be able to travel.

However, the process isn’t complicated, nor should it be daunting. With our simple guide, you can ensure that you and your child can jet off and enjoy the sunshine without any worries.

1. The application

Quite simply, if you have parental responsibility for the child, you can apply for a passport on their behalf. If you are a British citizen it is unlikely that there will be any difficulties, but if you do anticipate that something could go wrong, the government’s dedicated website should be able to help [https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport]. You can also apply online via the same page.

2. The cost

The process of applying for a passport doesn’t tend to cost a lot of money. At the time of writing, it costs £46 if you want to apply for a passport either online or via post. This passport will then be valid for five years (unlike the 10 years for adults).

3. The paperwork

To prove the identity of the child you will need to provide a legitimate birth certificate. This is simply to confirm that the child is able to be granted the passport you are applying for.

4. The photo

Getting the right photo is key for any passport application, and that is no different when it comes to sorting out one for your child. You will need to supply two identical photos, and they must be up-close pictures of your baby’s head and upper shoulders. No other items – rattles, bottles or dummies – should be included. For children under the age of one, it doesn’t matter whether their eyes are open or not.

Getting the correct baby passport pics is essential, and Paspic can help! As long as you stick by these simple rules, you should be able to get it sorted in no time.

No matter what part of the country you’re in, or whether you voted to leave or remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, it’s inarguably been a confusing time since then. One of the biggest debates surrounding Brexit has been whether leaving the EU will mean a change in the guidelines for the passport photos you have to submit.

So, will UK passport picture guidelines change after Brexit?

As far as we know, no! The regulations on what makes an acceptable passport photo, whether it be for adults, children or babies, will stay the same. In a nutshell, here’s a quick recap:

– Your photo background must be plain and free of objects, shadows and other people.
– The photo must have been taken in the last month.
– You must be facing straight at the camera with your mouth closed, eyes wide open, have no hair covering your face, and be free of head accessories (with the exception of headwear on religious or medical grounds).
– You may wear glasses, but they may not be sunglasses or tinted glasses. The lenses also need to be free of glare or any reflections.

Now that we’ve confirmed that the UK regulations for passport photos will stay the same, the same can’t be said for passport regulations in general. Although the finer details have not yet been finalised, here’s what we can tell you about the new rules:

– If your passport was issued before we leave the EU, then it will retain the current burgundy design.
– Any passports issued after the 31st October 2019 will retain the same design, but remove references to the EU.
– Following this date, passports will have a completely new design.
– This will include a stronger polycarbonate photo page to prevent tampering; so it’s essential that you get your photo right and follow all guidelines.

Of course, there are more rules being finalised all the time, so to be sure that you’re complying with all regulations, check out the Government’s website for full details.

Are you getting a new passport and need your photos printing? Upload your photos to Paspic today and we’ll validate them, print them and send them to you! Try out our new BETA digital passport photo service too.

Passport applications are stressful. There are so many forms to fill out perfectly and there are strict specifications you have to adhere to if you want your passport to be approved. However, the biggest cause of passport rejections isn’t improper countersignatures or misspelt names, it’s actually the passport photo. There are a lot of rules surrounding passport photos and one small mistake could delay the processing of your passport; here are five picture errors that could get your passport application rejected:

1. Your face displays too much emotion

We’ve been told all of our lives to smile big for the camera but this is something you need to forget about for your passport photo. Your expression needs to be completely neutral with eyes facing forward and lips pressed together; if you try and pose like a model, your photo will likely be rejected.

2. The background isn’t neutral

Passport photo booths aren’t the only way to take a photo; you can take one for yourself. However, the same rules apply to your photo and you have to make sure the background is neutral and a pale colour. Any wallpaper embellishments or shadows behind you will nullify your photo.

3. You chose to accessorise

A hat or extravagant hair clip might pull your outfit together but you shouldn’t wear them if you want a successful passport photo; you can’t wear anything that can disguise your features or hair. Even reading glasses should be avoided as these can cause camera flashback and cover up your eyes.

4. You’re holding your child

Getting the perfect passport picture for infants isn’t an easy task. They might not sit still for the picture and getting them to pose with a neutral expression can be extremely difficult. It might be tempting to sit your child on your lap for the photo, but if any of your body is in the shot, the photo won’t meet the specifications

5. The passport photo has touch-ups

There’s no doubt that Photoshop has revolutionised our Instagram feed and a quick filter can instantly improve the appearance of any photo. However, passport photos should not be touched up or augmented in any way.

We all know that passport photos have to be at a certain standard. You have to be looking straight at the camera, no cheesy grins, and no silly faces. Try telling that to a six month old who just wants to play! Here are some hints and tips on how to get the best baby passport photo, and avoid it being a stressful experience.

Not too excited, not too tired

A tired baby may be too fretful to take a good photo of. If they are in need of a nap and are going to start crying or becoming stressed, put your photo off until another time. Likewise, just after nap time might not be the best time either. When your baby is super lively, they are not going to want to sit still for you while you take your best shot. You know your baby best. Find the time when they are most chilled, as you will be able to get them into the best position more easily. And be prepared to take a few shots!

Use a favourite toy, sound, or TV show

What makes your baby stop everything and just stare? Use it. Whether that’s your partner or a sibling waving a favourite toy over your shoulder, or a favourite cartoon projected on the ceiling, anything that keeps their attention for a few seconds while you take your shot is ideal. Baby sensory videos available for free online can be really useful for this.

Avoid a busy photo shop

Taking a baby to a busy shop where they’re expected to sit in a white room or against a white background and stay still is expecting too much. Babies can become easily overwhelmed by crowds in shops, or alternatively, they might just want to be super social and giggle at everything around them. Taking passport photos for babies at home is quicker, easier on baby and parent, and in most cases, much more cost effective.

Speak to us here at Paspic today to find out how we can help you take baby passport photos at home.

The prospect of completing a passport application is often a daunting one. You may be reluctant to apply due to preconceptions of needing to complete an excessive amount of forms.

Introducing digital applications

The rise of the digital era has thankfully eased the burden on passport applications. You can now apply for your passport online via the government website, as well as being able to update, renew and replace your passport. Online passport application also enables you to easily track the status of your application.

Benefits of online applications

The main benefit of an online application is the elimination of inky mistakes. If you make an error, you can simply press delete and re-complete that section of the form without having to source a whole new document.

You also save money by applying online rather than by post. That £9.50 saving in your pocket can help contribute to your holiday fund!

Things you should know

You need a debit or credit card to pay for your passport online, so make sure this is something you have prior to starting an application, or else you will not be able to process it.

It will take approximately six weeks to receive your UK adult passport, but this process may take longer during busy periods like summer. All other types of application take around 3 weeks, but this duration may also be extended depending on demand and incorrect details in your application.

Online passport photos

Digital passport applications also enable you to upload a digital photo. However, please bear in mind that your digital passport photo must still meet the requirements that are set by Her Majesty’s Passport Office. Our passport photo service is the perfect way to help meet these strict requirements, as 95.5% of our passport photos are approved on first submission.

If you upload your photos with us, you will benefit from our BETA passport photo service that provides both physical and digital copies of your passport photo. Your digital photo can be seamlessly uploaded to your online passport application, making the process even easier.

Summer is just around the corner and you might be looking forward to your holiday abroad in the sunshine. In the rush to organise your flights, hotel, and swimsuit collection, however, you might find yourself suddenly realising that you – or a member of your family – need a sudden passport renewal. During this busy period for the Passport Office, it’s particularly important to meet all the photo requirements first time in order to ensure that your application is processed quickly and smoothly. One of the questions that many travellers have each year is: can I wear a hat or head covering in my passport photo? Follow our tips and explanations below to make sure you’re on the right track:

1. Skip the hats

It might be tempting to think about reusing a photo that you love in which you’re wearing a baseball cap or a winter hat. Even if the photo meets all of the other requirements, however, this will not be accepted by the Passport Office. Instead, if you are in need of a quick new photo, opt for our new BETA Digital Passport Service. In addition to a hard copy, you’ll receive a digital passport photo that you can use to complete your application online. You’ll be away on your holidays before you know it.

2. There’s no problem with medical headgear

It’s important to remember that you are perfectly entitled to wear items on your head if it is required for medical purposes. There’s no need to panic about not getting to your dream holiday abroad because of medical equipment showing in your official passport photograph. If you have any concerns, you can always contact the Passport Office or your doctor for answers to any specific questions.

3. Religious head coverings are acceptable

Another exception to this general passport rule is religious attire that covers the head. If you are uncomfortable removing a head covering for a passport photo, there’s no reason to let this stop you travelling the world and enjoying a relaxing trip this summer. As long as other requirements about clarity and angles are all met, you can provide a passport photo that includes your religious garments.

For high-quality passport photos for the whole family, Paspic offers an efficient and reliable service with a revolutionary new digital option. Contact us today for more information or to take advantage of our 99.5% photo approval rate.