New passphoto criteria for Dutch passport application

Starting on 26 August 2006, a chip will be inserted in all travel documents. The chip contains a reproduction of your passport photo in colour in the technical format prescribed by the European Union, as well as your name, date of birth, sex, the document number of your travel document, your personal identification number (SoFi number) and the date your document expires. The contents of the chip can be checked electronically, and that will make your document more secure.

The chip and information it contains are a new authenticity feature. By storing your photo in the chip, it becomes possible to verify that the person using your travel document is in fact the legitimate passport holder. It is therefore important that you submit a good quality photo that is a good likeness of yourself. Be sure to tell your photographer that you want the photograph for a travel document. The most important criteria for the new passport photo are:

1. Quality : colour photo, minimum resolution 400 dpi
2. Background : light grey (not white)
3. Positions : head positioned directly facing camera
4. Facial expression : neutral, mouth closed
5. Lighting : evenly illuminated
6. Glasses : must not obscure eyes
7. Head and face : head uncovered
8. Framing : head centered within frame
9. Photo size : format: 35 x 45mm

For more information: www.paspoortinformatie.nl or visit the website of the Embassy: www.nethemb.org.sg/consulaire_zaken/consulaire

[information valid a time of publishing, september 2006]