The Israel ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) requires a digital passport-style photo that meets strict size, format, and quality specifications. Uploading a non-compliant photo is one of the most common reasons for application delays or rejections. This guide covers every requirement – dimensions, background, lighting, and file format – so your photo is accepted on the first attempt.
Israel ETA Photo Specifications at a Glance
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Photo type | Digital passport-style (biometric) |
| Dimensions | 35 mm x 45 mm (width x height) |
| Digital size | 600 x 750 pixels (minimum) |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB |
| Background | Plain white or light grey |
| Head height | 70-80% of the photo (32-36 mm from chin to crown) |
| Face position | Centered, looking directly at the camera |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
If you already have a passport photo that follows ICAO 9303 standards, it will most likely meet the Israel ETA requirements as well. For a full list of documents needed for your application, see our Israel ETA Requirements guide.
Photo Size and Dimensions
The Israel ETA system accepts photos in a specific rectangular format:
- Print size: 35 mm wide x 45 mm tall (standard passport photo dimensions)
- Digital resolution: Minimum 600 x 750 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 7:9 (width to height)
- File format: JPEG only – PNG, GIF, or BMP files are not accepted
- File size: Must be under 2 MB
Photos that are too small will appear pixelated when printed on travel documents. Photos larger than 2 MB will fail to upload entirely. Most smartphone cameras produce images far larger than 2 MB, so you will likely need to resize and compress the file before uploading.
Background Requirements
The background of your ETA photo must meet these standards:
- Color: Plain white or light grey
- Pattern: No patterns, textures, or gradients
- Objects: No furniture, door frames, or other items visible
- Shadows: No shadows on the background behind your head
A white wall in a well-lit room works well. Avoid standing directly against a colored wall, patterned wallpaper, or outdoors where trees or buildings appear behind you. Many passport photo apps and kiosks can automatically replace the background with a plain white one.
Face and Expression Guidelines
Your face must be clearly visible and properly positioned:
- Look directly at the camera – no angled or tilted heads
- Neutral expression – mouth closed, no smiling or frowning
- Eyes open and visible – no hair covering the eyes
- Both ears visible (recommended but not strictly required)
- No sunglasses – prescription glasses are acceptable if they do not cause glare
- No head coverings unless worn for religious reasons – in that case, the face from chin to forehead must remain fully visible
Lighting and Photo Quality
Poor lighting is the second most common reason for photo rejection after incorrect dimensions:
- Even lighting across the entire face – no harsh shadows on one side
- No red-eye effect – use natural or diffused artificial light
- Sharp focus – the face must be in crisp focus, not blurry
- No filters or editing – do not apply beauty filters, color adjustments, or retouching
- No digital alterations – the photo must accurately represent your current appearance
Natural daylight from a window (without direct sunlight) produces the best results. Stand about 1-2 meters from the window so the light wraps evenly around your face.
Children and Infant Photos
Children and infants have slightly relaxed requirements:
- Infants under 1 year: The eyes do not need to be fully open. A parent’s hand may support the baby’s head, but the hand must not be visible in the frame.
- Children under 6: A neutral expression is not required – a natural smile is acceptable.
- Children under 11: Head coverings for religious reasons follow the same rules as adults.
- All children: The child must be the only person in the photo. No toys, bottles, or pacifiers visible.
How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home
You do not need to visit a professional photographer. Follow these steps for a DIY photo that meets all requirements:
- Find a white or light grey wall with good natural lighting
- Position yourself about 50 cm (20 inches) from the wall to avoid casting shadows
- Stand or sit at eye level with the camera (about 1.5 meters away)
- Frame the shot so your head and shoulders fill most of the frame
- Use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo – selfies are difficult to frame correctly
- Check the photo against the specifications above before uploading
Several free apps (such as Passport Photo Online, ID Photo, or PhotoAiD) can help you crop, resize, and format your photo to the exact Israel ETA specifications.
Common Photo Mistakes That Cause Rejection
| Mistake | Why It Fails | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Smiling or laughing | Not a neutral expression | Keep mouth closed, relaxed face |
| Wearing sunglasses | Eyes must be visible | Remove sunglasses, prescription glasses OK |
| Dark or uneven shadows | Face not clearly visible | Use even, diffused lighting |
| Colored background | Must be white or light grey | Stand against a white wall |
| Blurry or pixelated image | Insufficient quality | Use a good camera, hold steady |
| Head tilted or turned | Must face camera directly | Look straight ahead |
| Photo too old | Must be within 6 months | Take a new photo if appearance changed |
| Wrong file format | Only JPEG accepted | Convert PNG/BMP to JPEG |
Frequently Asked Questions About Israel ETA Photos
Can I use my passport photo for the Israel ETA application?
Yes. If your passport photo follows ICAO 9303 biometric standards (35×45 mm, white background, neutral expression), it will meet the Israel ETA photo requirements. Make sure the digital version meets the minimum resolution of 600 x 750 pixels.
What if I wear a hijab or other religious head covering?
Religious head coverings are permitted. Your full face – from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead – must be clearly visible. The head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
Can I wear glasses in my ETA photo?
Prescription glasses are allowed, but the lenses must not cause glare or reflections that obscure your eyes. Sunglasses are not permitted. If your glasses have thick frames that partially cover your eyes, consider removing them for the photo.
What file format does the Israel ETA system accept?
Only JPEG (.jpg) format is accepted. If your photo is in PNG, GIF, or BMP format, you can convert it using any free image editor or online converter. The file must be smaller than 2 MB.
How recent does my ETA photo need to be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly since your last passport photo (new hairstyle, weight change, glasses), take a fresh photo to avoid issues.
What happens if my photo is rejected?
If your photo does not meet the requirements, the system will notify you during the application process. You can upload a new photo without restarting the entire application. However, repeated rejections may delay processing. For more on timelines, see our Israel ETA Processing Time guide.
Getting your photo right the first time saves you from delays in the application process. Once your photo is ready, you can proceed with the full Israel ETA application. For an overview of the entire authorization system, visit our complete Israel ETA guide.
