Passport & Visa Photos in Bangkok: What You Need to Know

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If you are preparing for a Thai visa application, a bank appointment, or a passport renewal, one detail often overlooked is the passport photo. Based on recent experiences of GEOS students, immigration staff reject more photos than people expect, usually because they do not meet the government’s requirements.

At GEOS Thailand, we help students not only with their ED visa paperwork but also with the small details, such as ensuring they get their passport photos taken correctly. Having the right ID photo saves you from wasted appointments, delays, and repeat visits to Chaeng Watthana.

Visa Photos in Bangkok

Where Can You Get Passport Photos in Bangkok?

There are three main options:

  1. Photo shops — Common in malls, small markets, and near BTS stations. Staff are used to taking passport photos and ID photos for foreigners. You receive printed copies, and most shops also include a digital photo.
  2. Photo booths — Found in malls like MBK, Central World, or Terminal 21. They are cheap and convenient, but the photo is taken automatically, which often results in shadows or cropped shoulders. Immigration sometimes refuses these.
  3. Professional passport photo service — Specialist studios or photography shops that guarantee compliance. These typically provide printed copies, a certified digital copy, and a note confirming that your photograph meets official dimensions.

If you are at Chaeng Watthana Immigration, you will also find photo shops in the basement. These locations are convenient if your ID photos come out wrong and you need an urgent replacement.

What Are the Official Photo Requirements?

Thai immigration requires all photos to meet strict criteria:

  • Size and dimension: 4 × 6 cm (not 3.5 × 4.5 cm, which is common elsewhere).
  • Background: Plain white.
  • Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open. No smiling.
  • Clothing: No uniforms, hats, or sunglasses. Sleeveless shirts or tank tops are discouraged — immigration prefers clothing with sleeves. Many Bangkok shops will even digitally add a suit jacket to your photo if you arrive in casual clothes.
  • Recency: Taken within the last six months.

For children’s photos, the same rules apply. Shops in malls and professional studios can usually capture a child’s photo correctly, even if the child is moving.

Note: For Thai visa extensions, immigration normally requires six photos sized 4 × 6 cm. The Ministry of Education (MOE) usually asks for six photos sized 3 × 4 cm for ED visa paperwork.

Tip: If you are not sure which size you need, do not worry. Photo shops in Bangkok usually ask what the photos are for and often have posters showing the exact requirements for immigration, embassies, and the Ministry of Education.

Do Embassies Have Different Requirements?

Yes. Immigration photos and embassy photos are not always the same.

  • UK passport applications and renewals: Two photos, 35 × 45 mm, light background (white or light gray). Neutral expression, mouth closed. Glasses should be removed to avoid glare.
  • US passport applications: Two photos, 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm), with a plain white background. Strictly no glasses allowed — even clear lenses. A neutral expression or a slight closed-mouth smile is acceptable.
  • Schengen visas: Two photos, 35 × 45 mm, plain white or light gray background. Neutral expression, mouth closed. Religious headwear is allowed only if the face is fully visible.

Always confirm the latest details with your embassy. Most Bangkok shops will ask about your nationality before printing to ensure your photos meet embassy standards.

Digital Photos and Documentation

Many providers now include both printed and digital versions. The digital copy is useful for online documentation, university applications, or when embassies request an upload before an appointment.

  • Thai eVisa: Requires a digital photo with a minimum resolution of 472 × 709 pixels (approximately 4 × 6 cm at 300 dpi).
  • UK passports: The online system accepts digital uploads and automatically verifies them.
  • US DS-160 visa form: Requires a digital photo upload, but you still need printed copies for in-person appointments.

Immigration still requires printed photos for in-person visits. Students should always carry both print and digital versions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting an incorrect photo size (e.g., 3.5 × 4.5 cm instead of Thailand’s 4 × 6 cm).
  • Using an old photo — anything over six months may be rejected.
  • Reusing the same photo for visa extensions or renewals — to be safe, always take a fresh set for each application.
  • Smiling, tilting your head, or failing to meet the neutral expression criterion.
  • Printing a scan or copy of an old photo instead of having a new photograph taken.
  • Wearing tank tops or sleeveless shirts — immigration sometimes rejects photos for inappropriate clothing.
  • Wearing glasses in a US passport photo (strictly forbidden).
  • Relying only on mall booths — quick, but often not compliant with immigration.

How Many Photos Should You Bring?

For an ED visa extension, you normally need two, but we recommend at least four. You may need extra for:

  • Visa applications
  • Passport applications or renewals
  • Bank accounts
  • Driving licenses
  • Re-entry permits

We regularly see travelers turned away because they only had two photos. Having extras ensures you will not lose your appointment.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • Photo booths: 120–150 THB for 4–6 prints.
  • Photo shops: 150–200 THB for 4–6 prints plus a digital copy.
  • Professional passport photos: 250–400 THB. These shops typically guarantee that your photos will meet government requirements and may also certify them for embassy submissions.

For students, professionals, and long-term travelers, it is often worthwhile to invest in a professional passport photo service to avoid potential issues later.

FAQs About Passport and Visa Photos in Bangkok

Yes, but the result rarely matches official standards. A shop helps you ensure the photos meet immigration rules.

You can get help immediately at the basement of Chaeng Watthana Immigration. Shops there provide new prints within minutes.

 

Yes, even infants. ID photos taken at a professional studio are the safest option.

 

No. Walk-in services are available, especially at shops near immigration.

Yes, but embassies still want printed copies. Always carry both to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Getting a perfect passport photo in Bangkok sounds simple, but it is one of the main reasons immigration delays applications. The good news is that Bangkok is full of photo shops, booths, and studios. The key is choosing one that can guarantee your photos are correct, compliant, and meet the official government requirements.

At GEOS, we help our students take a passport photo the right way the first time. We direct them to reliable providers, check their prints, and make sure every document they submit is supported with the correct photograph.

You will also need ID photos for other steps in Thailand — for example, opening a bank account in Thailand requires a residence certificate with a photo. Here is our guide to getting a Thai driving license for ED visa holders.

With the right support, you can handle your passport applications and renewals with confidence and never worry about rejected photos again.

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