Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
Riccardo Ollmert October 11th, 2023 5 min read
Around 678,000 UK citizens reside in the U.S., 20% of them live in New York, and the rest are scattered in smaller groups throughout the major cities between both coasts.
Getting British passport photos in the United States can often prove challenging, especially when it comes to digital pictures. While there is no shortage of related services, many of them only provide photos that follow U.S. standards.
However, a few popular U.S. brick-and-mortar chains claim to offer UK passport photos. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of all available options to get British passport photos in the U.S.
Keep reading to find out more.
Many large retail stores and pharmacies in the United States have photo departments that provide customers with passport photos and printing services. Their websites often list passport photos among the products without further details.
So, without further ado, let’s see in which stores it’s possible to get a UK passport photo.
With 8,884 locations in the U.S. (as of October 2022), Walgreens is one of the most prevalent pharmacies in the country. If you’re planning an international trip and need a passport photo, you’re in luck.
Walgreens passport photo services are available at select stores. To find the nearest location offering this service, use the official website’s locator tool, which allows you to filter results according to your specific needs.
While Walgreens mainly takes U.S. passport photos, the site states that they can provide formats for 29 other countries, including the United Kingdom.
However, it’s important to note that Walgreens offers exclusively printed copies; digital passport photos are not available at any of their locations. Thus, British applicants must look elsewhere to get pictures for online passport renewals.
Another popular option to get passport photos in the U.S. is CVS pharmacy, with 9,711 stores throughout the country. The service is similar to the one offered at most other pharmacies—customers only need to walk in, wait in line, and pose in front of a white backdrop to get their passport photos.
CVS does not specifically state if their photos meet UK passport photo regulations. Nevertheless, customers report that some locations do take British passport photos. Those who intend to have their picture taken at CVS should call the store before going (numbers are available through their store locator).
Just like at Walgreens, customers cannot get a digital photo, as CVS only provides printed copies.
Walmart has a total of 4,662 locations in the U.S., in all states except for Hawaii. Given their low prices, the store is a popular spot to have passport photos taken. However, the website does not clearly state if UK passport photos are available and customers have reported that Walmart only provides U.S. passport photos.
The USPS has over 34,000 offices all over the U.S., covering all 50 states. Since Post Offices often serve as passport acceptance facilities, they also offer passport photo services. However, the USPS EXCLUSIVELY provides U.S. passport pictures. Getting a British passport photo at any of their locations is impossible.
Other than pharmacies and retail stores, there exist many other services that offer UK passport photos in the U.S.
Shipping centers like FedEx or UPS are a common choice for American passport applicants. However, both businesses usually only provide 2″ x 2″ photos, as per U.S. standards.
Photo booths are another popular option. While most of them exclusively take pictures following U.S. requirements, some offer a wider array of choices, including 35 x 45 mm UK passport photos. The only way to know for sure is through trial and error or by attempting to find information on the photo booth provider’s website.
Alternatively, UK passport applicants can try their luck at professional photography studios since they often have the right equipment to take pictures in any possible format. Customers only need to specify the passport photo size they require, and the photographer will likely be able to oblige.
In this case, it’s advisable to brush up on the official UK passport photo specifications as the store owner might not be familiar with them.
Lastly, UK citizens can get a passport photo online by using the right tool.
With PhotoAiD®, an app used by over a million people, you can take British passport photos anywhere in the world . All users need to get started is a smartphone and nothing else.
Here’s how it works:
In addition to the digital photos, users can opt to have their printouts delivered to their address of choice.
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Still have some questions? Check out the section below, where we’ll answer some recurring questions about getting UK passport photos in the U.S.
Walgreens and CVS often provide the proper format for UK passport photos. Alternatively, you can use PhotoAiD to get British passport photos from the comfort of your home.
Depends. Some photo booths provide 35 x 45 mm pictures for UK passports but most only do 2″ x 2″ photos.
Yes, most Walgreens photo centers have the option for UK passport photos.
Yes, they do. Although it’s not clearly stated, customers have reported that CVS does provide British passport photos at some locations.
No, their U.S. centers only provide 2″ x 2″ photos.
Does UPS take UK passport photos?
No, most passport photo services don’t provide digital copies or UK passport photo codes.
Most of the popular services in the United States don’t take photos for British passports. However, some Walgreens and CVS locations allow customers to get a passport or visa photo following UK regulations. But, even in these cases, it’s only possible to receive a standard passport photo on paper without a digital copy.
For perfect UK passport photos in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world, use PhotoAiD—we’re available 24/7.
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