A visa photo is an important requirement for a visa application. In order to successfully apply for a visa, you must meet all the visa photo requirements. Your visa photo will get rejected if you don’t fulfill all the conditions.
Visa Photo Requirements
You must fulfill certain conditions when taking the photo visa. Three of the most important requirements are:
- The photo must be taken within the last three to six months (depending on the country issuing the visa).
- Your face must be clearly and fully visible. There can be no obstructions, wither physical or digital, on the view of the face.
- Your face, hair, or any other distinguishing features must not be altered by any computer software.
Quality
- The photo must be in color and taken against a white or other pale-colored background (as requested).
- There must be adequate contrast between the face and the background.
- There cannot be any shadows, blurriness, or graininess in the picture.
Pose
- You must face the camera directly.
- Your head should be centered within the frame.
Facial expression
- Your facial expression must be neutral (no smiling, squinting, or frowning).
- Your eyes must be open.
- Red eyes from the camera are not allowed.
- Colored lenses are not allowed.
- Hair should not be across your eyes.
Accessories
- You cannot wear a uniform.
- Hats are not allowed, only religious head coverings (as long as they do not obstruct the face).
- Eyeglasses are not allowed. If you must keep your glasses due to medical reasons, like recently having ocular surgery, and the eyeglasses are necessary to protect the applicant’s eyes, then:
- Your eyes must be visible.
- There must not be shadows or deflection from the eyeglasses that obscure the eyes.
- The lenses cannot be colored (e.g. sunglasses).
- The frames cannot be so big or thick that they cover your face.
- Hearing devices are allowed.
Visa Photo Size
The visa photo size depends on the specific country. For example, for a US visa, the photo dimensions should be 2 x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm); for a Schengen visa, the required photo dimensions are 1.3 x 1.5 inches (35mm x 40mm).
Toddler and Baby Visa Photos
Although it is difficult to take a visa photo of a baby or toddler, certain requirements must be met:
- No other person should be visible in the photo.
- The child should be looking at the camera with open eyes.
- The toddler’s head should not be tilted.
- There should not be shadows on the baby’s face or in the background.
- Toddlers should have their mouths closed, but newborns are allowed to have it open.
If you want to take the baby’s photo on your own:
- Lay the baby on a white sheet.
- You can cover the car seat with a white sheet and sit the baby.
Where Can I Take a Visa Photo?
You can take a visa photo at any photo service in your city or through a photo service online. The photos taken in a photo service will be more professional, clear, and it is less likely for your application to get rejected due to bad-quality photos. That does not mean you cannot take your photo by yourself, as long as you have a decent-enough camera.
Can I Take a Visa Photo by Myself?
Yes, you can take your visa photo on your own. However, the camera you will be taking your photo with should be of high quality, so the photo does not come out blurry. Make sure you check all the boxes of the photo visa requirements, so your application does not get rejected. You must prepare the background, the lighting and follow all the other requirements regarding the position, facial expression, photo size, etc.
There are visa photo services online, which will provide you with a visa-appropriate photo.
What Is Allowed and Isn’t When Taking a Visa Photo?
When taking a visa photo, you are not allowed to do certain things that may affect the quality of the photo.
| Is it allowed? | |
| Fringe | Yes, as long as the eyes are visible. |
| Beard | Yes. |
| Wig | Yes. |
| Different hairstyle from the previous one | Yes. |
| Glasses | No, unless you have a special medical condition. |
| Closed eyes | No. |
| Makeup | Yes, simple makeup and not too bright. It should not drasically alter your appearance. |
| Hat | No, only religious head coverings are allowed. |
| Earrings | Yes. |
| Older than six months photo | No. |
What If My Appearance Has Significantly Changed?
Even if you have recently taken a visa photo, you must take a new one if your appearance has significantly changed due to different reasons. Reasons why you must take a new visa photo are:
- Went through extreme facial plastic surgery or trauma.
- Gained or lost a great amount of weight.
- Underwent a gender transition.
- Removed or added tattoos or piercings on your face.
If the appearance of your child under the age of 16 has changed due to the normal process, they do not have to take a new photo.