US Visa Photo Requirements

Your US visa photos must be:

• The US visa photo size should be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The photo should be positioned in a way that the head is between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of your chin to the top of the head.
• In color.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• With no shadows.
• With a plain white background.
• You must face the camera in the photo.
• Have a neutral expression.
• Have both eyes open.
• You cannot wear a uniform. However, the clothes that they wear normally every day. Religious clothing that the person wears daily is allowed. The head must not be covered and the hairline has to be visible unless the person wears a headdress for religious purposes. The headdress must not cover the face.
• Without any worn electronic devices. Unless you need a hearing device or something similar.
• You must not wear eyeglasses except for medical reasons. If for example, the person has had an eye surgery lately, they need a statement from a doctor must be provided to justify them. If eyeglasses have to be worn, the frames must not cover the eyes and there must be no glare or shadows in the face from the glasses.

US visa photo do’s and don’t’s

Digital Photo Requirements

If the US Embassy wants you to submit a digital photo online, it must meet these requirements:

• The photo must be square and 1200×1200 pixels.
• The photo must be in color such as the sRGB color space.
• The format of the photo must be in JPEG.
• The size of the photo must be less or equal to 240 kilobytes (kB).
• If your photo is bigger than that size, it can be compressed to a ratio of less than or equal to a 20:1 ratio.

If you already have a physical photo which meets the physical photo requirements, you can scan it and make it as follows:

• The photo has to be in dimensions of 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
• The resolution of the scanned photo must be 300 pixels per inch or 12 pixels per millimeter.

Nonimmigrant Visa Photo Requirements

In addition to the standard requirements, there are also requirements for the types of visas. Some of the requirements related to US nonimmigrant visa pictures include:

• Applicants using Form DS-160, might need to submit a digital photo which must meet the digital photo requirements.
• In addition to the digital photo, you might also have to submit 1 physical photo as per their requirements

Immigrant Visa Photo Requirements

For those who are applying for a US immigrant visa to permanently stay in the US, you must submit two physical photos in photo quality paper that comply with the standard US visa photo requirements

Diversity Visa Photo Requirements

For those who are entering the Diversity Visa (DV) program or lottery, the photo has to meet these requirements:

• You should upload a digital photo.
• The photo must be in JPEG format.
• The photo must be square and its dimensions must be 600×600 pixels.
• The size of the photo must be 240 kilobytes (kB).

If you scan an existing photo, it must meet these requirements:

• The resolution of the photo must be 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter).

If you get selected for the Diversity Visa Program, you should bring more photos that comply with the photo requirements for US visa.

Where to Take US visa Photos?

The US visa photo requirements are quite extensive, so it is difficult to fulfill them all by yourself. That is why it is better to seek professional photo services to take the photos and submit them to the US Embassy you are applying to.

There are many professional services that will take photos of you which fulfill the requirements and send you a digital copy as well as provide physical photos. They are more expensive than taking photos of yourself, you will have a greater chance that the photos will be accepted by the Embassy.

On the other hand, if you submit photos taken with bad quality cameras, the US Embassy might reject them and you will have to submit them again. This will increase your processing time and it will take longer for you to get your visa. So, the best way to go about submitting your photos is to take them to professional stores.

However, if you take the photos yourself, then you must make sure that your camera is of high quality, that all requirements are fulfilled, and that you do not change your appearance using computer software, except to remove the red-eye effect.

How to Get a US Visa Photo for Your Baby or Toddler?

If you are also applying for your baby or toddler to have a US visa, you must also submit photos of them. This can be tricky as babies and toddlers do not sit still for long, so you can either try to take the photos yourself or seek professional services. The requirements and tips for baby and toddler visa photos are as follows:

• The photo must be of the baby or toddler and no one else must be in the picture.
• The baby must have the eyes open for the photo.
• You can lay the baby down on a white sheet and take the photo, but make sure there are no shadows on the baby’s face.
• You can put the baby in a car seat, but cover the car seat with a white sheet to provide a blank background.

What if I Changed my Appearance Significantly in the Last Months?

If your photo is not older than 6 months, but your appearance has changed significantly then you might have to submit a new photo. This would be necessary if you have done the following:

• Went through extensive facial plastic surgery.
• Added or removed piercings or tattoos on your face.
• Gained or lost a significant amount of weight.
• Transitioned to a different gender.

You will not have to submit a new photo if you dyed your hair or grew a beard. Teenagers will also not need to submit new photos if they had a change in appearance due to a normal growth process. As long as you are recognizable in the photos, they will be acceptable. However, the US Embassy is the one which decides whether your photos are acceptable or not.

(Photos source: https://travel.state.gov)

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These photos must meet specifications of the UK visa and immigration, or your application will mostly get delayed.

UK Visa Photo Requirements

Your UK visa photo must be:

• Taken within one month.
• Portrait that is in contrast to the background.
• Show from head to upper shoulders.
• Shouldn’t be blurry, lined or marked.
• With a clear basic cream or light grey background.
• Must not contain any writing on the front or backside, unless required.
• Not containing watermarks or crinkles.
• Printed in a white high-quality medium/low gloss or matt photographic paper, in color.
• Both eyes should be open and visible. Covering eyes with eyeglasses or hair isn’t permitted.
• Directly gazing at the camera focus.
• Face should be fully visible. Covering face is not permitted, neither with hair.
• Head must be uncovered. Except when it is for medical or religious matters.
• Keeping a neutral face expression. No smile, no wrinkling.
• Mouth closed.
• Positioning face frontward.
• Your face should be displayed in uniform brightness. Shadows on the face or behind it aren’t allowed.
• Apparent portrait with no reflection or glass shine.
• No “Red-eye effect” from the camera flash.
• One portrait at a time. Two people or other objects in one photo aren’t allowed.

UK Visa Photo Don’t’s

There are common mistakes everyone may do when getting photographed for UK visa photo, such as:

• Exaggerated make up that covers your natural look.
• Keeping on sunglasses or colored glasses. Keeping eyeglasses for medical reasons is allowed, unless the picture shows a flash reflection or shine on them.
• Looking elsewhere, despite the camera focus.
• Showing teeth.
• Smiling or giggling.
• Wearing a hat.
• Wearing a top of the same color as the photo background.
• Outfitted with uniforms, unless they’re for religious purposes.
• Robed by scarves, or other headweares that cover your hairline. Except for religious headweares.

UK Visa Photo Requirements for Children

When a baby or a toddler is getting photographed for a UK visa photo, these are the requirements:

• Children of age six and older should have a direct look at the camera.
• Children of age six and older shouldn’t be smiling, crying or giggling.
• They must not be held during the shooting session.
• The hand of a person supporting their head shouldn’t be visible in the photo.
• They should have both eyes open. Except for babies under the age of 1.
• They shouldn’t be carrying toys or pacifiers.

Note: The applicant must submit two identical photos, separated from each other and must not be attached to the application form.

UK Visa Photo Examples

Below we have listed some examples of DO’s and DON’T’s when taking a picture for UK visa application.

UK Visa Digital Photo Requirements

There are cases when you’ll be required to provide digital, instead of printed UK visa photographs. In such case you’ve to upload in online system a file of the photograph.

What Are Additional Requirements for Digital Photographs for UK Visas?

The digital photograph you provide when applying for a UK visa or residence permit must have additional features. This includes:

• Dimensions: minimum (600 x 750) pixels wide and tall.
• Photo file size: 50KB – 10 MB.
• The image file format must be either JPG or JPEG.

Should I Take New Pictures If My Look Has Changed the Most Recently?

You should provide the most recent photos that show your latest appearance. You should offer new photos of the most recent days if:

• You have endured a substantial facial trauma or surgery.
• You have lost or gained a great amount of weight.
• You have removed or added a visible facial tattoo or piercing.
• You have started wearing a religious uniform.
• You have undergone a gender transition.

Where Should I take a UK Visa Photograph?

The UK visa photo requirements are very specific and you may find it impossible to meet them on the “do it yourself” basis.

The best way to make sure you don’t fail to provide UK visa photos that meet the specifications is by taking them at the specialized photography services. They have the high-quality cameras, proper photography backgrounds, and photographic papers of the required standard.

(Photos taken from: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports)

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The European Union has adopted common standards regarding the visa application photos, which are the same as the mandatory specifications for passport photos that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an agency operating under the United Nations, has stipulated.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

Your Schengen Visa photo should be:

• Taken within the past six months.
• Photo size should be 35x40mm. Close up of your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70–80% of the photograph in sharp focus.
• Taken with a plain light-colored background.
• In color.
• Have a neutral face expression. The mouth must be closed (no obvious grinning or raised eyebrows).
• You must look directly at the camera.
• Have appropriate brightness and contrast.
• Be taken with uniform lighting.
• With no ink marks or creases.
• Show your eyes open and clearly visible.
• No hair across your eyes should be shown in the picture.
• It should be showing both edges of your face clearly.
• Must not show shadows or flash reflections on your face.
• No red eye.
• No sunglasses allowed.
• No caps allowed.
• Colored lenses are not allowed.
• No big accessories that cover some part or of your face are allowed.
• Digital makeup is not allowed.

Photo Quality Guidelines

Head Position

Glasses

If you wear glasses, then the photograph must show your eyes clearly with no flash reflection off the glasses, and no tinted lenses. Try to avoid heavy frames, and try to wear lighter framed glasses if possible. Make sure that the frames do not cover any part of your eyes. If you can, it is recommended to remove the glasses. Pictures with sunglasses on are not accepted.

Head Coverings and Hats

One is not allowed to wear head-covering in his or her photo except for religious reasons. However, facial coverings are not allowed for any type of reasons, therefore your facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of your face must be clearly shown in the picture.

Photo Background and Quality

The background of the photo must be clear and one colored. You should be shown alone with no chair backs, toys or other people visible, or even hands or fingers. You should be looking at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

Photographs that are taken with a digital camera must be high-quality color and printed on photo-quality paper at high resolution.

Children’s Photos for Schengen Visa

When it comes to baby photos, there is no agreed standard between the Schengen countries. However, the rules for baby passport photos are relaxed slightly by most countries due to the difficulty in especially getting babies under one year old to look at the camera.

Under 6 months old

Babies under 6 months old can be photographed while lying down or sitting on a baby chair. The background must be a suitable one color sheet. The requirements stipulate no visible support like hands.

It is okay if the eyes of the baby are close, or if they are opened the baby does not have to look at the camera. This is because it is harder to get a baby look at the camera. It is also okay if baby’s mouth is opened in the picture.

Under five years old

The rules are also relaxed for children under the age of 5. Children under this age do not need a neutral expression in their Schengen photos, and their head does not necessarily have to be straight. However, the color of their eyes should be clearly visible in the photo though not necessarily looking at the camera.

Where to Take a Visa Photo?

Usually, you can take a photo at any photographing studio in your city. Most of them have all of the instructions and usually, take these pictures according to the standards specified above. However, take care to ask if they take pictures according to the Schengen visa photo requirements just to make sure.

There is always at least one photographing studio near the embassy or consulate that takes pictures to conform the ISCO standards, but usually, they charge you with higher prices for their service.

You may take the picture by yourself at home, just be careful to fulfill all of the above-mentioned criteria.

Applications with photos that do not match the ICAO specifications will probably be rejected by the consulate or embassy officials. Therefore, applicants are advised to follow the guideline above.

(Photos are taken from www.diplomatie.gouv.fr)

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Mexico Photo Visa Requirements

Your Mexico visa photo must be taken with specific requirements regarding format, background, lighting, head position, and quality. Additionally, you must make sure that the photo you take is no older than six months; otherwise, if the photo is older and there are significant changes to your appearance between now and when you took the photo, your Mexico visa may be rejected.

Format

The Mexico visa photo must be sized at 3.9 cm x 3.1 cm, with the whole face taking up at least 70% of the photo. You need to ensure that your face is completely visible, from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin, and your ears are seen in the photo.

Background

Your Mexico visa photo must have a plain colored background, usually, white is a preferred color, but sometimes a darker background may be suitable. It’s important to note that the background cannot have any additional objects, signs, patterns, or variations of color.

Lighting and Quality

When you take your Mexico visa photo, you must ensure that the lighting fits the background, the photo is clear, and there are no shadows on your facial expressions. The picture cannot be too dark or too light, so your expression is distorted.

Head position

You must keep your head straight and look at the camera, slightly leaning forward. Your entire facial expression must be clear, and you must keep your eyes open, and mouth closed with a neutral expression.

Accessories

You are not allowed to wear headphones, head coverings, hats, glasses (sunglasses or prescription), and bandanas for your Mexico visa photo. However, for religious purposes or medical reasons, you may be allowed to wear head coverings or glasses. You have to make sure that your head coverage does not obstruct your facial expression and that your glasses are not tinted, do not reflect in the picture, nor do the frames obstruct your eyes.

Mexico Visa Photo Requirements for Minors

If you are taking your children with you when applying for a Mexican visa, they must take their visa picture. If the children are a little bit older, they must sit down and pose for the camera with a neutral expression. For children under 9, toddlers, and babies, parents can help their children pose for the photos— provided they are not visible in the photo background.

How Can I Attach My Photo to the Mexico Visa Application?

Some embassies may require you to glue the pictures to the application form; others may simply ask you to submit the pictures with the form without gluing them. If you qualify for a Mexican e-visa, i.e., if you are from Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine, you may be required to upload your photo as a JPG file. But, in the case of an e-visa, a photo may not be mandatory, so please make sure to check with the corresponding embassy.

Can I Take the Mexico Visa Photo at Home?

You can take your Mexico visa photo home if you have a good camera and someone to help you set up the settings. Additionally, you can find online tools to help you size the photo according to the requirements, and then you can simply download a printable version of the photo.

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This article will go through the details on the Canada visa photo requirements for the different types of applications.

What is a Canada Visa Photograph?

A Canada visa photograph is a small photo or set of photos of the applicant attached to the visa application. It serves to identify the person who is applying for that particular visa so the Embassy or Consulate processing it knows who they are evaluating.

For the Canada visa, you must also submit photos of yourself if you are applying. The Canadian Consulate or Embassy will look through the photos, evaluate whether they fulfill the requirements, and then go through the application.

Why do I Need to Submit a Canada Visa Photo?

If you have decided to apply for the Canada visa, then you must try to comply with all the requirements. Since you want to get the visa, you will have to go through the requirements one by one and make sure you do not make any mistakes.

If you submit all the necessary documents, but you do not attach the visa photos, then the Canadian Embassy will reject your application because of that. So, if you are serious about getting the Canadian visa, then you must definitely submit a visa photo.

Where Can You take a Canada Visa Photo?

There are many photo studios that provide visa photos. You will most likely find many in your location. You must pick one which knows how to take visa photos, so ask them questions about the requirements to see whether they know how to do it.

Additionally, the photo studio that you pick must be ready to verify in writing and with signatures that the photo they have taken is a photo of you. If they refuse to certify your identity in the photo, you must not choose that photo studio because the Canadian Embassy will not accept a photo that has not been verified by the photographer.

What are the Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Temporary Residents?

When you are applying for a Canadian visa that falls into the category of Temporary Resident, then amongst all the other documents, you must also submit visa photos.

You must provide two photographs of yourself with the visa application. If you fail to meet the requirements, then you will be required to re-submit them. If you do not re-submit your photos, then your application will be rejected, and you will have to start all over again, including paying the Canada visa fees.

The Canada Visa photos should be:

• Printed on quality photographic paper.
• The photos must be identical.
• Taken within the last 6 months.
• In color or black and white.
• Clear and there should be no blurriness in them.
• With a plain white or light-colored background. The background must be clear, and not have any designs.
• Not be altered digitally.
• The face must be in the center of the camera. It shouldn’t be too far and not too close, with the top of your shoulders showing.
• Have a neutral face expression and with your mouth closed, neither smiling nor frowning.
• If you wear eye-glasses, they must not be tinted and the frames must not hide your eyes.
• You are not allowed to wear sunglasses.
• You must not wear any hairpieces or cosmetic accessories if they disrupt your normal appearance.
• If you wear a headscarf for religious purposes, it must not cover any feature of your face.
• In terms of the Canada visa photo size, the frame must be at least 35 mm (millimeters) with 45 mm (1 3/8” x 1 ¾”).
• The size of your head in the photo must be between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 ¼” and 1 7/16”) from the top of your head to your chin.

After you take the photos, you must also write information on the back of it to verify your identity. On the back of the photos you must include the following:

• Your name (Applicant’s name).
• The name and address of the place where the photo was taken. The photograph is also allowed to use a stamp or simply handwrite the information.
• The photographer must write the following: “I certify this to be a true likeness of (Applicant Name)” and sign it with their name and surname.

What are the Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Permanent Residents and Citizenship Applications?

If you are applying for an Immigration visa to become a Canadian Permanent Resident or you are applying for a Canadian citizenship, then you must also submit photos. The requirements for these photos are similar to the ones for the Temporary Resident Visas, but there are a few differences.

The additional photo requirements for Permanent Canada visas are as follows:

• Submit two identical photos if you are applying for a Permanent Visa or Citizenship.
• You must submit one photo if you are applying for Renunciation.
• In terms of the size of the Permanent Canada visa photo, the frame must be at least 55 mm (millimeters) with 7- mm (2” x 2 ¾”).
• The size of your head in the photo must be between 31 mm and 36 mm (1 ¼” and 1 7/16”) from the top of your head to your chin.
• On the back of the photo you must provide your own name.
• The back of the photo must also have the name and address of the photo studio as a stamp or in handwriting.
• The photographer must write “I certify this to be a true likeness of (Applicant Name)” and sign it with their name and surname.

If the photographs do not completely meet these requirements, then you will be asked to provide new ones or you application will be rejected.

What are the Canada Visa Photo Requirements for Babies and Children?

If you are applying together with an infant or a child, then they must also have their own visa photos attached to the application. The requirements for these photos are the same as the ones specified above depending on the type of visa you and your child are applying for.

The Canadian Embassies recognize that it is quite difficult to take photos of babies and children, so they will be more lenient in terms of the requirements. However, in general they expect you to comply with them. A few tips on how to get a photo of the infant or child that fulfills the requirements are as follows:

• You can put the baby laying down or in a car seat.
• The background must be clear or white, so it is best to put a white sheet under the infant or over the car seat.
• If you are holding your baby in the photo, your hands must not be visible in the photos.
• Try to have the baby’s face in the middle of the photo and with their mouth closed.

What is the Cost of a Canada Visa Photo?

Depending on the photo studio you choose, the cost of the photos will be different. You should expect to pay at least $10 to $20 for each photo at commercial photographers or choose a cheaper option which will provide bundles of photos for a similar price.

If you are applying with your dependents, such as your spouse and children, expect the photos to cost around $100 in total. It might seem expensive, but it is worth the investment so the photos will be of good quality and you will not have to re-submit them and pay twice.

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However, there are specific requirements for the UAE visa photo which you submit, and if you do not abide by the specifications, it could lead to your visa application being rejected.

The UAE visa photo should be taken in a professional studio and it has to be recent (no older than six months) as it should reflect your current appearance.

UAE visa photo size

The size of a UAE visa photo should be 43 mm x 55 mm. However, in some places, it states that you should submit a 2-inch x 2-inch picture, which is about 50 mm x 50 mm. As there seems to be conflicting information online as to the UAE visa photo size requirements, you should ask your sponsor to provide you with the exact specifications.

If you’re submitting an electronic copy of the picture, it should be 300 pixels in width and 369 pixels in height.

UAE visa photo specifications

In addition to the size, the visa photos you submit for the UAE visa application should adhere to the following specifications:

Background, positioning, and quality

• The background has to be white, without any patterns
• The picture should be colored, not black and white
• You must be in the center
• Your head, hair, ears, and shoulders have to be in the picture
• Your face should take up 70% – 80% of the picture
• The picture should be of good quality: there should be no shadows, over- or under-exposure, or glare
• The picture must show your real skin tone
• When printed, it should be in good quality photo paper, and there cannot be any creases or staple marks

Do not edit the picture, not even to remove imperfections, birthmarks, tattoos, or red-eye. Instead, if there are mistakes, you should re-take the picture.

Unless otherwise specified, do not sign or mark the picture in any way

Facial expression

• You must have a neutral facial expression (mouth closed)
• You must be staring straight ahead
• Your head should not be tilted
• Your eyes should be open and clearly visible

Attire

• You should wear darker clothing so that you stand out from the white background.
• Eyeglasses are not recommended. However, if you must wear them, then make sure they do not obscure your eyes and eyebrows (no thick rims) and that there is no glare on the glass. Tinted glasses are not
• Headgear such as hats, headbands, and accessories are not allowed. Only headgear for religious purposes is allowed. However, make sure that your head-covering does not cover your face – the forehead, chin, and other facial features should be visible.

UAE visa photo requirements for young children

Even young children, such as infants and babies, have to submit a visa photo. The specifications for a UAE visa photo for children are as follows:

• The child should also look straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression
• The child should be alone in the picture. You cannot be holding them up – not even your hands should be visible.
• Toys are also not allowed
• If the child cannot support himself/herself, then the picture should be taken from above as they are lying down.

Dubai visa photo size

Just as with the other emirates in the UAE, the size of the required pictures for your Dubai visa application is 43 mm x 55 mm (or alternatively 2-inch x 2-inch). If you’re submitting an electronic copy of the picture, it should be 300 pixels in width and 369 pixels in height.

What other documents do I need for a UAE visa?

In addition to the UAE visa photo, when applying for a UAE visa, you also need several other documents, such as:

• A passport, along with photocopies of the passport’s relevant pages.
  • In some cases, you may not need to submit your original passport at all. You may include photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport (or all the pages on your passport)
• A confirmed round-trip airline ticket or an airline ticket for onward travel. If you are applying through an airline, the ticket must be from that airline.
• Proof of accommodation, such as your hotel.
• Proof of legal residence in your country (ie. your visa or residence permit). This only applies if you are not a citizen of the country in which you are living.
• If you have a host:
  • Proof of your relationship to the host
  • A copy of your host’s UAE Resident Visa and/or their Emirates ID
  • Certified copy of their work contract or their salary certificate
• Proof of previous travels
• Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel.

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Keep in mind that your application for a Singapore visa/pass may be denied, or at best delayed if the picture does not meet the set Singapore visa photo requirements.

Singapore Visa Photo size

When submitting a picture make sure it has the required Singapore visa photo size, both in terms of dimensions and file size.

• Dimensions: 35mm wide x 45mm high.
  • Make sure it shows your face completely as well as the tops of your shoulders.

The Singapore visa application takes place online, as do many of the applications for employment passes and permits.

As such, the Singapore visa photo size requirements for electronic pictures are:

• For Singapore visas and Passes (visit, long-term, work, student, dependant):
  • Format: jpg file extension
  • Size: maximum of 60 KB
• For Singapore permanent residence application:
  • Format: jpg or jpeg file extension
  • Size: Maximum of 1 MB
• For passport/identity card applications:
  • Format: jpg, jpeg or png file extension
  • Size: maximum of 2 MB

Singapore Visa Photo Requirements

When you submit the Singapore visa photo for your application, make sure if fulfills all of the following requirements:

• The picture must not be older than three months.
• The picture must be in focus and clear. Make sure no pixelation is visible.
• It must not have any borders.
• Your face must be fully visible and facing forward.
  • Make sure the picture is not too close. It must show your face completely, the top of your head, and the tops of your shoulders.
  • Your expression must be neutral and mouth closed.
• Make sure your hair does not obstruct your face and you have no strands or locks of hair falling on your eyes or eyebrows.
• Your eyes must be fully open.
• If you wear glasses normally, wear them in the Singapore visa photo as well. However, you will have to remove them if:
  • The rim of the glass is so thick that it covers your eyes.
  • There is reflection or glare on the glass.
• The picture must be taken against a plain white background. The wall behind you must not have any decorations or patterns.
• The lighting of the picture must be optimal. This means,
  • No over or under exposure.
  • No shadows.
  • No reflection from a flash.
  • The picture should not be taken directly under a strong light.
• Do not wear a hat or other types of headgear, unless it is for religious purposes.
• If you wear religious headgear, you must make sure it does not obstruct your face.
• Do not digitally edit your picture. This includes removing red eye, any birthmarks, scars, tattoos, or other distinguishing features.
• If a hardcopy of the picture is required, make sure it is printed on semi-matte paper.

Additional Singapore visa photo requirements for young children

If you are traveling with a young child, and need to submit a picture for them as well, most of the aforementioned requirements apply. In addition, keep these requirements in mind:

• You cannot be in the picture with your child.
• Your child cannot have any toys, bottles, or pacifiers in the picture with them.
• If you are holding them up, make sure your hands are not visible.
• Make sure your child is facing forward.

The Singapore visa application process usually takes place online, and as such an electronic copy of the picture is required. This means you do not necessarily need to get the pictures done professionally. However, you must make sure that they meet the Singapore visa photo requirements perfectly, even if you are taking them with your phone or a camera.

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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.

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.

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Japan Visa Requirements for all applicants

The standard set of documents you need when you apply for a Japan visa is:

• Japan Visa Application Form
• Your passport
• Passport-size picture
• Flight itinerary
• Daily itinerary
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial solvency
• Letter of invitation
• Proof of travel purpose
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE), if applicable

Japan Visa Application Form

The Visa Application Form has to be completed and signed. You can download a copy from the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (here) where you can fill it in electronically and then print it out. You can also get it on arrival at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate when you go there to apply.

You have to enter your personal information (name, passport number nationality, employment information, etc.), your itinerary (date and location of arrival/departure, intended stay, where you will stay), information about the person/company inviting you to Japan or your guarantor, etc.

Complete all the fields. If they do not apply to you just write “N/A” (Non-Applicable).

Your Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least another six months and have at least two blank pages for the visa to be affixed in. If you intend to stay for longer than six months, your passport has to be valid for a longer time as well.

You must also include photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport, such as the issue and expiry date, personal information, etc.

Cover Letter

Part of the Japan visa requirements is a cover letter which you have to write yourself and address it to the Embassy/Consulate. You should use the letter to introduce yourself, state the reason for your travel,  dates when you intend to enter and depart, as well as a general itinerary of your stay.

Japan Visa Photo Requirements

Along with the required documents for Japan visa applications, you also need pictures which follow these specifications:

• Dimensions: 4.5cm x 4.5cm
• White background
• Taken in the last six months
• You must be staring straight ahead, with a neutral facial expression
• Your entire face has to be visible
• Your name and birthdate have to be written on the back

The number of pictures you have to submit depends on the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in which you are applying, as well as the purpose of your travel (usually between 1 to 4).

Flight Itinerary

Include a detailed plan of the arrival and departure dates, flight reservation number, etc. along with the other visa requirements. You don’t have to actually purchase the ticket.

Daily Itinerary

You need an itinerary which lists your daily activities in Japan, such as places where you’ll go, activity plans, and the dates. Find a sample itinerary for Japan Visa at the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affair (here).

If applying for a Working Holiday Visa, submit a schedule of what you plan to do every month during your stay in Japan, including in which cities you will live, what you will work, and what other activities you will engage in.

Proof of Accommodation

You may also have to submit proof of accommodation in Japan, such as the hotel reservation or apartment booking, etc.

Proof of Financial Solvency

Submit a document which proofs you have sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay.

If you are financing your own trip, submit Bank Statements issued in the past three months and the latest Income Tax Returns

If your Guarantor will help finance your stay:

• Letter of Guarantee
• Income Certificate issued within the last three months
• Residence Certificate, if they are a foreign resident of Japan

If you are applying for a Student Visa, you can submit:

• Your bank or income statements
• Proof of a Scholarship
• Proof you receive Financial Aid
• Letter of Sponsorship, if someone is sponsoring you, along with your sponsor’s proof of income and bank statements

Letter of Invitation

If you are applying for a Japanese visa to visit a family member or relative, they should write you a Letter of Invitation, detailing your relationship, the reason you are visiting etc.

If you are travelling for business, you need a Letter of Invitation from the company in Japan, which has to be stamped with the company seal and state the reason and purpose of the invitation.

The invitation letter must be addressed to the Japanese Embassy where you will apply for the Japan visa.

Your guarantor should also include a Letter of Guarantee if they will help finance your stay.

Additionally, if you are visiting friends or family members, submit the following documents along with the Japanese visa requirements:

• For relatives/family members: Civil status documents, such as birth or marriage certificates
• For friends: Pictures together, receipts, phone call details, and a letter explaining your relationship

Proof of Travel Purpose

Depending on the reason for your travel, there are additional Japan visa requirements.

• Japan Tourist Visa Requirements
• Japan Business Visa Requirements
• Japan Student Visa Requirements
• Japan Work Visa Requirements
• Japan Working Holiday Visa Requirements
• Japan Transit Visa Requirements

Japan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

If you are visiting Japan for reasons other than tourism, transit, business, or a short-term visit, then you need a Japan Certificate of Eligibility.

The Japan Certificate of Eligibility is issued by the Immigration Services in Japan before you enter the country. This means you need to have a sponsor there already who can submit the application on your behalf. Meanwhile, you have to send them any relevant supporting documents (as listed above). Depending on the type of visa you’re applying, your sponsor could be your employer, your school, or your spouse.

Once you get the COE (the process can take up to three months), your sponsor has to send it to you, and you can use it to apply for the Japan Visa.

Keep in mind

This is not an exhaustive list of requirements for a Japan Visa. Japanese Immigration and Consular services can request any additional documents as they see fit.

You should consult with the immigration officers handling your visa application on whether you have to submit the originals or copies of the documents. Sometimes, your documents will not be returned.

The documents you submit have to be either in English or in Japanese, as per the request of the Embassy/Consulate. If they are not, you have to get them translated by a professional translator.

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