Schengen visa photo online
A color 35×45 mm photo to the ICAO standard used by every Schengen country. We size the head to 32-36 mm and give you a clean background.
Fit your face in the oval and your shoulders under the line. Look straight at the camera, mouth closed, no smile. Best by a light wall, facing a window.
Photo requirements
Print the 4×6 in (10×15 cm) sheet at any photo lab or kiosk: 4×6 size, borderless, no scaling (100%). Then cut along the gray lines.
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Schengen visa photo requirements
All Schengen countries use the ICAO photo standard, so the same photo works whether you're applying to France, Italy, Spain or Germany. It's stricter than many people expect: color only, a precise head size and a recent shot.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45 mm, color only |
| Head | 32-36 mm (70-80% of the height) |
| Above the head | 3-5 mm to the top edge |
| Background | plain white or light gray |
| Glasses | best removed |
| Age of photo | taken in the last 6 months |
| How many | usually 2 |
You can switch the background between white and light gray. Some consulates prefer light gray because blond or white hair stands out better against it. If your visa center doesn't say, white is the safe choice.
How to take a Schengen visa photo yourself
- Take off your glasses and pull hair away from your face. Glasses aren't banned everywhere, but they're a common source of glare and rejections.
- Stand facing a window so light falls evenly, with no shadow on one side of the face.
- Have someone take the picture from about 1.5 m (5 ft) at eye level.
- Upload it, choose Schengen visa and go through the checks: head size, tilt, light, eyes.
- Download the 4×6 in sheet with 6 photos and print it borderless at 100% scale.
Why visa photos get rejected
- head smaller than 32 mm, common with photos taken "with extra room";
- black and white or color-filtered photos;
- shadows on the face or behind the head, uneven background;
- a photo older than six months;
- a smile, open mouth or glare on glasses.
When the visa center takes biometrics
Many visa centers scan your fingerprints and may take a digital photo on site. A printed photo is still often required for the application form. Check the website of the visa center or consulate you're applying through.
Photos for children
Children follow the same rules. A small child is easiest to photograph lying on a white sheet, shot from above. Eyes open, mouth closed, no toys, pacifiers or adult hands in the frame. The checks will flag a blink or a turned head.
What you get
A 600 dpi 35×45 photo, a 4×6 in sheet with 6 photos and an A4 sheet with 20. Checking and previewing are free with a watermark. The clean files come in a $6.99 set or with Pro Photo from $2.99 a day if the whole family is traveling.
FAQ
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35×45 mm, with the head 32-36 mm from chin to top of hair.
Can I wear glasses?
Better not. Even where they're allowed, glare on the lenses is a common reason photos are refused.
Does the same photo work for every Schengen country?
Yes, they all use the ICAO 35×45 standard.
White or gray background?
Both are allowed. If the visa center doesn't specify, go with white.