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Schengen Visa Pro

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

Your photo must meet specific ICAO standards. Here's everything you need to know to avoid rejection.

Quantity

2 identical photos, taken within the last 6 months

Dimensions

35mm x 45mm (1.38" x 1.77")

Head Coverage

Face should cover 70-80% of the photo

Background

Plain white or light gray, no patterns or shadows

Technical Specifications

Photo Width 35mm (1.38 inches)
Photo Height 45mm (1.77 inches)
Face Height 32-36mm (70-80% of photo)
Eye Position 28-35mm from bottom edge
Resolution Minimum 600 DPI
Color Full color (no black & white)
Paper High-quality glossy photo paper
Age Taken within last 6 months

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • ✓ Face the camera directly with neutral expression
  • ✓ Keep mouth closed, eyes open and visible
  • ✓ Ensure even lighting without shadows
  • ✓ Print on high-quality, glossy photo paper
  • ✓ Take photo within the last 6 months
  • ✓ Show your full face from chin to forehead
  • ✓ Include both ears (if possible with hairstyle)
  • ✓ Use a plain, light-colored background

Don'ts

  • ✗ Wear glasses (unless medically required)
  • ✗ Smile or show teeth
  • ✗ Wear headwear (except for religious reasons)
  • ✗ Use filters or digital enhancements
  • ✗ Submit photos older than 6 months
  • ✗ Have shadows on face or background
  • ✗ Look away from the camera
  • ✗ Wear uniforms (unless religious)

About Wearing Glasses

Recommendation: Remove glasses for your photo. Since 2017, many Schengen countries prefer photos without glasses to reduce the risk of reflection issues.

If you must wear glasses due to medical reasons, ensure there are no reflections on the lenses, your eyes are fully visible, and frames don't cover any part of your eyes.

Common Rejection Reasons

Avoid these common mistakes that lead to photo rejection.

⚠

Wrong dimensions

Common

Photo not 35mm x 45mm

⚠

Shadows on face

Common

Uneven lighting creating dark areas

⚠

Glasses reflections

Moderate

Light reflecting off eyewear lenses

⚠

Eyes not visible

Common

Hair, glasses, or positioning blocking eyes

⚠

Photo too old

Common

Taken more than 6 months ago

⚠

Incorrect background

Moderate

Patterned, colored, or shadowed background

⚠

Face too small/large

Moderate

Head not filling 70-80% of frame

⚠

Expression issues

Occasional

Smiling, mouth open, or unnatural expression

Where to Get Your Photos

Photo Studios

Professional studios know visa requirements. Ask specifically for "Schengen visa photos" (35x45mm, ICAO compliant).

Photo Booths

Many modern booths offer biometric photo options. Look for "passport/visa" setting and select 35x45mm.

Visa Centre

BLS and VFS centres offer photo services on-site (£5-15). A backup option if your photos don't meet requirements.

Ready to Apply?

Once your photos are ready, start your visa application with our guided process.

Start Application → View All Requirements