Visa Photo Requirements for Indians
Complete guide to visa photo specifications for all major countries. Each country has different size requirements - use this reference to ensure your visa application is accepted.
Important Notice
Different countries require different photo sizes. Indian passport size (2x2 inch) is NOT accepted for all visas. Always verify requirements for your specific destination before taking photos.
Complete Country Comparison
| Country | Photo Size | Background | Glasses | Recency | Digital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) | White | Not Allowed | 6 months | 600x600 to 1200x1200 px |
| UK | 45x35mm | Light Gray/Cream | Allowed (no glare) | 6 months | 600x750 px min |
| Schengen | 35x45mm | White/Light Gray | Allowed (no tint) | 6 months | 413x531 px |
| Canada | 50x70mm | White | Not Allowed | 6 months | 420x540 px |
| Australia | 35x45mm | White | Allowed | 6 months | 600x800 px |
| Singapore | 35x45mm | White | Allowed | 3 months | 400x514 px |
| UAE/Dubai | 43x55mm | White | Allowed | 6 months | JPEG |
| Japan | 45x45mm | White/Light | Allowed | 6 months | 600x600 px |
| China | 33x48mm | White | Not Allowed | 6 months | 354x472 px |
| Thailand | 35x45mm | White | Allowed | 6 months | JPEG |
🇺🇸 USA Visa Photo Requirements
Specifications
- Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Background: Plain white
- Head Size: 25-35mm (1-1⅜ inches)
- Eye Position: Between 28-35mm from bottom
- Glasses: NOT allowed (since 2016)
- Expression: Neutral, eyes open
- Recency: Within 6 months
Digital Requirements (DS-160)
- Format: JPEG
- Dimensions: 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels
- File Size: Max 240 KB
- Color Space: sRGB
- Compression: No heavy compression
Note: US visa strictly prohibits glasses. Even prescription glasses will cause rejection.
🇬🇧 UK Visa Photo Requirements
Specifications
- Size: 45 x 35 mm
- Background: Light gray or cream (plain)
- Head Size: 29-34mm in height
- Glasses: Allowed (no tinted, no glare)
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Recency: Within 6 months
Digital Requirements
- Format: JPEG
- Dimensions: Min 600x750 pixels
- File Size: 50KB to 10MB
- Color: Full color (no B&W)
Note: UK accepts light gray background, unlike most other countries requiring white.
🇪🇺 Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
Specifications (26 Countries)
- Size: 35 x 45 mm
- Background: White or light gray
- Face Coverage: 70-80% of frame
- Head Size: 32-36mm in height
- Glasses: Allowed if no glare/tint
- Expression: Neutral
- Recency: Within 6 months
Applies to Countries
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein
Note: All 26 Schengen countries use identical photo specifications.
🇨🇦 Canada Visa Photo Requirements
Specifications
- Size: 50 x 70 mm (largest common size)
- Background: Plain white
- Face Size: 31-36mm from chin to crown
- Glasses: NOT allowed
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Recency: Within 6 months
- Special: Photographer name & date on back
Digital Requirements
- Format: JPEG
- Dimensions: 420x540 pixels minimum
- Max Dimensions: 2400x3104 pixels
- File Size: 4 MB maximum
Note: Canada requires photographer name and date on back of printed photos.
Other Popular Destinations
🇦🇺 Australia
- Size: 35 x 45 mm
- Background: White
- Digital: 600x800 px, max 300KB
🇸🇬 Singapore
- Size: 35 x 45 mm
- Background: White
- Recency: Within 3 months
🇦🇪 UAE/Dubai
- Size: 43 x 55 mm (unique size)
- Background: White
- Full face view required
🇯🇵 Japan
- Size: 45 x 45 mm (square)
- Background: White or light
- Head should occupy 70%+
Universal Guidelines
All Visas Require
- Recent photo (usually 6 months)
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Full face, front view
- High quality, sharp focus
- No shadows on face or background
Common Rejections
- Wrong photo dimensions
- Glasses (for US, Canada)
- Wrong background color
- Photo too old
- Smiling or expression
- Blurry or low quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo for US visa from India?
US visa requires 2x2 inches (51x51mm) photo - same as Indian passport. Digital photo must be between 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels.
What size for Schengen visa photo?
Schengen visa requires 35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm) - different from Indian passport. Face should cover 70-80% of the frame.
UK visa photo specifications?
UK visa requires 45x35mm with light gray or cream background. Digital photos need to be at least 600x750 pixels.
Canada visa photo requirements?
Canada visa requires 50x70mm - the largest common size. White background, neutral expression, no glasses.
Can I use passport photo for all visas?
No, different countries have different size requirements. Always check specific country requirements before applying.
Are glasses allowed in visa photos?
Most embassies now require photos WITHOUT glasses. US visa strictly prohibits glasses; Schengen and UK allow non-tinted glasses.
What background for visa photos?
Most visas require white background. UK accepts light gray/cream. Always use plain, uniform backgrounds.
How recent should visa photo be?
Visa photos must be taken within last 6 months for most countries. Some require within 3 months.
Do different visa types need different photos?
No, tourist, business, and student visas from the same country use identical photo specifications.
Can I take visa photo at home?
Yes, using good lighting and white background. Our tool formats photos to any visa size.
What if my visa photo is rejected?
Common rejections: wrong size, wrong background, glasses, shadows, old photo. Use our tool for compliant photos.
Should I smile in visa photo?
No, maintain neutral expression with mouth closed for all visa photos.
Create Visa Photos for Any Country
Our free tool supports all visa sizes - select your destination and get perfectly formatted photos.
Create Free Visa Photo →