Home / International Travel Insurance / Articles / Visa / Europe Visa Photo Size

Europe Visa Photo Size

TeamAckoApr 29, 2024

The size of the photo for your visa application may sound unimportant, but it is very important for your application's approval. A suitable photo increases your chances of having your Schengen visa application approved, so it's essential to review the photo requirements for Europe visa.

We have compiled all the necessary information in one place and created our ultimate guideline for Europe visa photo requirements to assist you.

However, it's important to note that photo requirements for Europe visas may vary from country to country, so it's best to check the specific requirements for the country you plan to visit in our blog bucket.

Europe visa photo size (1).png

Contents

Europe Visa Photo Size
Europe Visa Photo Background and Quality
Europe Visa Photo Attire Requirements
Europe Visa Photo Requirements for Children
Frequently Asked Questions

Europe Visa Photo Size

Before applying for a European visa, you must ensure that your photo meets the required size. To help you with this, here are a few key points to remember:

The photo must measure 35mm by 45mm.
It should be a close-up of your head and the top of your shoulders, ensuring that your face occupies 70–80% of the photograph.
Your face must be in sharp focus throughout the image.
The photograph must be passport-size
Side or angled views are not permissible.
There should be no borders.

Europe Visa Photo Background and Quality

When submitting a correct photograph, the photo must meet specific standards to be accepted. One key standard is the background and quality of the photo.

The background should not be a distraction, and the applicant's face should be clearly visible. Here’s how the Europe visa photo background needs to be:

The background of the visa photo should be plain.
It should be light-coloured, preferably white or off-white.
It should be free from shadows or patterns.
There should be no object in the background.

In terms of quality, the photo needs to be clear, have no red eyes, and not show anything. It should be a recent picture, usually one taken in the last three months, to make sure it shows how the person looks now. The picture also needs to be printed on good paper and have no creases or other flaws. No changes should be made, and the applicant's real skin colour should be visible.

Europe Visa Photo Attire Requirements

When you are posing for a Europe visa photo, even though the dress will not be seen very clearly, applicants should still dress appropriately. These are the attire requirements you must follow when taking a photo for your Europe visa:

You can dress casually or professionally.
Don’t wear uniforms. If you are wearing a religious costume, make sure your face is clearly visible.
If you are wearing headwear, make sure that the face is visible from the chin to the forehead.
Candidates are allowed to wear prescription glasses, but it is important to ensure that there are no issues such as flash reflection, red eyes, or the frame obstructing the eye area.

Europe Visa Photo Requirements for Children

Every child, regardless of their age, is required to provide a photograph when applying for a visa to Europe. Although it can be challenging, the Europe visa photo requirements for children are more lenient due to the difficulty of getting them to cooperate.

Here are the rules that need to be followed while taking a picture of the babies:

The child’s face should be the focus, and their mouth should be closed.
The child should not be sleeping and should look right into the cameras.
The child should be sitting in the picture.
There should be no one in the picture except the child.
If the child is 3 years old, an open-mouth photo will be acceptable.

Facial Expression Requirement for the Photo of Europe Visa

The visa photo should show a neutral facial expression, with both eyes open and the lips closed. The face should be completely visible, facing forward, and not obscured by hair, clothing, or accessories. If you wear a hijab, remember that it cannot cover your face or leave shadows on it.

So, we hope all your doubts regarding the European visa photo requirements for Indians are now clear and that all the nitty-gritty details are covered too. Just remember, do not take these specifications lightly, as failure to adhere to them can lead to your application being rejected. So, be careful and ensure that your visa photo meets the required standards to avoid any unnecessary complications in your application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we have answered some of the commonly asked questions about the Europe visa photo requirements. Please go through it carefully to get answers to all the questions.

What is the photo size for a Europe visa?

For a Europe visa, the photo size should be 35 x 45 mm.

How many photos do you need for a Europe visa?

You need two recent passport-sized colour photos for Europe visa.

When taking a photo for a European visa, what colour should the background be?

The background colour should be white or off-white. It should be free from patterns or shadows.

How old should the picture be while applying for a European visa?

The picture should not be older than 3 months and it should depict the individual's current look.

Can I wear glasses in my photo for Europe visa?

As a general rule, you should not wear them unless you have a medical reason to. If the glass does not reflect light and the frame is not too thick, it is fine to wear glasses. It will not be okay if you wear glasses for fashion reasons, like sunglasses.