Schengen Visa Photo Requirements and European Passport Photo Size

Countries in Schengen Area

But how do I know if I need a Schengen visa? Well, travelers visiting countries in the Schengen Area need visas to get into the zone. This is a mandatory travel document, so everyone, even minors, has to present it on arrival.

Check the Schengen member states to see if your destination is one of them:

Austria	Belgium	The Czech Republic	Denmark	Estonia	Finland
France	Germany	Greece	Hungary	Iceland	Italy
Latvia	Liechtenstein	Lithuania	Luxembourg	Malta	The Netherlands
Norway	Poland	Portugal	Slovakia	Slovenia	Spain
Sweden	Switzerland

If you're heading to one of these countries, you must submit a Schengen Visa application form. Filling out the visa application only takes a few minutes if you apply using the iVisa services. Read all the instructions below for an applicant to get the perfect visa photo.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements for your visa application form

The applicant has to follow the instructions below to guarantee a successful visa procedure. The specifications are very standard, so don't worry.

• Size: 45 mm by 35 mm
• Colour: In color. It can't be one colour or black and white; filters aren't accepted.
• Head size and position: Must be facing forward, fully visible. The head should measure 32 mm to 36 mm in the photo.
• Recency: No older than six months.
• Background: Bright colored. Light grey is preferred, with no patterns.
• Smile: None. Use a neutral facial expression. Mouth closed.
• Eyes: Open and centered with the camera, fully visible.
• Glasses: Prescription glasses only so long as the eyes are visible.
• Headgear: Medical or religious reasons.
• Dimensions and size (pixels): 35×45mm.
• Attire, clothing, dress code: Avoid uniforms and colors matching the background.
• Beard: Optional.
• Quantity needed in the application: 2, identical.

Schengen Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide

Schengen Visa: Photo detailed instructions

As with most guidelines, there is more than meets the eye. A glance at the above specifications may seem easy enough, but there are quite a few more items to check before submitting your photographs.

Take a look below to find out more information:

• Your head is limited to how big or small it can be in the image: no less than 32 mm and no more than 36 mm. This is measured from the chin to the top of your head. It should take up around 70-80% of the total picture.
• Keep it focused. Blurred pictures are never accepted and are one of the most common reasons for rejection.
• If you usually have a beard, it's acceptable in a photo. If you don't, don't grow one out for your close-up.
• Hats, fancy jewelry, or any other headpieces not worn for medical or religious reasons are not permitted. Those wearing one for acceptable reasons cannot block any part of your face.
• No sunglasses, tinted lenses, glare, or thick-rimmed glasses are permitted. Your eyes must be clearly visible and not hindered by glasses.
• Keep hair off the face.
• Lighting should be even and reflect your skin's true and natural color. Avoid overexposed, underexposed, or shadowy photographs of the face.
• The background should be a bright color such as gray. Avoid white if possible. No designs, patterns, or objects in the photo.
• Don't smile. It distorts your face. Keep a relaxed look with your mouth closed and your eyes forward.

Rules and requirements for babies, infants, and newborns passport and visa photos

For a family trip, be aware that the entire family, including children, will need their own passport and visa, including a photo. Group shots are never allowed.

Older kids are not as difficult to photograph; however, infants can pose a bit of a challenge. Though, the above guidelines still apply. But there are a few more tricks and advice to getting the desired image quicker:

• You can take the infant's picture in a seat or lying on the floor. Whichever angle you wish to work with, use a gray or light-colored cloth to cover up a car seat or flooring. This will provide a stark contrast between your baby and the background.
• No toys, bottles, blankets, or pacifiers are permitted in the shot.
• If you are holding a child, the hands cannot be seen.
• The child must have both eyes open, looking at the camera, and with their mouth as close as possible. It may take a few shots to get this, but don't give up.
• Be mindful of shadows, head position, and photo exposure. You may find the perfect pose from your child, but it won't be accepted if it is overexposed.

[Click to get your visa photo with iVisa]

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