Worldwide Visa Photo Requirements (195+ Countries)
Official biometric standards, exact millimeter dimensions, background color specifications, and head height ratios for tourist, student, work, and business visa applications worldwide.
35 ร 45 mm & 2" ร 2"
35ร45mm (Schengen, UK, AU) or 51ร51mm (US, India, Saudi).
Pure White or Light Grey
85% of countries require #FFFFFF plain white background.
70% โ 80% Facial Height
Head height from chin to crown must measure 32mm to 36mm.
< 6 Months Old
Strict freshness rule across all worldwide embassy portals.
Most Requested Visa Photo Specifications
Direct access to official parameters and makers for high-volume travel destinations.
Visa Size: 51 ร 51 mm
Background: Plain White
Authority: U.S. Department of State
Visa Size: 35 ร 45 mm
Background: Plain Light Grey or White
Authority: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Visa Size: 35 ร 45 mm
Background: Plain White or Light Colour
Authority: IRCC Canada
Visa Size: 35 ร 45 mm
Background: Plain White
Authority: Department of Home Affairs
Visa Size: 51 ร 51 mm
Background: Plain White
Authority: Bureau of Immigration (e-Visa Portal)
Visa Size: 35 ร 45 mm
Background: Light Grey or White
Authority: Ministรจre de lโIntรฉrieur
Visa Size: 35 ร 45 mm
Background: Light Grey or White
Authority: Federal Foreign Office (Auswรคrtiges Amt)
Visa Size: 33 ร 48 mm
Background: Plain White
Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (COVA)
Visa Size: 45 ร 45 mm
Background: Plain White
Authority: MOFA Japan
Visa Size: 35 ร 45 mm
Background: Light-Coloured
Authority: Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Visa Size: 51 ร 51 mm
Background: Plain White
Authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Visa Size: 43 ร 55 mm
Background: Plain White
Authority: GDRFA / ICP Dubai
Worldwide Visa & Passport Photo Directory
Showing 33 countries matching current criteria.
Major International Visa Biometric Standards Matrix
Standardized parameters recognized by diplomatic missions and e-Visa portals worldwide.
| Visa Standard | Physical / Digital Size | Head Ratio | Background Color | Applicable Countries / Portals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICAO Doc 9303 (Universal) | 35 ร 45 mm (or 2" ร 2") | 70% โ 80% (32โ36 mm) | Plain White (#FFFFFF) or Light Grey | Schengen Area, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan |
| US Department of State (DS-160 / DV) | 51 ร 51 mm (2" ร 2" / 600ร600 px) | 50% โ 69% (1" to 1 3/8") | Pure White (#FFFFFF) | United States, India (e-Visa), Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Philippines |
| Canada IRCC Visa Standard | 35 ร 45 mm (Online: min 420ร540 px) | 31 mm โ 36 mm (chin to crown) | Pure White (#FFFFFF) or Light Off-White | Canada Visitor Visa, Study Permit, Work Permit |
| China COVA Visa Standard | 33 ร 48 mm (Digital: 354โ420 ร 472โ560 px) | 28 mm โ 33 mm | Pure White (#FFFFFF) with No Shadow | People's Republic of China Consulates & COVA Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions (Visa Photo Compliance)
Are visa photo requirements the same as passport photo requirements?
Not always. In the United States, both passports and visas use 2ร2 inches (51ร51 mm). However, in Canada, passport photos are 50ร70 mm while visa photos are 35ร45 mm. In Japan, passport photos are 35ร45 mm while tourist visa photos are 45ร45 mm. In China, passport photos are 33ร48 mm while digital visa submissions require specific pixel bounds. Always verify document-specific dimensions before applying.
What background color is required for international visa photos?
Over 85% of countries (including the US, Canada, Australia, India, and China) require a pure white (#FFFFFF) background. However, the UK, Schengen zone nations (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), and several European consulates prefer a light grey or off-white background to prevent edge washout with light skin tones or blonde/grey hair.
How recent must a visa photo be?
Worldwide embassy regulations strictly mandate photos taken within the last 6 months (and within the last 1 month for UK Visas & Immigration). If you submit a photo identical to a previous visa or passport issued more than 6 months ago, the visa consular portal will reject the application for non-freshness.
Can I wear head coverings or religious attire in my visa photo?
Yes. Religious head coverings (such as hijabs, turbans, or yarmulkes) are permitted for all major global visa portals, provided the full face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both facial edges are completely visible without cast shadows.
Can I wear eyeglasses in my visa photo?
No. Eyeglasses are strictly prohibited by the US Department of State, Schengen consulates, UKVI, and most major visa authorities to prevent flash glare and eye biometric distortion. Medical exemptions require a signed doctor's certificate.
Biometric Accuracy & Regulatory Compliance
PhotoResizer.us references standards established under ICAO Document 9303 (Machine Readable Travel Documents) and ISO/IEC 19794-5. Always verify specific embassy consular instructions prior to visa interview appointments.