📸 Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Your visa photo is one of the first things officials see. A wrong photo can delay your application! This guide covers the exact specifications required for Schengen visa photos.
📏 Official Photo Specifications
Complete Technical Specifications:
| Photo Size | 35mm wide × 45mm tall |
| Background Color | White, off-white, or light gray (uniform, no patterns) |
| Face Coverage | Face should cover 70-80% of photo height (32-36mm) |
| Head Position | Centered, facing forward, looking at camera |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open, clearly visible, looking at camera |
| Glasses | NOT allowed (even prescription glasses) |
| Head Coverings | Only for religious reasons (face must be fully visible) |
| Photo Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Photo Quality | High quality print, no pixelation, good lighting |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos required |
✅ Do's and ❌ Don'ts
✅ DO
- Use white or light gray background
- Look directly at camera
- Keep neutral expression
- Ensure face is evenly lit
- Keep eyes open and visible
- Have clear, sharp focus
- Print on high-quality photo paper
- Remove glasses completely
❌ DON'T
- Use colored backgrounds
- Wear sunglasses or glasses
- Smile with teeth showing
- Have shadows on face
- Wear hats or caps
- Use old photos (over 6 months)
- Use selfies
- Print on regular paper
🚫 Common Photo Mistakes That Get Rejected
- Wrong Size - Not exactly 35×45mm
- Colored Background - Blue, red, or patterned backgrounds
- Wearing Glasses - Even prescription glasses are NOT allowed
- Smiling - Teeth visible or wide smile
- Old Photo - Looking different from current appearance
- Poor Lighting - Shadows on face, overexposed, too dark
- Face Too Small - Face doesn't cover 70-80% of photo
- Not Centered - Face off to one side
- Blurry/Pixelated - Low resolution print
- Red Eye - Flash reflection in eyes
👥 Special Cases
Religious Head Coverings
- Allowed for religious reasons (hijab, turban, etc.)
- Face must be fully visible from chin to forehead
- No shadows from head covering on face
Babies and Children
- Same size requirements apply (35×45mm)
- Eyes should be open and looking at camera
- No toys, pacifiers, or parents visible
- White background required
- For infants: slightly relaxed rules on expression
Medical Conditions
- Eye patches allowed with medical certificate
- Hearing aids are acceptable
- If you can't open eyes due to medical condition, include documentation
📍 Where to Get Visa Photos
Best Options:
- Professional Photo Studios - Ask specifically for "Schengen visa photos"
- VFS/Embassy Centers - Many have photo booths on-site (₹300-500)
- Passport Photo Shops - Usually near embassies/VFS centers
Tips When Getting Photos:
- Tell them it's for a "Schengen visa" - they know the specs
- Ask for 4-6 copies (extra for your records)
- Check photos before leaving - verify size and background
- Cost: ₹100-300 for 6 photos typically
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
No. Since 2017, glasses are NOT allowed in Schengen visa photos - even prescription glasses. Remove them before taking the photo.
Can I smile in my visa photo?
A slight, natural smile with mouth closed is acceptable. But teeth should NOT be visible and expression should remain neutral.
Is blue background acceptable?
No. Only white, off-white, or light gray backgrounds are accepted for Schengen visa photos.
How recent should my photo be?
Within the last 6 months. If you've changed appearance significantly (weight, hair, beard), take new photos.
Can I use my passport photo?
Only if it meets Schengen specs (35×45mm, white background) AND is less than 6 months old. Many passport photos are different sizes.
How many photos do I need?
2 identical photos are required. One goes on the application form, one for the visa sticker. Get 4-6 copies for safety.
📸 Quick Checklist Before Submitting
- ✅ Size is exactly 35mm × 45mm
- ✅ White or light gray background
- ✅ No glasses
- ✅ Face covers 70-80% of photo
- ✅ Neutral expression, mouth closed
- ✅ Taken within last 6 months
- ✅ High quality print, no pixelation