Schengen visa photo
The Schengen standard is the most widely copied photo spec in the world. It follows ICAO Doc 9303, which means a photo that satisfies it will usually satisfy most European documents as well.
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Specification
Size35 x 45 mm
Head height32 to 36 mm, chin to crown
As a share of frameAbout 71 to 80%
BackgroundPlain light or white
StandardICAO Doc 9303
Requirements
- 35 mm wide by 45 mm high
- Head 32 to 36 mm measured chin to crown
- Plain light or white background
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Compliant with ICAO Doc 9303
- Taken within the last 6 months
What gets photos rejected
- A square photo made for a US or Indian application
- Head outside the 32 to 36 mm band, usually too large
- A patterned or shadowed background
- Smiling, which the ICAO standard does not allow
Questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 by 45 millimetres, with the head measuring 32 to 36 mm from chin to crown. The rules come from the EU Visa Code together with ICAO Doc 9303.
Does one photo work for every Schengen country?
The photo standard is common across the area, so a compliant photo is accepted by any Schengen consulate. Each consulate can still differ on how many prints it wants.
Is a UK photo acceptable for Schengen?
The size matches at 35 by 45 mm, and the head bands overlap, so usually yes. The UK's own one-month recency rule does not apply here.