An incorrect passport photo is one of the most common reasons visa applications are rejected. This guide covers the exact specifications required by 15 major destination countries in 2026.
Important: eVisa digital photo uploads must typically be JPEG format, under 1 MB, and taken within the last 6 months. Printed photos must be colour, matte or glossy, not pixelated or edited.
Standard International Visa Photo Specifications
- Size: 35 mm × 45 mm (most of Europe, Asia, Australia)
- Background: Plain white or off-white : no shadows, patterns, or objects
- Face coverage: 70-80% of the frame; head fully visible including top of hair
- Expression: Neutral, eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- Glasses: Not permitted for US, UK, Canada, Australia, Schengen since 2022
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months (some countries require 3 months)
- Digital format: JPEG/JPG, 600×800 px minimum, file size under 1 MB
Photo Requirements by Country : 2026
| Country | Size (mm) | Background | Recency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 51 × 51 | White | 6 months | Head must be 25-35 mm tall in frame |
| UK | 35 × 45 | Cream/white | 6 months | No glasses; head 29-34 mm in frame |
| Schengen (EU) | 35 × 45 | White/light grey | 6 months | ICAO standard; no glasses since 2022 |
| Australia | 35 × 45 | White/off-white | 6 months | For eVisitor / ETA: digital only, no print |
| Canada | 50 × 70 | White | 6 months | Head 31-36 mm tall; no glasses |
| India | 51 × 51 | White | 3 months | eVisa upload: JPEG under 1 MB, 10-300 KB |
| Thailand | 35 × 45 | White | 6 months | eVisa: JPEG, 200 KB-2 MB |
| Vietnam | 40 × 60 | White | 6 months | eVisa: JPEG min 400×600 px |
| Turkey | 50 × 60 | White | 6 months | eVisa upload: JPEG, colour, under 300 KB |
| Japan | 45 × 45 | White/light grey | 6 months | Face must fill 70-80% of frame |
| China | 33 × 48 | White | 6 months | Ears must be visible; no hat |
| UAE | 43 × 55 | White | 3 months | No head covering except for religious reasons |
| Saudi Arabia | 40 × 60 | White | 3 months | Colour, matte finish preferred |
| Indonesia | 35 × 45 | Red (for tourist) / White | 6 months | Background colour depends on visa category |
| Singapore | 35 × 45 | White | 3 months | ICAO standard; glasses not recommended |
Common Rejection Reasons for Visa Photos
- Photo taken more than 6 months ago
- Shadow on the background or face
- Wearing glasses (prohibited by most countries since 2022)
- Wearing a hat or head covering (unless for religious purposes)
- Smiling or mouth open
- Image too dark, blurry, or digitally altered
- Wrong dimensions or file size for digital upload
- Wearing a uniform or camouflage clothing
- Red-eye or uneven lighting
- Head tilted or eyes not looking directly at the camera
Editorial Team : eVisa-Card.com ·
Last updated: March 2026.
Photo specifications change periodically. Always verify at the official embassy or consulate website before submitting.