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ICAO-compliant visa photo dimensions and requirements for international visa applications.
Official Requirements for Visa (International)
Photos must meet the specifications published by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
Last reviewed
June 2026
v1.1
Dimensions35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) — 2 × 2 inches for US visa
File SizeVaries by country — typically 20 KB to 300 KB
BackgroundPlain white or off-white — no shadows, patterns, or objects
Head Ratio25–35 mm from chin to crown (70–80% of photo height)
FormatJPEG preferred, PNG accepted in some cases
Resolution300 DPI minimum recommended
ExpressionNeutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
Additional Requirements
- No glasses (US visa: glasses no longer allowed)
- No hair covering face
- Recent photo (within 6 months)
- Full face front view with even lighting
Source: ICAO — International Civil Aviation Organization · View official guidelines
Correct vs Incorrect
Use this quick comparison to check your photo before uploading.
| Check | ✓ Correct | ✗ Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 × 45 mm (US: 2 × 2 in) | Wrong dimensions for destination country |
| Background | Plain white/off-white, no shadows | Outdoor, patterned, or shadowed background |
| Glasses | No glasses (US: not permitted) | Wearing glasses (especially for US visa) |
| Head Size | 25–35 mm chin to crown | Head too small or too large in frame |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Smiling or open mouth |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a non-ICAO compliant photo
Different countries have slightly different requirements. Always check the specific embassy guidelines.
Wearing glasses for US visa
The US Department of State no longer allows glasses in visa photos. Remove them completely.
Head too small in frame
Visa photos require a specific head size of 25–35 mm from chin to crown.
Smiling
A neutral expression is required for most visa applications. No smiling.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Lighting must be even across the face and background. No shadows behind the head.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard visa photo size?
The ICAO standard is 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). For US visas, the requirement is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Always check your destination country's specific requirements.
What background is required?
A plain white or off-white background with even lighting and no shadows. No patterns or objects should be visible.
Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
The US Department of State no longer permits glasses in visa photos. Many other countries also recommend removing glasses. Check specific embassy rules.
What is the head size requirement?
The head must measure 25–35 mm from chin to crown, occupying 70–80% of the photo height. This is strictly enforced for automated visa processing.
Can I smile in my visa photo?
No. A neutral expression with mouth closed and both eyes open is required for all visa applications under ICAO standards.
What file format is accepted?
JPEG is the most widely accepted format. Some countries accept PNG. File size limits vary — typically 20 KB to 300 KB.
Also consider
- Passport Photo Size & Requirements — Passport photos follow similar neutral-expression and background standards but at 2×2 inches.
- Aadhaar Photo Requirements — Aadhaar shares the white background requirement but uses a tighter head ratio (70–80%) similar to visa photos.