Schengen visa photo size
Most Schengen countries ask for a 35 × 45 mm colour photo with your face taking up 70% to 80% of the height, on a plain light background. Each embassy or visa centre sets the exact rules, so check its page before you print.
Your photo never leaves your phone
- Stand about 1.5 m in front of a plain, light wall.
- Face a window or a bright light so both sides of your face are lit.
- Ask someone to take it with the phone at your eye level. Selfies are often rejected.
- Glasses off, hair away from your eyes, mouth closed, no smile.
Ready offline. Turn on airplane mode and it still works, which shows your photo isn't uploaded.
Line up your head and shoulders with the outline. Keep the phone at eye level, about 1.5 m away.
Finding your face…
These rules haven't been checked against the official page yet. Please check them there before you apply.
Schengen visa photo rules
- 35 mm wide by 45 mm high
- Head 32 mm to 36 mm from chin to crown (70% to 80% of the height)
- Plain light background with no shadows
- Face forward, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- No tinted glasses and no glare
- Taken within the last 6 months, not edited
Source: European Commission: Applying for a Schengen visa (then check your embassy's page). SkipTheBooth helps you meet these rules but can't guarantee your photo will be accepted.
Questions
Is a Schengen photo the same as a UK passport photo?
The size is the same, 35 × 45 mm, but Schengen photos usually show the head larger, at 32 to 36 mm instead of 29 to 34 mm. Use the Schengen setting so the head is scaled correctly.