Schengen Visa Photo Size, Requirements and Specifications
Schengen Visa Photo Size, Requirements and Specifications
Applying for Schengen visa, from any of the 26 Schengen countries with in the Schengen area, Applicant have to provide his photograph for identification during visa application process. Its mandatory for all whoever wish to apply for visa, depending on consulates you wish to apply at you will be asked to provided either 1 or 2 photos, on safer side it’s good to have 2 photos of applicant.
Applications with photos should match the ICAO specifications if not they will probably be rejected by the consulate or embassy officials. Therefore, applicants are advised to follow the ICAO guideline during their photo-shoot.
Schengen Visa Photo Size, Requirements and Specifications graphics for clear understanding. Graphic provided are from various authorized Schengen countries consulate websites.
Applying for any Schengen country visa of any category you will be asked to provide photographs that meet all below specific requirements.
Source: www.germany.info
Schengen Visa Photo Size, Requirements and Specifications
Format and photo size
It is always suggested to have your new photograph while applying for Schengen visa, in case you have existing photos make sure they are not older than 6 months. If you shot your photos in a professional studio usually they will be in correct size, but if you use a photo-printing service you must ensure they are the correct as described.
Your photos should be standard passport-sized which is 35 mm x 45 mm (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 1.37 in x 1.77 in).
Your photographs must be color photo
Black and white photographs are not accepted.
The consulate of the Netherlands described their requirement for photos below.
The passport photo must be:
– Size: 35 by 45 mm (width x height).
– Width: from ear to ear, between 16 mm and 20 mm.
– Height: from age 11: from chin to crown, between 26 and 30 mm.
– up to age 11: from chin to crown, between 19 and 30 mm.
Source: www.government.nl
There must be a close up of your head and top of your shoulders shown in below image. Your head should take up 70% to 80% of the shot. This will clearly shows your facial characteristics visually. Below are 4 different shots which clearly describe the correct position mentioned by the consulate of Germany.
Source: www.germany.info
Position of head and facial expression
Photographs for visas represent you to identify it’s you for exit and entry to any country by verifying your photo on the visa issued, so make sure you shoot a perfect photo, during your photo shoot make sure you look straightforward towards camera with your eyes open and mouth closed. Do not bend your head to either sides and make sure you see straightforward towards the camera when the photo is taken. Also, make sure in case you have long hair, do not allow them to cover any part of your face form either sides. In addition, you should refrain from smiling as this changes the shape of your face. Below graphics from the German consulate give an idea how your head should be positioned and the correct, and incorrect, facial expressions.
Quality of the photograph
The quality of your photographs should be excellent. They should be clear and in sharp focus – and should not be blurry. There should be no marks, such as scratches or ink marks or used photo. In addition, make sure the photo is shoot with correct brightness and contrast – not too pale and not too dark. Check out the below photographs from the Embassy of France’s website which gives you complete idea.
Source: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
Background
Background of your photograph matter a lot, it is very important to make sure you have bright background. The background should be plain and of a light color – white, blue or grey is usually acceptable. Most Embassies recommend white background photographs, do not use any patterns or shadows in the background. The idea for the background is to provide contrast to your hair and face in order for you to be recognizable to the consulate when you submit your visa application. The German consulate shows the examples of acceptable background.
Source: www.germany.info
Wearing glasses
During your photo-shoot if you wear powered glasses for vision you don’t have to take them off but make sure that there should be no reflection from the flash when the photo is taken. And make sure the glass frame do not cover any part of your eyes. Your eyes should be completely visible. Do not wear tinted glasses or sunglasses The French consulate has ideal illustrations for you if you wear glasses.
Source: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
Wearing head covers or hats
During your photo shoot it is not permissible to wear or cover your head unnecessarily. Head covers are only allowed if they are required for your religion, but you must ensure your face is clearly visible from the chin to the forehead. The Consulate General of Germany explains it through graphics.
Source: www.germany.info
Children, babies, and infants
Applying for a Schengen visa for your child, you have to provide photographs of your child which meet ICAO requirements. The face should be 60%-80% of the photograph. Unless your child is under 5 years of age, their head should be straight forward to the camera and have a neutral expression which means no smiling. In addition, there should be no one else in the photo and your child should not hold any objects, like toys, nor should they wear any type of hat. Have a look at the photographs from the German, French, and Dutch consulates to get an idea.
Source: www.germany.info
Source: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
Source: www.government.nl
Precautions:
- Photographs must be glued and not stapled to the application form. If you have to provide 2 photos, one should be glued and the other kept loose for the visa official.
- You can only provide original photographs. Photocopies are unacceptable
Schengen visa photo size, requirements, and specifications Examples
All the 26 member states of the zone. They all have the same requirements and specifications for the photographs required for Schengen visa application. Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
All the 26 Schengen country consulate’s have their specific photo requirements on their respective websites, so it’s suggested that you go through them.
For example of Schengen Visa Photo Size, Requirements and Specifications, the German consulate in Atlanta has visa photo samples and examples on their website:
The consulate of the Netherlands in the US has a file that has sample photos which you can download from their website:
Conclusion
It is highly recommended that the applicant first get done and include the photographs with the rest of Schengen visa Application documents, ensure they must adhere ICAO standard or above mention requirements with regards to their photographs. If fails to fulfill Schengen visa photo size, requirements, and specifications will result in delay of your visa process or the application may also be denied.
So, it’s highly advised by the expertise get done with correct photographs before you begin the application process. This will save your time and easy the process.
Schengen Visa Photo Size, Requirements and Specifications concludes.
Schengen Travel aims to simplify our clients visa requirements, no matter form where or which country visa they seek for by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, China, UAE, Philippines, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa
please feel free to Contact us for any visa services required instantly.
Nothing we love more than making a mark and helping our clients succeed.
