Schengen Visa Photo
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Schengen Visa Photo - Size & Requirements
Height: 45 mm
- Head height: 34 mm
- Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 3 mm
How to take a photo?
Schengen visa photo
Are you planning any travels to the Schengen area? If you are, the first thing you need to do is to check and see if you’re required to present a Schengen visa. And if you do need a visa, you’ll also need to get a visa photograph. Follow our instructions on how to take the proper Schengen visa photo that meets all official requirements.
Schengen visa photo - general requirements
In this section, we’ve put together information about the requirements for a Schengen visa photo. Keep reading to learn about the size, quality, positioning and other specifications of an official Schengen visa photo.
The size of Schengen visa photo
Schengen visa photo size requirements stay the same whatever is your country of origin. The photo has to be 35 mm x 45 mm and your face has to fill around 70-80% of the whole image (meaning no less than 32 mm and no more than 36 mm). The recommended distance to take such a photo is around 1,2-2 meters from the camera.
The quality of Schengen visa photo
You are required to present 2 (two) identical copies of your visa photo, so make sure that they’re of good quality. The Schengen visa picture has to be professionally printed, and the quality has to be min 600 dpi and max 1200 dpi. Nothing in the photo can be blurred and the photo has to be in color.
Positioning on the Schengen visa photo
Your positioning has to be looking straight ahead, and your face must be fully visible. Your eyes have to be open and your mouth closed. Your head cannot be tilted or turned in any direction. Make sure to look directly into the camera. Try not to move as the picture cannot be blurry. It’s recommended not to smile and not to frown. Don’t show your teeth.
What should you wear in your Schengen visa photo?
When it comes to your attire, you need to avoid uniforms, camouflage and military-style clothing. You should also avoid bright patterns or anything that might detract attention from your face. Make sure your clothing is different from the background so you don’t blend in and become invisible. The photo should represent your daily self, so wear what you normally wear every day. Religious attire is allowed.
Don’t wear hats or sunglasses. If you can, avoid wearing prescription glasses. If you must wear eyeglasses, then make sure the frame doesn’t obscure your face. When it comes to jewelry, keep it as simple as possible.
Schengen visa photo - other requirements
Here are some other requirements that you should keep in mind about Schengen visa photos:
- The lighting - your photo has to be properly lit, meaning that there can’t be any shadows visible on your face. The best type of lighting is natural light, so try sitting in front of a window on a cloudy day.
- The background - this should be a white or an off-white color, without any patterns. It should be visible around your shoulders and above your head.
- The colors - they have to be natural and accurately reproduced on the prints (that’s why you can’t print your photo in a normal printer).
- The printing - make sure that you pictures are printed on a good quality photo paper.
Schengen visa photo summed up
Getting a proper Schengen visa photo is easy. Just remember all the guidelines listed above. The most important ones are your positioning, the background, the lighting, and the formatting.
Last update: 6/1/23
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Is it possible to obtain a Schengen visa as an unemployed person?
While applying for the Schengen visa, one of the required documents is a proof of sufficient financial resources. As long as you can prove that you have enough money for both your stay and coming back it should not be any issues.
💡 Is head-covering allowed in the Schengen visa photo?
Yes, under two different reasons - medical and religious. Other than that you will not be permitted to wear any head covering on your Schengen visa photo.
💡 Are glasses allowed in a Schengen visa photo?
If you wear prescription glasses you will be allowed to wear them on your visa photo too if they don't hide your facial features. You cannot wear sunshades.
💡 Can a soldier wear their uniform on the Schengen visa photo?
No, military patterns are not applicable for a Schengen visa photo. You cannot wear your uniform on the picture.
💡 What should be the Schengen visa photo resolution?
The minimum resolution of your Schengen visa photo has to be 600 dpi and the maximum - 1200 dpi.
💡 What is the maximum age of my Schengen visa photo?
The maximum period of time between taking your photo and the application process is 6 months. You cannot submit a photo over 6 months old.
💡 What is a flight itinerary for Visa application?
Flight itinerary is a confirmed document which can be verified online about the schedule of a given flight. It can be used as a proof of the return from the Schengen country a reservation ticket.
💡 Do I buy the plane ticket before getting a visa or after?
It is better to buy a ticket after getting a visa because a copy of the reservation of the return ticket is one of the required documents which you need show during applying for a Schengen visa.
💡 Which documents do I need to submit my application?
Required documents while applying for a Schengen visa are: completed and signed visa application form, two identical and recent photographs of the applicant, copy of your valid passport, travel insurance certificate, the reservation confirmation of your return ticket, a letter explaining the reasons for your journey, proof of your accommodation plans, proof of your funds covering the stay.
💡 Who doesn't need a Schengen visa?
The Schengen Area covers most of the European countries. The exceptions are the UK and the future signatories of the Schengen Agreement: Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Ireland. Citizens of the Schengen countries do not need a visa to travel to other countries within the Schengen Area.
💡 Can I print photos I taken to a visa?
Photos cannot be printed on your home ink printer or on low-quality paper. The Schengen visa pictures must be printed on high-quality paper with a resolution of at least 600 dpi.
💡 What visa photo I cannot submit?
Any blurred, damaged or edited photographs will be rejected as well as with the wrong size, where the applicant smile or hairs and head coverings obscure their face.
💡 Can I take a photo for Schengen visa with my phone?
Taking photos to documents by phone or at home is allowed as long as you know the official requirements. Prepare background, put on decent clothes and start taking photos. Upload the best one to the photo tool and the rest will do the service or app!
💡 What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is an official compulsory document for some non-European citizens to travel to all the 26 countries which are part of the Schengen area. Allows travellers to cross the borders of the other member-states without going through identity checks at the border.
💡 How long it takes to process my visa application?
Provided that a complete visa application is submitted, the minimum visa processing time is 5 or 10 working days, depending on the nationality of the applicant. Bear in mind that the process can take longer.
💡 Why my visa application was rejected?
If your visa application was rejected, you have to find the reason which could cause the wrong photo attached. Be sure that you know the official requirements regarding visa photos as well as application.
💡 Can I send my Schengen visa application by post or fax?
Each applicant has to present its application in person through the embassy/consulate appointment with competent authorities.
💡 Am I required to have a insurance for travel to a Schengen country?
The travel insurance certificate is mandatory. All Schengen visa applicants are required to have medical travel insurance. Medical travel insurance is valid for all Schengen countries. The minimum coverage must be EUR 30,000.
💡 What is the difference between Airport transit visa and Transit visa?
While the Airport Transit Visa allows its holder to travel through the international zone of the Schengen Country Airport without entering the Schengen Country Area the Transit visa which allows its holder to transit within no more than 5 days through more than one Schengen country by car, coach or plane on the way to a non-Schengen country.
💡 What is the size of a Schengen visa photo?
The dimensions are 35 mm in width and 45 mm in height. The acceptable format involves visibly showing facial characteristics of the applicant, from the tip of the chin to the top of the head, counting both, left and right, sides of the face, while the face is positioned in the centre of the photo. The Schengen visa photograph size is static and unchangeable.
💡 What are the requirements of a Schengen visa photo?
The process of applying for a Schengen visa require: submitting two identical photographs in size of 35x45mm and in colour which are no older than six months.The background has to be clear without patterns in white or light grey color. The Head should take 70-80% of the photo.The applicant has to have a neutral facial expressin and should be looking straight at the camera. Eyes has to be open and mouth closed.Clothes can’t be in the same color as the background.
💡 Can I smile in the photo to a Schengen visa?
Smiling, grimaces or wiggling eyebrows is not allowed.The facial expression has to be neutral, it is only one accepted form to pose. The eyes have to be focused directly on the camera and the mouth should be closed.
💡 How many countries are in Schengen Zone?
The Schengen Countries Zone is a group of 26 European nations which include Germany, Spain, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, and Scandinavian nations, but not the U.K. and Ireland. Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway are also in the Schengen zone even though they are not in the EU.
💡 How much is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen short-stay visa costs €80, for children aged 6 to 12 it is €40 and for children under age 6 is free of charge.
💡 Where do I apply for a Schengen visa?
The applicant who want to enter one of the Schengen countries has to apply at the appropriate embassy/consulate of the designated country. If the country you plan to visit does not have an embassy or consulate, you will have to send your application file to the local representatives of this country.
About the document
The Schengen Zone is the largest passport-free area in the world, created by the European Union to help its member states’ citizens interconnect and travel within Europe. There is no border control there. The citizens of Schengen can travel, work and live within it without any restrictions or limitations, and they are allowed free health care services in these areas.
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