Get official photo requirements for visa applications to any country
Official specifications for passport and visa photos
Most countries accept JPEG and PNG formats. The photo should be in color (not black and white) and taken within the last 6 months. Ensure the image is high quality and not heavily compressed. Some countries may also accept printed photos for physical applications.
Glasses policies vary significantly by country. The US no longer allows glasses in passport photos, while many European countries still permit them if there's no glare and your eyes are clearly visible. Always check the specific requirements for your destination country.
Most countries require a plain white or off-white background. Some European countries accept light gray or cream backgrounds. The background should be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or other people visible.
Your head should be centered and facing directly toward the camera with a neutral expression. The head size should typically occupy 50-80% of the photo height depending on the country. Eyes should be open and looking directly at the camera.
Professional visa photos can be taken at photography studios, many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), postal services, UPS/FedEx stores, and specialized passport photo services. These locations are familiar with requirements for different countries.
Professional visa photos typically cost $10-25 for a set of photos at pharmacies or postal services. Photography studios may charge $20-50. Some online services offer digital photos for $5-15, which you can print yourself or at a local photo center.
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