Visa Photo Specification Checker

Glasses policies vary by country. The United States banned glasses in passport photos since 2016 - no exceptions unless medically necessary with a doctor's note. UK, Canada, and most EU countries still allow prescription glasses if there's no glare and your eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are universally prohibited. When in doubt, remove your glasses to avoid rejection.

Most countries require a plain white or off-white background, including the US, Canada, China, and India. However, the UK specifically requires light grey or cream - NOT white. Schengen/EU countries prefer light grey backgrounds. France uniquely accepts light blue. The background must always be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or other people visible.

No - AI-edited photos are increasingly banned. Starting January 2026, the US will reject AI-altered passport photos. Many countries already prohibit using filters, background removal tools, or AI enhancement. Photos must be unedited and show your natural appearance. This includes phone camera beauty filters. Professional photographers or licensed photo services are recommended.

Most countries require photos taken within the last 6 months. The UK prefers photos taken within the last month. Your photo must reflect your current appearance - if you've significantly changed your hairstyle, grown/shaved facial hair, or your appearance has otherwise changed, you'll need a new photo even if your previous one is recent.

Head coverings are generally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons. If you wear a head covering for religious purposes, most countries require a signed statement confirming the religious significance. For medical reasons, you'll need a doctor's statement. In all cases, your full face from chin to forehead must be visible, and the covering cannot cast shadows on your face.

You must have a neutral expression with mouth closed in most countries. The US allows a "natural smile" but teeth should not be visible. Australia (as of February 2025) now uniquely allows slight smiles. No squinting, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Eyes must be open and looking directly at the camera. This neutral expression is required for biometric facial recognition systems.

Professional visa photos can be taken at: Photography studios (best quality), Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Boots), Post offices, Shipping stores (UPS, FedEx), or Costco/Walmart. These locations are familiar with requirements for different countries. Typical cost is $10-25 for printed photos. Australia officially recommends against using online photo services due to identity fraud risks.

Most countries accept JPEG format. File size requirements vary: US: 54KB-240KB (600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels), UK: 50KB-10MB (minimum 600×750 pixels), Canada: 60KB-5MB, Australia: 70KB-3.5MB. Photos should be in color (not black and white) and high quality without compression artifacts. Resolution should typically be 300-600 DPI.