Schengen visa photo: make it at home in 2 minutes
Take the photo with your phone. We size it to the official 35 x 45 mm, swap in a light grey or off-white background and check it against the rules before you print or upload. Everything runs in your browser; the photo never leaves your device.
One payment of : the print-ready file, a 4x6 sheet you can print at any pharmacy photo counter for under a dollar, and the digital upload file. Not accepted? Retake as often as you like this session, or ask for a refund.
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Schengen visa photo requirements
Applies to: Short-stay Schengen visa (all member states).
| Printed size | 35 x 45 mm (1.38 in x 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 32-36 mm (1.26 in-1.42 in) |
| Background | light grey or off-white |
| Digital file we produce | 827 x 1063 px JPEG |
| Glasses | Discouraged; if worn, no glare and no tinted lenses. |
| Babies | Young children should look at the camera; newborns are judged case by case. |
Checked 2026-10-28 (ICAO 9303 baseline, re-verify per consulate). Official source: www.icao.int. Rules change; if the official page disagrees with us, the official page wins.
How to take it
- Light: face a window during the day. Light from one side throws a shadow across the face, one of the most common reasons for rejection.
- Distance: have someone else hold the phone about 4 feet away at eye level and use the main camera, not the selfie camera. Arm's-length selfies distort the nose and get flagged.
- Pose: look straight at the camera with your mouth closed and a neutral face, hair off the eyes. Remove hats and headphones; religious head coverings are allowed if the face is fully visible.
- Shoot a few: add 3 to 5 shots to the maker. It picks the sharpest one with open eyes and a straight head.
- Print or upload: print the 4x6 sheet at a pharmacy photo counter, or upload the digital file if you apply online.
Questions people ask
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
35 x 45 mm (1.38 in x 1.77 in), with the head measuring 32 to 36 mm from the chin to the top of the hair.
Can I take a Schengen visa photo at home?
Yes. Face a window in daylight, have someone take the photo from about 4 feet away at eye level, and run it through the maker on this page. It sets the head size, replaces the background with light grey or off-white and flags the things that most often get photos rejected.
Can I wear glasses in a Schengen visa photo?
Discouraged; if worn, no glare and no tinted lenses.
What about a baby's Schengen visa photo?
Young children should look at the camera; newborns are judged case by case. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet, shoot from directly above, and add several shots; the maker keeps the one with the best eyes and framing.
Where do I print it?
Download the 4x6 print sheet and order a standard 4x6 print at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart or Costco photo, online or at the kiosk. Cut along the grey guides.
Need a different document? See every country and size we support, or read why photos get rejected.