US visa photo (DS-160): make it at home in 2 minutes
Take the photo with your phone. We size it to the official 51 x 51 mm, swap in a plain white 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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US visa photo (DS-160) requirements
Applies to: Nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, DS-160 / DS-260 upload.
| Printed size | 51 x 51 mm (2 in x 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 25-35 mm (1 in-1.38 in) |
| Background | plain white or off-white |
| Digital file we produce | 600 x 600 px JPEG, under 240 KB |
| Glasses | Not allowed. |
| Babies | Infants should face the camera; eyes open is preferred but not always possible for newborns. |
| Online upload rules | Square JPEG between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, 240 KB or smaller. |
Checked 2026-10-28 (secondary sources, re-verify). Official source: travel.state.gov. 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 US visa photo (DS-160)?
51 x 51 mm (2 in x 2 in), with the head measuring 25 to 35 mm from the chin to the top of the hair.
Can I take a US visa photo (DS-160) 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 plain white or off-white and flags the things that most often get photos rejected.
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo (DS-160)?
Not allowed.
What about a baby's US visa photo (DS-160)?
Infants should face the camera; eyes open is preferred but not always possible for newborns. 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.