PHOTO GUIDE
Schengen Visa and Photo Guides
Understand what a Schengen visa is, how the photo is checked, and why country or visa-center instructions can change the final photo size.
All guides
What is a Schengen Visa? A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that lets a traveler visit the Schengen Area, a group of European countries that have largely removed border checks between them, for tourism, business, transit, or family visits. For many nationalities, a single uniform visa (Type C) covers the whole area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. 
Schengen Visa Photo Requirements Summary A quick summary of the standard photo specifications for Schengen visa applications. Use this checklist as a general reference. 
Schengen Visa Photo vs. Passport Photo Understanding how Schengen visa photos compare to other standard passport-style photos. 
How to Prepare a Schengen Visa Photo on Your Phone Take or choose a recent face photo with good lighting. Use a plain, light background (white, off-white, or light grey). Align your face with the on-screen guide in the app. Crop the photo to the required 35 × 45 mm layout. Export the print-ready sheet or digital upload-ready file. Check the latest official instructions from the embassy or visa center before submitting. 
Background: Plain, light-colored (white, off-white, or light grey) Plain, light-colored (white, off-white, or light grey) 
Glasses / Head Covering Not recommended. If worn, eyes must be clearly visible with no glare, reflections, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes. Only for religious or medical reasons; face must be fully visible 
Common Schengen Visa Photo Mistakes to Avoid Many visa applications are delayed or rejected due to minor photo errors. Avoid these common mistakes: Before using these guides
Schengen photo rules are not controlled by one universal upload screen. Use these guides as preparation, then check the embassy, consulate, VFS, TLScontact, or BLS page for your actual destination and appointment location.
- Schengen visa photos are most commonly required in a 35 × 45 mm passport-style format.
- Photo requirements can vary by embassy, consulate, country, or visa application center.
- Spain from US is a notable exception: BLS International centers require 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) photos.
- This app helps users prepare photo files based on publicly available requirements. It does not submit visa applications, and it is not an official government service, Schengen authority, embassy, consulate, VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International service. Please verify the latest requirements with the official embassy, consulate, or visa application center before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Schengen visa photo requirements?
The most common requirement is a 35 × 45 mm photo, taken within 6 months, against a plain light background. Your face must be centered, occupy 70–80% of the image, with a neutral expression and eyes open. However, requirements may vary by country, embassy, or visa center.
What size is a Schengen visa photo?
The most common physical size is 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). For digital uploads, pixel requirements vary depending on the country's online application system. Some centers (e.g., Spain from US via BLS) require 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) instead.
Is 35 × 45 mm always required for Schengen visas?
35 × 45 mm is the most common format, but exceptions exist. Spain's BLS centers in the US require 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) photos. Always check with the specific embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
Do all Schengen countries use the same photo requirements?
Most countries follow the common 35 × 45 mm and ICAO rules. However, individual embassies or visa centers (VFS, TLS, BLS) might have differences, such as Spain from US requiring 2 × 2 inch photos. Digital upload specifications also vary by portal.
Is this an official Schengen visa app?
No, this app is an independent helper tool. It is not affiliated with any government, embassy, consulate, or official visa application center like VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International.
Does this app guarantee acceptance?
No. This app helps format your photo based on published specifications, but acceptance is determined by the embassy, consulate, or visa center. Requirements may change, so always check the latest official guidance.
Official and submission sources
- European Commission - EU visa policy Checked: 2026-06-30
- European Commission - Applying for a Schengen visa Checked: 2026-06-30
- France-Visas - Photo FAQ Checked: 2026-06-30
- France-Visas - Photograph quality PDF Checked: 2026-06-30
- Government.nl - Requirements for ID photos Checked: 2026-06-30
- BLS Spain Visa USA - New York tourist visa photo specification Checked: 2026-06-30
Prepare your Schengen visa photo on your phone
Create photo files for common Schengen visa requirements using your iPhone. Formatted for printing or digital export.
Download on the App Store