Schengen visa photo: 35 × 45 mm and what consulates actually check
Every Schengen state uses the same rule: under the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009, Article 13) you must give a photo that meets ICAO standards (European Commission). The consulates spell out what that means. We've used two official versions: France-Visas photograph requirements and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo page.
The measurements
- Photo 35 × 45 mm (France-Visas allows 35–40 mm width).
- Face taking up 70–80% of the photo, about 32–36 mm chin to crown on a 45 mm print.
- At least 13 mm from the eyes to the bottom of the chin (Czech MFA). If your face is too small, this is the line that fails.
- Not more than 6 months old.
Style
- Plain, light-coloured background; uniform lighting, no shadows or flash reflections, no red eye.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open with no hair across them, facing square to the camera.
- Glasses allowed if your eyes are clearly visible with no tinted lenses or glare (France-Visas suggests lighter frames). No sunglasses.
- Head coverings only for religious (and, per the Czech MFA, health) reasons, with the face from chin to forehead visible.
- You alone: no chair backs, toys or other people.
Practical tips for visa appointments
- Many visa centres scan your photo or take a new one at biometrics. Bring two prints anyway, as some consulates glue one to the form. The Czech consulates ask for glue, not staples.
- Apply at the consulate of your main destination (longest stay), or your first entry if stays are equal. Check that consulate's page for extras.
- A 2 × 2 inch US photo is not accepted. The shape is different.
Make a 35×45 mm Schengen visa photo →
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