The biometric photo is a detail that looks small but can delay an application. A photo that does not meet the size or recency requirement may have to be retaken on the day of the appointment.
For Schengen applications
- Size: 35×45 mm
- Number: usually 2
- Recency: taken within the last 6 months
- Background: plain white or light-coloured
- No glasses, face fully visible, neutral expression
For US applications
For the US, a size of 5×5 cm is used and a digital file is also needed so that it can be uploaded to the DS-160 form. Have the digital copy ready as well as the printed photo.
Common mistakes
- Reusing an old photo — this causes problems if your appearance has changed.
- Photos taken with a phone and printed at home that do not match the size.
- Backgrounds with shadows or patterns.
- Hair partly covering the face, thick-framed glasses.
Practical tip
Have the photo taken at a professional studio, telling them it is for a visa application, and keep both the printed and digital copies. That way you won’t have to deal with it a second time on the appointment day or during the online application.
You can see which photo format is requested for your application in the document assistant.