The Schengen photo format
Schengen visa photos follow the international standard for travel documents (ICAO). The exact checklist comes from the consulate of the country you apply to, but almost all of them ask for:
- a 35 × 45 mm color photo, with the face from chin to crown 32 to 36 mm high, which is 70 to 80% of the photo;
- a plain light background, white or light grey, with no shadows;
- a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera, head straight;
- a photo taken in the last six months, printed on good quality photo paper;
- no glare or tinted lenses if you wear glasses, and nothing covering the face.
Choose "Schengen visa" in the tool, put the top of your head on the blue line and your chin in the green band, and download the 4 × 6 print: it holds 8 photos and can be ordered as a regular photo print. The PDF sheet prints more on Letter or A4 photo paper at home.
How many photos and where they go
Most consulates and visa centers ask for one or two photos, glued or attached to the application form. Many visa centers also take a digital photo of you when they collect your fingerprints, but they usually still want the printed photo with the form. Always follow the checklist of the consulate you apply to.
EU passports and ID cards
Many EU countries use the same 35 × 45 mm size for passports and ID cards, but rules differ. Some, such as Germany, now only accept passport photos taken digitally at the office or by a registered photographer, so check with your local authority before printing photos for an EU passport.
Take a photo that gets accepted
Face a window in daylight, stand about 2 feet in front of a plain light wall and have someone take the photo from about 4 feet away, at eye level. The full checklist is in how to take a passport photo at home.