US Visa Photo Requirements
This table lists the photo requirements Passport911 checks for this document. Each line links to the page it comes from and shows when we last reviewed it. Rules can change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
US Visa Photo requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size / pixels | Digital: square, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels[1] |
| File rules | JPEG; 240 KB or smaller[1] |
| Head height | Chin to top of head is 50% to 69% of the photo height (1 to 1 3/8 inches in a 2x2 inch photo).[2] |
| Background | White or off-white, plain, with no shadows, texture or objects.[2] |
| Recency | Color, taken within the last 6 months.[2] |
| Face countrequired | Exactly one person, facing the camera, with no one else in the photo.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Head heightrequired | Head (chin to top of head) must be 50% to 69% of the photo height (1 to 1 3/8 inches in a 2x2 inch photo).[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Eye heightrecommended | Eyes should sit roughly 55% to 70% of the photo height from the bottom.[3] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Centeredrecommended | Head should be centered horizontally in the frame.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Head poserequired | Face the camera directly, with the head not tilted or turned.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Resolutionrequired | Photo must be sharp and high enough resolution to print or upload without pixelation.[1] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Blurrecommended | Photo should be in focus, not blurry or grainy.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Backgroundrequired | Plain white or off-white background, with no pattern, texture or shadows.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Exposurerecommended | Photo should be evenly lit, neither too dark nor overexposed.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Glassesrequired | No eyeglasses. A signed doctor's note is required if glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons.[2][4] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Eyes openrequired | Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Expressionrequired | Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Gaze at camerarequired | Look straight at the camera.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Head coveringrequired | No hat or head covering, except daily religious or medical use (face fully visible, a signed statement is required).[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Headphones or devicesrequired | No headphones, wireless devices, or similar items.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Hair covering facerequired | Hair must not cover the eyes or hide the face.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Face shadowrequired | No shadows on the face or in the background.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Glare reflectionrequired | No glare or reflections on the face or eyes (including red-eye).[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Filter or retouchrequired | Photo must not be digitally altered, filtered, or retouched.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Other people or objectsrequired | No other people, objects, or items in the photo; plain background.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Photo of photo or screenrequired | Photo must be a real photo, not a picture of a printed photo or a screen.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
| Uniform or camouflagerequired | No uniforms or camouflage clothing.[2] last reviewed 2026-10-18 |
Sources
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/digital-image-requirements.html (last reviewed 2026-10-18)
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html (last reviewed 2026-10-18)
- https://ustraveldocs.com/np/np-niv-photoinfo.asp (last reviewed 2026-10-18) – not an official government source; advisory only
- https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/policy_updates/16-STATE-106142.pdf (last reviewed 2026-10-18)
Make a US Visa Photo for free. Final acceptance is decided by the issuing agency.