



These photos from the Dutch consulate give an idea of the how your head should be positioned and the correct, and incorrect, facial expressions. In addition, you should refrain from smiling as this changes the shape of your face. Also, if you have long hair, don’t allow it to cover your face in any way. Don’t turn your head to either side and don’t look away when the photo is taken. Photographs for visas are different from your portrait photos and they must be able to identify you for entry to another country. You must be looking straightforward with your eyes open and mouth closed. Source: Position of head and facial expression Look at the 4 photographs from the consulate of Germany to get a better idea of what this means. This is to allow for your facial characteristics to be shown clearly. This means that your head will take up 70% to 80% of the shot. Source: There must be a close up of your head and top of your shoulders. – up to age 11: from chin to crown, between 19 and 30 mm. – Height: from age 11: from chin to crown, between 26 and 30 mm. – Width: from ear to ear, between 16 mm and 20 mm. These photographs from the consulate of the Netherlands show a perfectly acceptable color photograph. Your photographs should also be in color – black and white photographs are unacceptable. Your photos should be passport-sized which is 35 mm x 45 mm (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 1.37 in x 1.77 in). If you have your photos taken in a booth they are usually the correct size, but if you use a photo-printing service you must ensure they are the correct specifications. If they are you need to get new ones taken. Your photographs cannot be older than 6 months. Whether you are applying for a Schengen (short-stay) visa or a National (long-stay) visa you will have to provide photographs that meet specific requirements. Requirements and specifications for Schengen visa photographs If you fail to do this, your application may be rejected.ĭepending on the consulate you are applying to, you will be asked to provide either 1 or 2 photos, but it’s recommended to have 2 just to be on the safe side. If you wish to apply for a Schengen visa to visit any of the countries within the Schengen area, you must provide photographs as part of your application. Schengen Visa Photo Size, Requirements and Specifications
