Schengen Visa Photo (35×45mm) - 2026 Guide
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Schengen / EU Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
| Size | 35×45 mm |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 413×531 px |
| Background | Plain white or light grey |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Eyes | Open and clearly visible |
Full Requirements Checklist
- ✓Size: 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
- ✓Plain white or very light grey background
- ✓Neutral expression, mouth closed
- ✓Eyes open and clearly visible, looking at camera
- ✓No glasses (since 2015)
- ✓Head straight and centered
- ✓Face must cover 70-80% of the frame
- ✓Taken within the last 6 months
- ✓ICAO 9303 biometric compliant
- ✓Ears visible (or at least both edges of the face)
- ✓No shadows on face or background
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Schengen visa photo in 2026?
Schengen visa photos are 35 mm wide and 45 mm tall (3.5 × 4.5 cm), printed at 300 DPI. This ICAO 9303 biometric format is required by all 27 Schengen consulates and has not changed in 2026 despite the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Did the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) change the visa photo requirements?
No. EES became operational on 10 April 2026 at Schengen external borders, but it captures biometric data (fingerprints and a face scan) directly at the border kiosk - not from your visa application photo. Your Schengen visa photo specifications remain 35×45mm ICAO. The EES is a separate biometric layer added at border crossings, not a replacement for the visa application process.
Will I need a new photo because of ETIAS?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is launching in Q4 2026 for visa-waiver travelers (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.). The ETIAS application requires a digital photo that meets the same 35×45mm ICAO biometric specifications as a Schengen visa photo. If you already have a compliant Schengen-format photo, it will work for ETIAS.
Which countries accept the Schengen photo format?
All 29 Schengen Area countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Cyprus and Ireland are not in the Schengen Area but generally accept the same 35×45mm format for their national visas.
What is the most common reason Schengen visa photos get rejected?
Three reasons account for most rejections at consulate or VFS Global appointments. First: the face occupies the wrong percentage of the frame (must be 70-80%, not 50-60%). Second: shadow on the background, caused by standing too close to the wall when the photo was taken. Third: the photo is older than 6 months and the consulate officer notices a visible change in appearance. Photos with glasses, head tilted, or a slight smile that lifts the cheeks are also rejected.
Can I use my Schengen visa photo for a national EU passport (German, French, Italian)?
Yes. The 35×45mm ICAO biometric format is the standard for all EU national passports and Schengen visas. The same photo works for German Reisepass, French passeport, Italian passaporto, and any other EU member state passport.
I am applying through VFS Global - do they have a different requirement?
VFS Global is the visa application service provider for many Schengen consulates outside Europe. The photo specification they enforce is identical to the consulate requirement: 35×45mm, ICAO biometric, plain background. VFS verification staff measure with a template at the appointment - if the photo is off-spec by more than a millimeter, they will ask you to retake it on-site (typically EUR 5-10 extra).
What background color is required - white or light grey?
Both are accepted. The original Schengen guideline allows "plain white or very light grey." In practice, pure white (#FFFFFF) is the safest choice and works at every consulate. Light grey is allowed but introduces interpretation differences between consulates.
Can children and infants use the same photo specifications?
The size is the same (35×45mm) but expression rules are relaxed for infants under 6. Eyes do not need to be open in infant photos. The child should be alone in the photo (no parents, hands, or supports visible). For children 6 and older, the standard adult rules apply.
Is my photo uploaded to your servers?
No. All image processing happens entirely in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device. You can verify this by opening browser DevTools and watching the Network tab during use.