✅ Visa Photo Checklist 2026

Visa Photo Checklist 2026 — Every Country

Before submitting any visa application, run through this checklist. A rejected visa photo can delay your entire application by weeks.

Create Your Compliant Visa Photo

Universal Visa Photo Checklist (Applies to All Countries)

Correct size for your country

US/India: 2×2 inch. UK/EU/Australia: 35×45mm. Canada: 50×70mm. Check the specific requirement — wrong size = instant rejection.

Correct background color

US/India/Canada: white. UK/EU: light grey or cream. Always verify — this varies by country and is the #1 rejection cause.

No glasses

Banned in almost all countries since 2016–2018. Remove all eyewear.

No shadows on background or face

Stand away from the wall. Use front-facing, even light.

Neutral expression, mouth closed

Both eyes fully open and visible. No smiling with teeth.

Photo taken within recency window

Most countries: 6 months. USCIS green card: 30 days. India passport: 3 months. Know your country's rule.

Head fills required percentage of frame

India/EU: 70–80%. US: head 1–1⅜ inch in 2×2 frame. Verify head size is within spec.

High quality print on photo paper

No inkjet banding, blurring, or pixelation. Print at 300 DPI minimum on glossy photo paper.

For digital upload: correct file format and size

Usually JPEG. Check your portal's specific max file size (DS-160: 240KB; India e-Visa: 1MB). PassportSnap outputs the correct size automatically.

Country-Specific Checklist

CountrySizeBackgroundRecencyDigital Max
🇺🇸 USA (DS-160)2×2 inWhite6 months240KB JPEG
🇬🇧 UK Visa35×45mmLight grey6 monthsVaries
🇮🇳 India e-Visa2×2 inWhite6 months1MB JPEG
🇨🇦 Canada50×70mmWhite6 months4MB JPEG
🇪🇺 Schengen35×45mmWhite/grey6 monthsVaries
🇦🇺 Australia35×45mmWhite6 monthsVaries

Run Your Photo Through PassportSnap First

We check every item on this checklist automatically. Accepted by all major visa agencies.

Create Your Passport Photo — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same photo for multiple visa applications?
Only if the countries share the same requirements. US and Indian passports both use 2×2 inch white background, so the same photo works for both — as long as it was taken within the required timeframe for each.
What happens if I submit a non-compliant visa photo?
Your visa application will typically be rejected or returned for correction. This can delay your application by weeks and in some cases you may need to rebook appointments. PassportSnap prevents this by verifying compliance before you download.