A Schengen visa is one of the most sought-after visas in the world. The specialty of a Schengen visa is that it allows you to visit 29 Schengen Area countries in Europe with a single visa. Just like any other international visa, the Schengen visa application requires you to submit an application form along with important documents and, in some cases, attend a visa interview.
Often, more focus is laid on ensuring that your passport is valid and your financial documents are in order. But what people do not realize is that it is extremely important to submit the right type of photos as well. The Schengen visa photo size should be 35mm x 45mm. But these are not the only requirements. You need to consider several other factors while submitting the Schengen visa photographs. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the requirements for a Schengen visa photo.
Schengen Photo Requirements
The Schengen visa photo requirements are in accordance with the EU Visa Code and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The specifications include size, color, background, quality, and facial expressions as well. Let us check them out here.
Photo Size: As mentioned above, the Schengen visa photo must be 35 mm x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches). The measurements should be exact. One can use a photo editing app to resize the photo to these exact measurements.
Photo Dimensions: 70-80% of the photograph should be covered by your face. In other words, the height of your face, i.e., from the head to the chin, should be somewhere between 32 and 36 mm. The photo should have a center profile. You must look straight ahead. Both sides of the face should be visible.
No. of Photos: The Schengen visa application requires you to submit two photographs along with the visa form. Both the photos should be identical. You cannot submit two different photos of yourself for the visa process.
Recent Photograph: These photographs for the visa should be recent, i.e., taken within 6 months of the time of submitting the visa application. This is very important. You cannot submit old photographs even if your appearance has not changed much.
Color: One of the Schengen visa photo specifications is that the photos should be in color. Black-and-white photos are not accepted, and submitting them can lead to rejection of your visa application.
Background: The background of the Schengen visa photo should either be white or grey. Avoid dark colors in the background. Moreover, there should not be any patterns or designs in the background. It must be plain.
Facial Expressions: It is crucial that you maintain a neutral expression while taking a photo for your Schengen visa application. Photos where you are frowning, smiling, or laughing will not be accepted. Your eyes should be wide open, and your mouth should be closed. You should not show your teeth. Moreover, both your ears should be clearly visible in the photo.
Head Gear: It is best to avoid any headgear for Schengen visit visa photo. However, headgear is acceptable for religious or medical reasons. In this case, the facial features should be clearly seen. If your facial features are obscured, your photos may get rejected.
Eyeglasses: It is best not to wear eyeglasses for the Schengen visa photograph. However, if you still want to wear one (for medical reasons), there are some things you need to consider. Make sure that the lens of the glasses does not cover your eyes. There should be no glare on the lens. Moreover, you must avoid tinted glasses and even sunglasses at all costs. Eyeglasses that show your eyes clearly are accepted.
Photo Quality: The quality of a photo is determined by its clarity and brightness. The lighting in the photo should be perfect. It should not be too dark or too light. There should be no shadow or flash on the face or in the background. The contrast in the photo should not be low. Moreover, the image should not be blurred. Apart from all this, the photo should be printed on high-quality paper. The printing resolution should be 600 dpi. Ensure that there are no tears or creases on the photo.
Dress Code and Accessories: While there is no specific dress code for Schengen visa photographs, there are certain factors you should take care of. Do not wear a uniform for the photo. Also, the color of your outfit should not be the same as the color of the background. It is best to opt for dark-colored outfits. As for accessories, keep them minimal. Do not wear jewelry or accessories that are distracting or cover your facial features. Makeup should also be minimal.
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Photo Specifications for Children and Infants
While the rules on photo quality, lighting, and background remain the same, there is some leniency when it comes to Schengen visa photo specifications for children and infants.
- The child’s eyes should preferably be open. However, for babies, the photo will be accepted even if the eyes are closed.
- The background should be plain and white. For infants, lay the child on a plain, white cloth and take the picture from above.
- Ensure that no one is holding the child from behind. Pictures that show a person’s arms, hands, or other supporting objects will not be accepted.
- There should be no toys, bottles, pacifiers, or any other objects in the photo.
- Accessories like caps, bows, headbands, etc., should also not be used in the photograph.
- A perfect neutral expression is not mandatory for children’s photos. A relaxed look, with the child facing the camera directly, is enough. The child’s face should be clearly visible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not submit mobile phone snapshots, selfies, or social media photos as part of your visa application.
- Do not submit old photos and low-quality photos. It is also a mistake to submit photos that are torn or have creases.
- Submitting a photo where you are smiling, laughing, grinning, showing teeth, or frowning is also not accepted.
- Digitally altered photographs are also not accepted. Do not submit photos where your eye color, facial features, and skin tone have been altered.
- Photos with heavy makeup, headgear, decorative accessories, etc., may also get rejected.
- It is best not to submit photos where you are wearing tinted glasses, oversized frames, or anything that covers your eyes.
- It is also a mistake to submit black-and-white photos.
- Submitting photographs that do not meet the Schengen visa photo size requirements is also a big mistake.
Conclusion
Once you are sure your photos meet the visa photo requirements for traveling to the Schengen zone, it is time to submit them along with the other documents. You can also get the help of a reputable visa agent to do the work for you. This way, the chances of making a mistake with the photographs or other documents would be less. Moreover, this would also be your answer to the question of how to get Schengen visa appointment faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it ok to click the Schengen visa photo at home?
Q. Is it ok to use old visa photos for a Schengen visa application?
Q. How many photos need to be submitted for a Schengen visa application?
Q. What happens if my Schengen visa photo is rejected?
Q. Can I use makeup for the visa photo?
Q. What other documents do I need to submit along with the visa photo for a Schengen visa?
- Valid passport
- Signed visa application form
- Schengen cover letter
- Flight itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Invitation letter
