
| Passport picture size | Width: 35 mm, Height: 45 mm |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Background color | White |
| Printable photo | Yes |
| Digital photo for online submission | Yes |
| Digital photo size | Width: 826 pixels , Height: 1062 pixels |
| Photo Paper type | matte |

Last Update: August 2, 2026
United Kingdom Visa Photo
The United Kingdom (UK) has specific requirements for visa photos that must be followed in order to ensure a successful visa application. This document will outline the guidelines for the UK visa photo and provide you with the necessary information to meet these requirements.
1. Size and Dimensions:
- The photo must measure 45 millimeters (mm) high by 35mm wide.
- The photo should have a head height of 29 mm to 34 mm, measured from the crown of the head to the chin.
- The photo should be taken without any borders.

2. Background:
- The background of the photo should be a plain cream or light grey
- Avoid using patterned or textured backgrounds.
- The background should be free from shadows or reflections.
3. Post and Facial Expression:
- The applicant should have a neutral expression with the mouth closed.
- The eyes should be open and clearly visible, with no hair covering the face.
- The photo should be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
- The photo should contain no other objects or people
- The subject should be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
- Glasses cannot be worn unless you absolutely have to. If you must wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and you must make sure your eyes are not covered by the frames or any glare, reflection or shadow.
4. Clothing:
- The applicant should wear their everyday clothing for the visa photo.
- Avoid wearing uniforms or clothing that may obscure the face or create confusion.
5. Lighting:
- The photo should have even lighting across the face, with no shadows.
- Avoid using flash photography, as it can cause harsh shadows and reflections.
- The photo does not have ‘red eye’
6. Printing:
- The UK visa photo should be printed on high-quality photo paper.
- The photo should be clear and in sharp focus, with no pixelation or blurriness.
- The photo should not have any creases or tears
Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.
If the child is under 6, they don't have to be looking directly at the camera or have a neutral expression.
If the child is under 1, their eyes don't have to be open. If their head is supported by a hand, the hand mustn't be visible in the photo.

Not every UK visa applicant needs to upload a separate photograph.
How your photo is collected depends on how you prove your identity.
You may be asked to take a new photograph of your face using your phone as part of the identity verification process.
Follow the instructions shown in the app.
Upload a new photo that meets the digital photo requirements shown on your application.
Do not simply photograph the photo page of your passport or upload an old passport photograph unless your application specifically tells you to do so.
Your digital photograph is normally taken when your biometric information is collected.
You may therefore not need to bring your own visa photographs unless your application checklist specifically asks for them.
Some application routes or supporting-document procedures may still request printed passport-style photographs.
Always check the document checklist provided with your application.
If you are required to upload a digital photograph, the image should be at least:
600 pixels wide × 750 pixels high
The photograph should be vertical rather than landscape.
The digital file should be between:
50 KB and 6 MB
Use:
JPG or JPEG format
Avoid submitting screenshots, scanned identity documents or photographs of printed photographs.
The familiar 35 × 45 mm measurement applies to printed UK passport-style photographs.
A digital UK visa application is normally measured in pixels and file size instead of millimetres.
If your application specifically asks you to provide printed photographs, follow the instructions supplied with your application.
For standard UK passport-style printed photos, the photograph is typically:
Do not assume that printed photographs are required for every UK visa application.
You can use 123PassportPhoto to crop, resize and prepare your UK visa photograph online.
Ask another person to take your photograph using a smartphone or digital camera.
Step 2: Upload Your Photograph
Upload the original photo from your phone, tablet or computer.
Use a clear, high-resolution original image. Do not upload a photograph copied from your passport or another identity document.
123PassportPhoto helps prepare the image at 35 × 45 mm printable photo template and provides downloadable digital photo for online submission.
Download the prepared photograph in the format you need.
For a printed photograph, print it on suitable photographic paper without stretching or changing the image proportions.
Official UK Government – Digital Visa Photo Requirements:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-take-a-photo-for-a-visa-application-or-permission
If you want to make passport/visa photos for other countries, click the button below.
Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries
Make sure someone takes your passport photo for you. Selfies are not accepted. Make use of your tripod if you have one. By using a tripod, you will be able to keep the camera level and steady. Ideally, the person should be around 1 meter away from the camera.

Face a bright window or the door when taking a photo. In this way, shadows can be avoided on the face and in the background. It is essential that the face is evenly lit. Ensure that the face is free of shadows and glares.
Note: You do not need to worry about the background, since our online passport photo generator will automatically do it for you.

Uniforms should not be worn. Put on regular street clothes for your photo.
Eyeglasses should not be worn. You should remove any sunglasses, tinted glasses, or glasses that you wear if you are taking a passport photo.
Ensure that your face is fully visible. Make sure your hair doesn't cover your face or obscure your eyes. In the case of very long bangs covering your eyebrows, pin them back with bobby pins. Although it's better to show your ears as well, that won't stop your photo from being accepted.
Passport photos don't allow hats unless they're religious headgear such as a headscarf or yarmulke.


Face the camera straight on and look straight at it. Avoid tilting or rotating the head.
It is important that the shoulders are visible, and there should be enough space around the head to crop the picture.
Make sure the camera is at the same level as the head.

The government prefers you to have a neutral facial expression.
Under the new international passport rules, it is usually not acceptable to smile or have your mouth open.



