When submitting your Schengen visa application, you have to provide a photo of your self. There are some Schengen visa photo requirements that you have to satisfy. The first of the Schengen visa photo requirements is that your photo must be high-quality and professional.

The next bullet point on the Schengen visa photo requirements list is that you must not wear any headwear. The passport authority can permit exceptions to this rule for credible religious reasons only.

Schengen visa photo instructions

Your photo must clearly show your facial features from the tip of your chin to the crown of your head as well as your left and right sides of your face.

Your face must take up to 70 to 80% of the photo space. This translates into a Schengen visa photo requirement that your face must be somewhere between 32 and 36 mm high.


Your face must be centered in the photo, and it is also required that you look straight into the camera. It is not permitted to wear sunglasses unless required for medical reasons.

In case you have bountiful hair, the Schengen visa photo requirements says that it must be secured so that it does not obstruct the size of your face. The height of your face must not be less than the already mentioned 32 milimeters.

Another of the Schengen visa photo requirements is that your face is sharply focused, rich in contrast, and clear in all areas.

Your Schengen visa photo must be in color and have only a white or light background. Visa photos with patterned or dark backgrounds are not accepted.

Your face must be illuminated evenly. Any reflections or shadows on your face must be avoided. The Schengen visa photo must have been taken within the last six months.

Schengen visa photo requirements and red eyes

Red eyes must be avoided.

Download Schengen visa photo requirements

You can download a copy of complete Schengen visa photo requirements guide here: Schengen visa photo requirements guide.

If you need more details related to Schengen visa see links in the navigation menu above. These resources might help as well: Schengen visa.

Disclaimer: This web page is in no way, form or shape affiliated with any official or governmental organization. Even though we do our best to keep this web site current, information provided on this page may be out dated. Never use this/rely on any private web site to make your personal decisions or take actions. It is your responsibility to check with the appropriate authorities, government, or offices for the most current, relevant, and true information regarding your situation and/or actions. We can not provide any implied, expressed, direct, or indirect warranty or guarantee for information provided on this page, site, or server and for its accuracy and completeness.