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Schengen / EU Schengen visa (ICAO photo) requirements

Schengen / EU schengen visa (icao photo): 35 × 45 mm, plain light-coloured background, head 70–80% of the height, taken within 6 months. Source: France-Visas (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs), per ICAO Doc 9303, verified 2026-09-12.

Schengen / EU

Schengen visa (ICAO photo)

From an official source

Print size
35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Pixels
413 × 531 px at 300 DPI
Background
plain light-coloured, light white
Head height
32–36 mm · 70–80% of photo height
Photo age
Taken within the last 6 month(s)
  • 35 mm wide × 45 mm high; face 32–36 mm (70–80 % of the picture) from chin to crown, per ICAO.
  • Plain light background, no more than 6 months old, sharp focus, neutral expression.
  • Individual Schengen consulates may add rules — check the consulate you apply to.

Schengen visa photograph instructions (ISO/IEC) — France-VisasFrance-Visas (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs), per ICAO Doc 9303 · last verified 2026-09-12

DocPixEdit provides technical guidance and automated checks based on the requirements and sources listed on this page. Requirements can change, and final acceptance is determined by the relevant authority. Always verify current requirements before submission.

How to prepare this photo

  1. Take or choose a recent, sharp, colour photo facing the camera with a neutral expression and even lighting.
  2. Open it in DocPixEdit with this standard selected — the crop frame is locked to 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) — 413 × 531 px.
  3. Check the background is plain and matches what the authority allows (plain light-coloured / light white); use the background tool if needed.
  4. Adjust zoom so the head (chin to crown) fills roughly 70–80% of the photo height, centred and level.
  5. Download the file (JPG for online forms, or a print sheet for paper) and double-check the rules on the official page before you submit.

General photo tips

  • Face the camera directly; keep both ears and the full outline of the face visible.
  • Use even, shadow-free lighting — daylight from a window in front of you works well.
  • Start from a high-resolution original; small or heavily compressed images look blurry when resized.
  • No filters, retouching or beauty effects — authorities reject altered photos.
  • Follow the authority's own rules for glasses, head coverings and expression.

These are general tips, not rules of any government. Always follow the official guidance linked above.

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