Condensed guide. Read the full UK visa photo (UKVI) requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 413 × 531 px / 827 × 1063 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 29–34 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | not specified |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | white or light grey |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | allowed only with no glare and frames clear of the eyes |
| Expression | neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | taken in the last month |
| Print requirements | photo paper, no creases — Most UKVI applications now capture a photo at the visa application centre or via the UK Immigration: ID Check app; printed photos are rarely required. |
| Digital upload | 1050×1350 px JPEG, 50–10 MB (UK visa online application / ID Check app); 827×1063 px JPEG (Printing a 35×45 mm photo where a centre asks for one) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | none |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 6) |
| Official source | GOV.UK – Visa application photograph guidance |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- GOV.UK blocked the fetch of the visa photograph guidance. The guidance applies the HMPO standard: 35×45 mm, head 29–34 mm, plain light grey or cream background, and for digital uploads a clear JPEG from a camera or phone. Exact digital limits for the UKVI online form were not confirmed; the passport digital rules (at least 600×750 px, 50 KB–10 MB) are used.
- Check your route: many UKVI routes capture the photo themselves and need no upload.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes where the form takes an upload. GOV.UK allows a photo taken with your own device for passport applications and the visa guidance follows the same standard; the ID Check app takes a live photo of you itself. If your route sends you to a visa application centre for biometrics, the centre captures the photo and you need nothing, so check the route page before buying. Background editing is not permitted.
Why UK visa UKVI photos get rejected
- Shadow on face or background. Face the light and step away from the wall; the most common UKVI rejection.
- Head outside 29–34 mm. Adjust the head-size control until the readout is in band.
- Background too dark or patterned. Plain light grey or cream, contrasting with hair.
- Glare on glasses. Remove them.
- Photo altered. No filters or background edits; retake instead.
UK visa UKVI photo FAQ
Do I need a photo for a UK visa?
It depends on the route. The ID Check app and visa application centres capture it; some online forms take an upload and some centres ask for a print.
What size is a UK visa photo?
35×45 mm with the head 29–34 mm, plain light-grey or cream background, same as a UK passport photo.
How recent must it be?
Taken in the last month, the same rule HM Passport Office applies to digital photos.
Can I wear glasses?
Only if you must; no tint, no glare, frames clear of the eyes.
Can I edit the background?
No. Retake against a plain wall.
Is the passport photo the same?
Yes, the same standard; a Single licence covers both as the same document size.
Related documents
UK passport
35×45 mm · head 29–34 mmUK driving licence photo (DVLA online)
35×45 mm · head 29–34 mmSchengen visa photo
35×45 mm · head 32–36 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against GOV.UK – Visa application photograph guidance. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.