Condensed guide. Read the full US visa photo (DS-160) requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 600 × 600 px / 1200 × 1200 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25.4–35 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28.4–35 mm |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | not allowed |
| Expression | neutral or a natural closed-mouth smile |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | photo paper, matte or glossy — Bring one printed 2×2 in copy to the interview in case the uploaded image failed quality checks. |
| Digital upload | 1200×1200 px JPEG, 0–240 KB (CEAC DS-160 photo upload); 1200×1200 px JPEG (Printing a 2×2 in photo for the interview) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 1 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | US Department of State – Digital image requirements |
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).
- travel.state.gov blocks automated fetches. The published values (square JPEG, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, ≤ 240 KB, 24-bit colour, head 50–69 per cent of height, eyes 56–69 per cent from the bottom) are long-standing; re-check on the page.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. The State Department accepts photos you take at home provided they are not selfies, are unedited and meet the digital rules. The CEAC upload tool runs its own quality check and the 240 KB limit catches most people out; the export here searches JPEG quality so the file lands under 240 KB at the highest quality that fits. Bring a printed copy to the interview as well.
Why US visa DS-160 photos get rejected
- File over 240 KB. Use the DS-160 preset here; it compresses to just under the limit without resizing below 600 px.
- Glasses. Remove them and retake.
- Head too small or eyes too low. Head 50–69 per cent of the height, eyes 56–69 per cent from the bottom. The checker shows both in millimetres on the 2×2 frame.
- Background not white or off-white. Retake against a white wall. Edited backgrounds are refused at the interview even if the upload passes.
- Shadows on face or wall. Face the light and step away from the wall.
US visa DS-160 photo FAQ
What are the DS-160 photo requirements?
Square JPEG, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB, 24-bit colour, white or off-white background, head 50–69 per cent of the height, taken in the last six months, no glasses.
Why does my photo fail the 240 KB limit?
Phone photos are several megabytes. The export here compresses the JPEG to fit under 240 KB while keeping 1200×1200 px.
Can I take my own DS-160 photo?
Yes, as long as someone else takes it, nothing is edited and the digital rules are met.
Are glasses allowed?
No. Glasses have not been allowed in US visa photos since 2016.
Do I need a printed photo as well?
Bring one 2×2 inch print to the interview in case the uploaded image failed the quality check.
Is it the same as a US passport photo?
Same framing (2×2 inch, head 1–1 3/8 inch, eyes 1 1/8–1 3/8 inch from the bottom). The DS-160 adds the digital limits.
Related documents
US passport
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–34.9 mmUS Diversity Visa (DV lottery) entry photo
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmUS green card photo (Form I-485)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–34.9 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against US Department of State – Digital image requirements. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.