My Passport Photo Maker

VFS Global photo requirements

VFS Global runs visa, passport and consular application centres on behalf of about 70 governments — it collects forms, biometrics and fees but does not decide applications. Photo rules on its checklists are the destination government's own specification.

Independent guide — not affiliated with or endorsed by VFS Global. Photo rules are set by the destination government; always follow the checklist for your application.

Photo size by destination

VFS reproduces each embassy's photo specification on the checklist for that country and visa category — for example 35 × 45 mm on a light background for Norway, 2 × 2 inch on white for Indian passport, visa and OCI services, and 45 × 35 mm on a plain background for South Africa. Pick your destination to open its photo maker with the right size, head height and background pre-set.

United Kingdom — Visa35 × 45 mm · Plain light-colouredCanada — Visa (temporary resident)35 × 45 mm · Plain white or light-colouredAustralia — Passport / Visa35 × 45 mm · Plain white or light greyIndia — e-Visa / Visa51 × 51 mm · Plain white or lightGermany — Passport / ID card35 × 45 mm · Plain light grey (single colour, contrasting)France — Passport / ID card35 × 45 mm · Plain light grey or light blue — not whiteItaly — Passport35 × 40 mm · Plain whiteNetherlands — Passport / ID card35 × 45 mm · Plain light grey, light blue or whiteSweden — Passport / national ID35 × 45 mm · Plain light greySwitzerland — Passport / ID card35 × 45 mm · Plain neutral light, contrasting with face and hairBelgium — Passport / eID35 × 45 mm · Plain light (white or light grey)South Africa — Passport / Smart ID / Visa35 × 45 mm · Plain light, no shadows, no white borderJapan — Visa45 × 45 mm · Plain white or light, no shadowsTurkey — Passport / Visa (biometric)50 × 60 mm · Plain whiteSaudi Arabia — eVisa / Umrah (Nusuk)51 × 51 mm · Plain white, no shadowsNew Zealand — Passport35 × 45 mm · Plain light grey (contrasting with face and hair)Portugal — Passport35 × 45 mm · Plain light (white or light grey)Schengen Area — Visa35 × 45 mm · Plain light (white or light grey)

Photo tips for VFS appointments

  • Open the photo specification PDF under your destination's document checklist — VFS copies the embassy's rules, it does not set them.
  • Bring one spare photo; many checklists require a photo glued to the form as well as a loose one.
  • The photo must be a proper photographic print, not inkjet on plain paper. Print the 4 × 6 sheet from this tool at a photo kiosk.
  • Watch the freshness window: some checklists say within one month, others six.
  • Wear a plain, coloured top; VFS staff reject photos where white clothing merges into the background.

Why photos get rejected at the counter

  • Photo older than the checklist allows
  • Background not plain or light, or with shadows behind the head
  • Smiling, mouth open, or a non-neutral expression
  • Sunglasses, hats or non-religious head coverings
  • Blurry, retouched, low-contrast or home-printed on plain paper
  • Wrong size for the destination — 35 × 45 mm instead of 2 × 2 inch, or the reverse

Most VFS centres offer a paid photo booth calibrated to the destination's specification. It costs extra and adds queue time, so bringing compliant prints is faster.

Make your photo

Choose the destination document in step 1. The crop, head size, eye line and background follow that country's rules.

Questions

What photo size does VFS Global require?＋

VFS does not set photo sizes. Each destination government does, and the centre checks your photo against that specification. Find your destination in the table above; most European destinations use 35 × 45 mm and the United States and India use 2 × 2 inch.

Can I get a photo taken at a VFS centre?＋

Most VFS centres offer a paid photo booth calibrated to the destination's specification. It costs extra and adds queue time, so bringing compliant prints is faster.

How many printed photos should I bring?＋

Check your destination's checklist — one or two recent photos is typical. Print a full 4 × 6 sheet with this tool so you have spares.

Is this site part of VFS Global?＋

No. This is an independent, free photo tool. VFS Global is a trademark of its owner; use their official site (www.vfsglobal.com/) to book appointments and read checklists.

Sources: VFS Global – Norway photo specifications (PDF), VFS Global – Indian passport services photo specification (PDF), VFS Global – South Africa transit photo specification. Last reviewed 2026-09-20.

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