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If you’re planning a trip to the UK, it’s important to ensure that your visa application is complete, including having an official photo that meets the requirements set by the British consulate. Failing to meet these requirements could result in your visa application being rejected and delay your trip.
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UK visa photo requirements 2024
The visa photo requirements in the UK are stringent. If your photo does not meet the standards set by the authorities, your visa application will be rejected. These standards encompass specific dimensions, resolution, and appearance criteria that are detailed further below.
UK visa photo requirements size
As per the official rules, your printed photographs should be measured 45 x 35 mm (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK) and not be a cut-down version of a larger picture.
The image of the applicant – from the crown of their head to their chin – must be between 29mm and 34mm high.
As for digital photos, they must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall. The digital photo must include the head, shoulders, and upper body. Do not crop the photo – it will be done by the system.
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UK visa photo specifications
The followings are the specifications of the UK visa photo that must be adhered to by visa applicants. Non-compliance may result in the rejection of their visa applications.
Background and quality of the photographs
Printed photos:
- printed to a professional standard
- clear and in focus
- in color on plain white photographic paper with no border
- without any creases or tears
- unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
- unaltered by computer software
- be taken against a plain cream or light grey background
- be in clear contrast to the background
- be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
- contain no other objects or people
- not have ‘red eye’
- the photo should be taken within 30 days before your UK visa application
Digital photos:
- clear and in focus
- in color
- unaltered by computer software
- at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
- at least 50KB and no more than 10MB
- contain no other objects or people
- be taken against a plain light-coloured background
- be in clear contrast to the background
- not have ‘red eye’
- the photo should be taken within 30 days before your UK visa application
Attire and expression of the applicant
For both printed and digital photos, the applicant must:
- be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
- have a plain expression and mouth closed
- have eyes open and visible
- not have hair in front of eyes
- not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
- not have anything covering the face
- not have any shadows on the face or behind them
Additionally, applicants must avoid wearing glasses unless they are required to do so. Allowed glasses do not include sunglasses or tinted glasses, and applicants must make sure their eyes are not covered by the frames or any glare, reflection or shadow.
UK visa photo requirements for babies, infants, and newborns
Children and babies must be on their own in the picture. For children under 6, they do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression like the requirements for adults.
Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies. In addition, children under one year of age do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.
