UK Visa Photo Size & Requirements — Online Maker
Official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) photo specifications (35x45mm), plain light background rules, and online photo preparation tool.
Official Photo Specifications
Requirements shown are for reference only. Always verify the latest requirements with the official source before submitting your application. This platform is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government authority. Read full disclaimer →
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Target preset: UK Visa Photo (35x45 mm) (35 × 45 mm)
About UK Visa Photo Requirements
United Kingdom visa photograph requirements are established by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the UK Home Office, and published on GOV.UK.
While many applicants now have their digital facial biometric data captured at Visa Application Centres (VACs) operated by partners such as VFS Global or TLScontact, physical photographs are mandatory for paper applications, exempt categories, child applicants, and select visa routes.
Physical photographs must measure 35 mm × 45 mm with the head height from chin to crown between 29 mm and 34 mm (64% to 76% of total height). Photographs must be printed on professional photo paper and shot against a plain cream or light grey background without shadows.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Official document processing centres and digital verification algorithms frequently reject photographs due to the following non-compliance issues:
- 1
Background is dark, patterned, or pure white rather than plain cream or light grey.
- 2
Head measurement is under 29 mm or over 34 mm in the 35 × 45 mm frame.
- 3
Photograph is creased, torn, stapled through the image, or marked with ink.
- 4
Applicant is wearing sunglasses, tinted lenses, or glasses with flash glare.
- 5
Hair covers the eyes, eyebrows, or facial contours.
- 6
Photograph was taken more than six months prior to submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the required photo size for a UK visa application?
- Standard physical photographs for UK visa applications must measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).
- Do all UK visa applicants need to provide printed photographs?
- No. Most visa applicants attending biometric appointments at Visa Application Centres have their facial photo captured live digitally. However, physical photographs meeting the 35 × 45 mm specification are required for children, paper applications, and specific visa categories as detailed in your UKVI checklist.
- What background color is accepted for UK visa photos?
- The background must be plain cream or light grey with uniform lighting and no shadows.
- What head proportions are required for UK visa photos?
- The facial area from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin must measure between 29 mm and 34 mm.
- Can I wear religious headwear in a UK visa photo?
- Yes, religious head coverings are permitted provided the full face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both facial edges are completely visible without shadows.
- How many photos do I need to submit with a paper UK visa application?
- Paper-based UK visa applications generally require two identical recent color photographs measuring 35 × 45 mm.