Free Schengen Visa Photo Maker (No-Login Required)

“My visa was delayed just because of the photo.”

This is a common complaint from travelers applying for a Schengen visa. Many people face delays or rejections because of small photo mistakes. It could be something like an off-white background, uneven lighting, or a face size that’s too big or too small.

To help avoid these issues, VisaFast has created the Schengen Visa Photo Maker Tool. This tool ensures your photo meets all the rules the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets. With it, you can confidently submit your visa application, knowing your photo won’t cause any delays.

Creating a Schengen Visa-Compliant Photograph at Home Using the VisaFast Tool

It is possible to generate a photograph compliant with Schengen visa regulations at home utilizing the VisaFast Schengen Visa Photo Maker Tool. Here’s a guided process for creating a compliant image for your application:

1. Photo Source: Begin by uploading an existing photograph in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. Alternatively, you can capture a new image using your smartphone or webcam.

2. Image Transformation: Once a photo is available, activate the “Transform” function. The tool automatically modifies the background, face sizing, alignment, and illumination to precisely meet Schengen visa requirements.

3. Download: After adjustment, download the resultant, transformed photo. The final picture can be digitally attached with a visa application submitted online or used as printed copy for in-person application submissions.

With your Schengen visa photographic requirements addressed, let’s transition to streamlining your overall Schengen visa application process using VisaFast.

Schengen Visa Passport Photo Specifications:

The following specifications must be adhered to for Schengen visa passport photos:

• Dimensions: 35 × 45 mm
• File Format: JPEG/JPG; must be a high-quality print (matte or glossy finish)
• Background: A plain, light background, ideally white or light grey
• Facial Size: The face in the photo must be between 32 – 36 mm, representing 70–80% of the photo’s height
• Border: Photographs must not include any borders
• Recency: Photos must have been taken no earlier than 6 months
• Orientation: The photograph requires a full-frontal image with the head centered
• Quality: The image must be sharp, well-lit without shadows or instances of red-eye
• Expression: The applicant’s expression should be neutral, with a closed mouth and no smiles.

Note: The VisaFast visa photo tool is designed to automatically meet all of these specifications to facilitate the smoother submission of your visa application. VisaFast diligently ensures your photo complies with requirements, including considerations for minors.

Schengen Visa Photograph Specifications

For an application for a Schengen visa, a photograph conforming to the following specifications is required. The photograph should be 35 millimeters in width and 45 millimeters in height. The image must include your full head and at least the upper portion of your shoulders. The distance from your chin to the topmost point of your head should fall within the range of 32 millimeters to 36 millimeters, representing approximately 70% to 80% of the photograph’s total height. Strict vertical alignment is necessary to ensure accurate rendering of facial features.

Schengen Visa Photograph Specifications

Digital submissions require photographs in JPEG or JPG format, compliant with biometric recognition standards. Uncompressed file sizes are mandatory, ensuring image clarity. Printed copies must be produced on high-quality photo paper, accommodating either matte or glossy finishes.

Requirements for Schengen Visa Photographs – Background

The photograph’s background must be a simple, solid color; specifically, either white or light grey. Patterns, shadows, or any discernible objects are strictly prohibited. This requirement is in place to guarantee the clarity of facial recognition and facilitates appropriate processing for biometric scans during visa evaluation and verification for Schengen area applications.

Photograph Dimensions and Specifications

The photograph of your face must be accurately centered and aligned with a vertical line from your head. The measurement from the base of your chin to the crown of your head must fall between 32 millimeters and 36 millimeters. The image needs to depict the entirety of your full face alongside both upper shoulders, without any excessive cropping or distortion.

Image Requirements

Applications require photographs to be submitted solely of the applicant’s face, excluding any borders, frames, or surrounding design elements that may obstruct or detract from the image’s clarity. The photograph must be free of borders, frames, and any elements disrupting the focus on the applicant’s facial features.

Current Passport Photographs

Passport photographs must be recent, no more than 6 months old, to accurately represent your present appearance. Submissions of outdated photographs may lead to processing delays or visa application rejections.

Camera Direction and Head Alignment

Applicants are required to face the camera directly, maintaining an upright posture with the head positioned centrally. Lateral or angled views, as well as profiles, are strictly prohibited. The eyes must be fully visible, focused directly on the lens.

Quality

The photo must be sharp, clear, and evenly lit, without blurring, pixelation, or over/underexposure. No shadows should appear on the face or background, and the lighting must be balanced across the image.

Facial Demeanor

Candidates should present a neutral facial expression with the mouth closed and eyes fully open. Displays involving smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, or the exposure of teeth are prohibited. Hair should not obscure the face or block vision.

Optical Devices and Headwear

Clear eyewear is permitted provided it is free of reflections and does not obstruct vision. Tinted lenses are not allowed. Headgear may be worn for religious observance but must not create shadows or conceal any part of the face, requiring full visibility from the chin to the forehead.

Schengen Visa Photo Specifications for Children Under 12

• For infants under one year of age, it is acceptable if the child’s eyes are closed during the photograph.
• A clear, frontal image of the applicant is necessary to meet requirements.
• The photograph must portray the child with a neutral expression, and the mouth must be closed.
• The image should not include any extraneous objects such as toys, or other individuals.
• The photograph must be of satisfactory resolution.

Do’s and Don’ts for Schengen Visa Photos

Requirements for Your Schengen Visa Photograph

• The photograph must be taken in even lighting conditions, minimizing the presence of shadows or overexposure.

• Your photograph must have been recently taken – within the timeframe specified as 3 months.

• Your facial expression in the photo should be neutral, with your mouth closed.

• The image must be of high quality, clear and sharp and should not be pixelated or blurry.

• The entire frame should include your shoulders and your hair.

• A plain white background is required.

• If you are wearing attire for religious reasons, the dark-colored clothing should sufficiently contrast with the white background.

• When wearing glasses, it is essential that they are clearly visible and allow for full visibility of your eyes.

Important Considerations for Schengen Visa Photographs

• Ensure your photograph is in perfect condition, with no tears, creases, or marks.

• Your hair should not obscure any portion of your face.

• Submitted photographs must not display noticeable red-eye illumination or the use of coloured contact lenses.

• Avoid submitting photographs where you are wearing sunglasses or lenses with tinted characteristics.

• Maintain a straight and centered gaze; avoid tilting your head or presenting any part of your face to the side.