What size is a UK visa photo in 2026?

35 x 45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches), the same as a UK passport photo. This size applies to all UK visa categories (visitor, student, work, settlement).

Is the UK visa photo the same as the passport photo?

Yes, both use the same 35x45mm format, white/light grey background, and neutral expression requirements.

How many photos do I need for a UK visa?

Typically 2 identical printed photos are required. Online applications may require a compliant digital photo upload instead.

What is the UK visa photo size in pixels?

For digital uploads via UKVI: 600 x 750 px minimum, 750 x 930 px maximum, JPEG format, up to 10 MB.

Can I use the same photo for UK visa and Indian passport?

No. UK visas require 35x45mm (rectangular), while Indian passports use 35x35mm (square). You need separate photos.

UK Visa Photo

Size & Requirements 2026 · Last updated: 2026-05-11

Photography Guidelines

1 Taken within the last month
2 Plain white or light grey background
3 Neutral expression with mouth closed
4 No sunglasses or tinted lenses
5 Face fully visible, no hair covering eyes
6 High quality with no blur or pixelation
7 2 identical printed photos usually required

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Photo too old

UK visa photos must be taken within the last month

Background not plain enough

Background must be plain white or light grey with no patterns

Using passport photo older than 1 month

Even if you have a UK passport photo, it must be taken within the last month for visa use

How to Take Your Photo

Three ways to get a compliant photo — choose what works for you.

DIY at Home

Take it yourself with a camera or smartphone — the cheapest option.

1 Stand against a plain, smooth, light-colored wall with even daylight from the front.
2 Use a tripod or steady surface so the camera is level with your eyes, ~1.5 m away.
3 Wear normal clothes that contrast with the background and remove glasses or hats.
4 Keep a neutral expression with closed mouth and both eyes clearly visible.
5 Take several shots, pick the sharpest, then crop to the official size and DPI.
6 Save as the required file format and check file-size limits before submitting.

Using Your Smartphone

Best lighting, framing, and tips for iPhone and Android.

1 Use the rear camera (higher quality) and ask someone else to take the photo.
2 Stand 1–1.5 m from a plain wall; turn off flash and use natural daylight.
3 Tap to focus on the face and lock exposure so lighting stays consistent.
4 Frame head and shoulders so the head fills 50–70% of the height.
5 Avoid filters, beauty mode, and HDR — they distort facial features.
6 Crop to the exact ratio in a free tool, export at the required DPI.

With Our Online Service

Upload a photo and get a compliant version in seconds.

1 Upload any clear, recent photo — selfie or full-body works.
2 Our AI auto-detects the face, removes the background, and applies the correct color.
3 It crops to the exact official dimensions for your selected document.
4 A compliance check flags head size, expression, lighting, and shadow issues.
5 Preview the result and retake free if anything looks off.
6 Download the digital file or order printed copies.

Price Comparison

Common ways to get a passport photo, side by side.

Provider	Cost	Delivery	Notes
DIY at Home	Free	Instant	Requires a printer for hard copies
Local Photo Studio	$10–$20	Same day	Quality varies; not always compliance-checked
Pharmacy / Retailer	$10–$15	Same day	Convenient, but limited retake policies
Our Online Service	Free preview	Instant	AI compliance check, free retakes

Recommended Tools

PhotoGov

AI-powered UK visa photo maker

Make Your Photo Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Official References

Information on this page is based on the following official sources:

GOV.UK - Passport photo requirements