What size is a US visa photo?

2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), the same as a US passport photo, at 300 DPI.

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

Yes, both require 2 x 2 inch photos with the same specifications and white background.

Do I need a physical photo or digital for the US visa?

You upload a digital photo for the DS-160 application and bring printed copies to the consulate interview.

Can I wear glasses in my US visa photo?

No, glasses (including prescription) are not permitted in US visa photos.

How recent does my US visa photo need to be?

It must be taken within the last six months and reflect your current appearance.

What file format and size does the DS-160 require?

JPEG, between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, file size 240 KB or smaller.

US Visa Photo

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

Photography Guidelines

1 Taken within the last 6 months
2 Full face, front view with a plain white background
3 No glasses allowed
4 Neutral facial expression with both eyes open
5 Wear normal street attire, no uniforms
6 No head coverings unless for religious reasons

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wearing glasses

Glasses are not permitted in US visa photos

Shadows on face or background

Ensure even lighting with no visible shadows

Photo too old

Must be taken within the last 6 months

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 visa photo maker with compliance check

Make Your Photo Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Official References

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

U.S. Department of State - Photo Requirements for Visa