United Kingdom Visa Photo: Size, Requirements & Free Maker
United Kingdom
Big Ben & Parliament · Tower Bridge · London Eye
⚡ Quick Requirements Summary
✓ Consular VerifiedOfficial visa photo requirements for United Kingdom require a printed physical size of 1.38 × 1.77 inches (35 × 45 mm) or a digital resolution of 600×750 to 1200×1500 px in JPEG format under 10 MB (10240 KB). The background must be plain cream or light grey. VizaPics crops and formats your image directly in your browser with zero server uploads.
| Printed Size | Digital Resolution | Max File Size | Format | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.38 × 1.77 inches (35 × 45 mm) | 600×750 to 1200×1500 px | 10 MB (10240 KB) | JPEG | plain cream or light grey |
Prepare Your Photo Online (100% In-Browser)
Take or upload your photo
Position yourself in front of a plain background with even lighting. Your photo stays in your browser.
📋 Official Biometric Requirements Table
| Requirement | Specification | Details & Consular Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Printed Dimensions | 1.38 × 1.77 inches (35 × 45 mm) | Official physical photo size for consular submissions. |
| Digital Resolution | 600×750 to 1200×1500 px | Required pixel resolution for online application portals. |
| File Format | JPEG | Standard digital file format. |
| Maximum File Size | 10 MB (10240 KB) | Upload limit for official portal submissions. |
| Background Color | plain cream or light grey | Plain and shadow-free background. |
| Head Proportion | 29–34 mm (chin to crown (29–34 mm)) | Head centered vertically within biometric guidelines. |
| Eyeglasses Policy | No eyeglasses allowed | Glasses prohibited to eliminate reflections and glare. |
| Photo Recency | Within the last 1 months | Must represent current physical appearance. |
📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home
1. Plain Light Background
Stand in front of a flat, shadow-free wall. Avoid patterns, wallpaper textures, or objects.
2. Even Lighting
Use natural daylight or diffuse front lights. Ensure zero harsh shadows under chin, nose, or eyes.
3. Face Straight Ahead
Look directly into the camera lens with your head and shoulders square to the frame.
4. Level Chin & Open Eyes
Keep your chin natural and level. Do not tilt your head up, down, or sideways.
5. Neutral Expression
Maintain a relaxed, neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and teeth covered.
6. No Filters or Edits
Do not use beauty filters, skin smoothing, or retouching software. Let VizaPics crop the exact geometry.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them
- ⚠️ pure white background used instead of light grey or cream
- ⚠️ head measurement outside the strict 29–34 mm range
- ⚠️ shadows on face, neck, or behind the head
- ⚠️ hair obscuring eyebrows or eye contours
- ⚠️ smiling or teeth showing
🖨️ Printing on a Standard 4×6" Photo Sheet
Embassies require original photographic paper prints rather than inkjet home paper. VizaPics generates a calibrated 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) printable photo collage with clean cut guidelines.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official size for a UK visa photo?
A UK visa photo must measure 35 mm wide by 45 mm high for print submissions, with the head measuring between 29 mm and 34 mm from chin to crown. Digital photos must be at least 600×750 pixels in JPEG format.
Can I use a white background for a UK visa photo?
No. The UK government strictly requires a light grey or plain cream background. Pure white backgrounds are one of the most common reasons UK visa photos get rejected.
Are glasses permitted in UK visa photos?
Glasses are strongly discouraged and generally not allowed unless you have a confirmed medical condition verified by a doctor note. Tinted lenses and flash reflections are prohibited.
How recent must my UK visa photo be?
Your photo must have been taken within the last month (30 days) to reflect your current physical appearance accurately.
Can children or babies have toys or parents visible in UK visa photos?
No. Children must be alone in the picture. No dummy, toys, or supporting hands may be visible, and the child must face forward.
🏛️ Official Government Sources
The data on this page is verified directly against government and consular portals.