The European Union requires the photo for a Schengen visa application to comply with ICAO standards. The detail, such as size, background and number of copies, is set in each Schengen country’s own checklist, so check the one for the country you are applying to.
As an example, the Italy visa centre page for South Africa asks for colour photos of 45 mm x 35 mm (the same as 35 x 45 mm) against a light background, taken within the last six months.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
Photo requirements as published by the Italy visa centre in South Africa. Other countries may differ.
- Size: 45 mm x 35 mm, passport size, in colour.
- Age: recent, and no more than six months old.
- Background: clear white, with enough contrast that your features are distinguishable.
- Face: full face, without sunglasses and normally without a hat or head covering.
- Print: good quality, on normal photographic paper and unmounted.
- Number: two photos for Italy; the number varies by destination.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
The EU’s guidance on applying for a Schengen visa lists a photo that complies with ICAO standards among the documents you submit with your application form.
Head coverings are normally not allowed, unless you wear one because of your religious belief or ethnic background (Italy visa centre).
Glasses: the Italy page excludes sunglasses. It does not address clear spectacles, so ask your consulate or visa centre before you wear them.
Photo booths and editing: your photo must meet the ICAO standard and the checklist of the country you apply to. Ask a photographer who takes visa photos, and check the result against that checklist before your appointment. Do not retouch the image.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
The photo is submitted with the rest of your application. At a minimum, the Commission lists:
- A visa application form.
- A photo that complies with ICAO standards.
- A valid travel document and medical insurance.
- Supporting documents on the purpose of your stay, your financial means and accommodation, and your intention to return.
Your consulate sets the detail. See our Schengen visa requirements guide for the full document list.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
Biometrics: fingerprints are collected when you lodge your application, and children under 12 are exempt (see the Visa Code). Fingerprints entered in the Visa Information System less than 59 months earlier are copied to a new application. The printed photo requirement is separate, so follow your consulate’s checklist.
Fees and checklists differ between countries and visa centres and change. Use the official page of the country you are applying to for the current position.
How to Prepare or Apply
- Work out which country you apply to: the country of your longest stay, or the first country you visit if stays are equal. You apply at least 15 days, and no earlier than six months, before your journey.
- Find that country’s visa centre or consulate page for South Africa and read its photo requirements.
- Have the photo taken by a photographer who knows visa photos, and ask for the number of prints the checklist asks for.
- Check the photo against the checklist before your appointment, then submit it with your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size must a Schengen visa photo be?
The EU requires a photo that complies with ICAO standards. The Italy visa centre in South Africa specifies 45 mm x 35 mm. Other countries publish their own checklists, so confirm the size with the country you apply to.
What is the Schengen visa photo specification?
The EU standard is ICAO compliance. In South Africa, the Italy visa centre asks for a full-face colour photo on a clear white background, taken within the last six months, printed on photographic paper and unmounted.
Can I wear glasses in my Schengen visa photo?
The Italy visa centre rules out sunglasses and does not mention clear spectacles. Ask the consulate or visa centre of your destination.
How many photographs do I need?
The Italy visa centre in South Africa asks for two photos. The number varies by destination, so check the checklist for your country.
Photo rules are set by each Schengen country and visa centre and can change. Confirm the current requirements with the consulate or visa centre of your destination before your appointment, for example the VFS Global Italy page. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.