US Visa Photo: Size, Requirements & Free Maker US Visa Photo requirements (2026)
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25 – 35 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28.6 – 34.9 mm |
| Digital size | 600 × 600 px (accepted: 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, square) |
| File size | Up to 240 KB |
| Format | JPEG (.jpg), colour |
| Background | Plain white |
| Glasses | Not allowed (except rare medical cases with a signed doctor's statement). |
✔ Based on the official source: U.S. Department of State – Photo Requirements. Last checked October 2026.
Good to know
- Taken within the last 6 months.
- Head 50%–69% of the image height (chin to top of hair).
- Uploaded with the DS-160 / DS-260 form, and often a printed copy for the interview.
US Visa Photo size in cm, inches and pixels
| Millimetres | 50.8 × 50.8 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 5.08 × 5.08 cm |
| Inches | 2 × 2 in |
| Pixels for online upload | 600 × 600 px (accepted: 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, square) |
| Pixels for printing (300 DPI) | 600 × 600 px |
| Pixels for printing (600 DPI) | 1200 × 1200 px |
| Aspect ratio (width:height) | 1:1 |
| File size | under 240 KB |
How to make your United States visa photo at home
- Take the photo. Stand in front of a plain wall in soft daylight. Have someone take the picture at eye level, showing your head and shoulders.
- Upload it above. The tool finds your face, straightens it, removes the background and sizes your head to 25–35 mm.
- Check and adjust. Use the guides and the photo check. Drag or use the sliders if you want a different crop.
- Download. Get the 600 × 600 px file for online forms, or a 4×6 in / A4 sheet to print and cut.
Common reasons a United States visa photo is rejected
- Shadows on the face or behind the head.
- Head too big or too small — the head height must be 25–35 mm.
- Smiling, mouth open, or eyes not clearly visible.
- Glare on glasses, or hair covering the eyes or eyebrows.
- Blurry, low-resolution, or heavily filtered photos (no beauty filters).
- An old photo — most countries want one taken within the last 6 months.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a United States visa photo?
50.8 × 50.8 mm (5.08 × 5.08 cm, or 2 × 2 in). The head, measured from the chin to the top of the head, must be 25–35 mm tall.
What is the United States visa photo size in pixels?
For online applications use 600 × 600 px (accepted: 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, square), file size under 240 KB. For printing, the photo is 600 × 600 px at 300 DPI. The downloads from this tool are already at these sizes.
Is there a free United States visa photo checker?
Yes — the tool above checks your photo after you upload it: head size, head tilt, facing the camera, eyes open, neutral expression and resolution. It flags problems before you submit, though only the issuing authority can make the final decision.
What background colour is required?
Plain white, with no shadows, patterns or objects. The tool replaces your background automatically.
Can I wear glasses?
Not allowed (except rare medical cases with a signed doctor's statement).
Can I take the photo with my phone?
Yes. Ask someone to take it at eye level from about 1.2 m away, in soft even light, against any plain wall. Upload it here and the tool crops, sizes and cleans the background. Then download the digital file or print the sheet.
How do I print it?
Download the 4×6 in or A4 print sheet and print it at 100% (“actual size”) on photo paper — at home or at any photo kiosk. Cut along the grey lines.