A US visa application needs two things: a digital file for the online DS-160 form and, if asked, a printed 2 × 2 inch photo. We make both to the US Department of State rules.
US visa photo requirements
- Size: 2 × 2 inches, which is 51 × 51 mm (5 × 5 cm).
- Head: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (22–35 mm) from chin to the top of the hair, which is 50–69 % of the photo's height.
- Background: plain white or off-white, without shadows.
- Glasses: not allowed in new photos, except in rare cases.
- Age: taken within the last six months.
We don't retouch the face for a US visa. We take a few shots and pick one together with a natural, neutral expression and open eyes.
DS-160 photo: the digital file
In the DS-160 form the photo is uploaded as a file. The State Department asks for:
- JPEG format, square;
- at least 600 × 600 and at most 1200 × 1200 pixels;
- no larger than 240 KB, in colour.
We prepare the file to these requirements and hand it over with the prints, so you only need to upload it. A phone photo often fails the check because of a shadow on the wall, the wrong crop or a file that is too big.
Printed photo and the interview
The State Department notes that some embassies ask for one printed photo at the interview. We could not confirm on an official page whether the US Embassy in Belgrade does, so check rs.usembassy.gov or simply bring one 2 × 2 in print. For an immigrant visa, follow the photo list in your embassy instructions.
US passport photo
US citizens renewing a passport abroad need a photo of the same size, 2 × 2 inches, on a white or off-white background and without glasses. For a passport the head must be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm). Tell us it is for a passport, not a visa.
Why US visa photos get rejected
- glasses, or glare on the lenses;
- a grey or shadowed background instead of white;
- the head too small or too big in the frame;
- a photo older than six months;
- a file that isn't square, has fewer than 600 pixels or is larger than 240 KB.
Schengen, Canadian and UK visas have different rules: see visa photos. All other sizes are on the passport and visa photos page.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US visa photo?
2 × 2 inches, which is 51 × 51 mm (5 × 5 cm). The head, from chin to the top of the hair, takes up 50–69 % of the photo's height (1 to 1 3/8 in, 22–35 mm).
Can I wear glasses in a US visa photo?
No. The State Department no longer allows glasses in new visa photos, except in rare cases. Take them off before we start.
What file does the DS-160 need?
A colour JPEG, square, at least 600 × 600 and at most 1200 × 1200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB. We prepare the file to these requirements and give it to you with the prints.
Do I need a printed photo for the interview at the US Embassy in Belgrade?
We could not confirm this for Belgrade on an official page. The State Department says some embassies ask for one photo at the interview, so check rs.usembassy.gov or bring one 2 × 2 in print to be safe.
How old can a US visa photo be?
It must have been taken within the last six months. If your appearance has changed since, have a new one taken.
- U.S. Department of State: Photo requirements (visas)
- U.S. Department of State: Digital image requirements (DS-160)
- U.S. Department of State: Passport photos
- U.S. Embassy in Serbia: Visas
Checked against the official sources on . This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change: before you apply, check the requirements with the police (MUP), the embassy or the visa centre.
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