US Visa

Intro

Getting a US travel visa requires a photo that meets exact government specifications. US visa photo requirements are defined by the U.S. Department of State: a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) print, or a square JPEG between 600 and 1,200 pixels on each side for digital submissions. Non-immigrant applicants upload a digital photo through the DS-160 form; immigrant applicants bring two printed photos to their consular interview. Acceptance is always at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply, and a non-compliant photo can delay or derail the application.

Photo requirements at a glance

US visa photo size 2026 (current requirements)

Every numeric value in this table comes from an official U.S. Department of State source, cited in the "Why these specs matter" section below.

Specification	Value
Print size	2×2 in (51×51 mm)
Digital dimensions	600×600 px minimum, 1,200×1,200 px maximum
Aspect ratio	Square (height must equal width)
File format	JPEG only
Maximum file size	240 KB
JPEG compression	No greater than 20:1
Color mode	Color, 24-bit sRGB
Background	Plain white or off-white
Head height (print)	1 to 1⅜ in (25–35 mm), top of hair to chin
Eye position (print)	1⅛ to 1⅜ in (28–35 mm) from bottom of photo
Head proportion (digital)	50–69% of total image height
Eye height (digital)	56–69% of image height from bottom
Scan resolution	300 pixels per inch (12 px/mm) if scanning a print
Photo recency	Taken within the last 6 months
Expression	Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed

US visa photo size requirements are identical across all visa categories, including B1/B2 tourist and business visas.

Why these specs matter

The U.S. Department of State photo requirements exist so consular officers can reliably match an applicant's face to the identity record on the application.

The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) print format is the physical standard. For digital uploads, the 600×600 to 1,200×1,200 pixel range and 240 KB maximum file size define acceptable technical bounds. A JPEG compression ratio no greater than 20:1 maintains sufficient image quality. 24-bit sRGB color is required. A plain white or off-white background keeps the face visible against the backdrop.

Head positioning is tightly constrained. In a printed 2×2 photo, the head from top of hair to bottom of chin must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), and eyes must sit 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. For digital images, the head must occupy 50–69% of total image height, with eyes at 56–69% of image height from the bottom.

The State Department's main photos page has at times shown "22 mm" as the lower bound for head height, but 1 inch equals 25.4 mm, and the photo composition template on the same domain correctly specifies 25–35 mm. Use 25 mm as the correct lower bound. Some AI-generated search results describe JPEG2000 as an accepted digital format; the official digital image requirements page specifies JPEG only.

How to take the photo with iShotAPhoto

iShotAPhoto is a free online tool for preparing a compliant US visa photo, whether for digital upload to the DS-160 or for printing ahead of a consular interview.

1. Select US Visa. The correct specification loads automatically when you choose this document type.
2. Take or upload your photo. Use the on-screen framing guide to position your face against a white background.
3. Let the AI compliance check run. It validates the photo against official requirements, including background color, head proportion, and expression.
4. Download your free preview. Once the check passes, download the compliant digital image at no cost.
5. Order prints if needed. If your post requires a printed photo at the interview, use the optional printed delivery to receive physical copies by post.

How to take it yourself with a phone

The State Department permits self-taken photos provided they are not digitally altered.

1. Set up a plain white background. A flat white wall or door works well. A white sheet hung tautly against a wall is a reliable substitute if no suitable wall is available.

2. Use natural light from a window in front of you. Position yourself so the light falls evenly across your face. Avoid shooting with the window behind you, which puts you in silhouette, and avoid direct sunlight that casts hard shadows onto the face or background.

3. Hold the camera at eye level. Ask another person to hold the phone so you can face the lens without angling your head. A camera positioned above or below eye level shifts the apparent head position in the frame.

4. Center your head with your full face and hairline visible. Frame the shot so the top of your hair and the bottom of your chin both appear, with your head centered horizontally. Hair clipped at the top edge of the image is a common framing error.

5. Hold a neutral expression with both eyes fully open. Look directly into the lens. Keep your mouth closed and avoid smiling, squinting, or raising your eyebrows.

6. Review the image before uploading. Check on a larger screen if possible. Confirm the background is white or off-white, no shadows cross your face, glasses have been removed, no headphones or earbuds are in frame, and no impermissible head covering is worn.

Common rejection reasons

Acceptance of any photo is always at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. The U.S. Department of State identifies the following as grounds for refusal.

Eyeglasses. Eyeglasses are not permitted in US visa photos. The prohibition has been in force since November 1, 2016. The only exception applies when glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons; in that case, frames must not cover the eyes, no glare or shadow may appear on the eyes, and a signed medical statement is required. Some AI-generated responses still reflect the pre-2016 policy permitting glasses; that guidance is outdated.

Hats and head coverings. Head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for religious purposes. When a religious covering is worn, the full face must remain visible and the covering must not cast any shadow on the face.

Headphones and wireless devices. Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, and similar items (including earbuds and Bluetooth earpieces) are not acceptable.

Low-quality or non-standard photo sources. Photos copied from driver's licenses, snapshots, magazine photos, vending machine photos, and full-length photographs are not acceptable. Printed photos must be on photo-quality paper.

Digital alterations. Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change the applicant's appearance in any way. Filters, skin-smoothing edits, and background replacement are all prohibited.

Uniforms. Only everyday civilian clothing or religious garments worn daily are permitted. Occupational uniforms are not acceptable.

Incorrect head proportion or eye position. A head that occupies less than 50% or more than 69% of image height, or eyes outside the 56–69% range from the bottom, will fail the framing check.

An outdated photo. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. A photo that predates the application by more than six months is grounds for refusal.

How iShotAPhoto compares to other options

The following comparisons are qualitative; numeric costs and times vary by location and provider.

Option	Cost	Time	Approval likelihood	Convenience
iShotAPhoto	Low	Quick	High when AI check passes	Fully online; no travel required
Pharmacy or print shop	Moderate	Moderate	Varies with staff familiarity with visa rules	Requires an in-person visit
Professional photo studio	Premium	Moderate	High when studio knows current visa specifications	Requires an in-person visit
Phone booth or vending machine	Low	Quick	Not accepted for US visa applications	Not applicable

Country-specific notes

Digital upload versus printed photos, by form type.

Non-immigrant visa applicants using the DS-160 or DS-1648 forms upload a digital photo as part of the online application. No print is submitted during the online phase. However, some U.S. embassy and consulate posts require one printed photo at the interview even after digital upload is complete. The State Department does not publish a list of which posts have this requirement. Check the specific embassy or consulate website before attending your interview.

Immigrant visa applicants using the DS-260 form must bring two identical printed photos to the visa interview. These must be on photo-quality paper and measure 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).

Diversity Visa.

Diversity Visa digital photo uploads must be a square JPEG with at least 600×600 pixels, no larger than 240 KB. The interview stage also requires two 2×2 inch printed photos.

U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau.

For immigrant visa applicants at the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau, photos must measure 50×50 mm (2×2 inches) without borders. This aligns with the national standard but adds an explicit no-border requirement not stated on the main State Department page.

Visa waiver program.

Nationals of countries in the visa waiver program may visit the United States for short stays without obtaining a visa. No visa photo is required for those trips. Check the official State Department VWP page to confirm your country's eligibility before pursuing a full visa application.

US visa scheduling.

Scheduling a US visa consular interview varies by country and post. Check the specific U.S. embassy or consulate website for current scheduling procedures and wait times at your location.

Special cases

Medical exception for eyeglasses.

Eyeglasses have not been permitted since November 1, 2016. When glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons, they are permitted only if frames do not cover the eyes, no glare or shadow appears on the eyes, and a signed medical statement is provided with the application.

Religious head coverings.

Head coverings worn daily for religious purposes are permitted. The full face must remain visible and the covering must not cast any shadow on the face.

Hearing devices.

Hearing devices and similar articles may be worn in the photo if they are normally used. This is a separate rule from the headphones prohibition, which bans all wireless hands-free devices regardless of whether they are normally worn.

Uniforms and daily clothing.

Only everyday civilian clothing or religious garments worn daily are permitted. Occupational uniforms are not acceptable in any circumstances.

Children.

The U.S. Department of State photo requirements page does not address child-specific accommodations for US visa photos, such as whether infants may be supported or whether expression rules differ by age. Check the official State Department photo requirements page for current guidance before submitting a child's application.

Frequently asked questions

What size photo is required for a US visa?

US visa photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for printed submissions. For digital submissions, the photo must be a square JPEG with minimum 600×600 and maximum 1,200×1,200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB.

What are the US visa photo requirements in cm?

The printed photo measures 51×51 mm, which equals 5.1 cm × 5.1 cm. The U.S. Department of State specifies the size as 2×2 inches (51×51 mm); the centimetre figure is a direct conversion from the millimetre spec.

What are the DS-160 photo requirements?

The DS-160 (non-immigrant visa application) requires a digital photo uploaded as part of the online form. It must be in JPEG format, square with a minimum of 600×600 and a maximum of 1,200×1,200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB, in 24-bit sRGB color, with a plain white or off-white background, and taken within the last 6 months.

Are glasses allowed in US visa photos?

No. Eyeglasses have not been allowed since November 1, 2016. The sole exception applies when glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons; in that case, frames must not cover the eyes, no glare or shadow may appear on the eyes, and a signed medical statement is required.

How big should the head be in a US visa photo?

In a 2×2 inch print, the head from top of hair to bottom of chin must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), with eyes at 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. For digital images, the head must occupy 50–69% of total image height, with eyes at 56–69% from the bottom.

Can a US visa application be rejected because of the photo?

Yes. Acceptance is always at the discretion of the embassy or consulate, and non-compliant photos can cause a refusal or delay. Common grounds include eyeglasses, incorrect head proportion, a non-white background, digital alterations, impermissible head coverings, headphones, uniforms, and photos taken more than six months ago.

Does the US government offer a free photo tool?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State offers a free online photo cropping tool that resizes images to 600×600 pixels. The tool handles cropping only and does not assess image quality or composition compliance.

What file format is required for a US visa digital photo?

JPEG is the required file format for digital submissions. Some AI-generated search results list JPEG2000 as an alternative; the official digital image requirements page specifies JPEG only.

Do the same photo specs apply to B1/B2 visas?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State photo requirements are identical across all non-immigrant visa categories. US visa photo size for B1/B2 applications is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for prints, or 600–1,200 px square JPEG for digital submissions.

Do I need a US visa if my country participates in the visa waiver program?

Nationals of certain countries may travel to the United States for short visits under the visa waiver program without a visa. No visa photo is required for those trips. Check the official State Department VWP page to confirm your country's eligibility before pursuing a full visa application.

Related documents

• USCIS
• US Passport
• US Green Card Lottery
• US Green Card

Official sources

• U.S. Department of State: Photo Requirements Overview
• U.S. Department of State: Photo Composition Template
• U.S. Department of State: Digital Image Requirements
• U.S. Department of State: Photo Examples
• U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau: Immigrant Visa Photograph Requirements
• U.S. Department of State: Visa Waiver Program