Russian visa photo size and requirements
A regular Russian visa application uses a printed color photo measuring 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in). The rules below are for that printed photo; an e-visa uses a separate digital photo process.[1][2]
Photo size and face position
Print the photo at 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in). The regular visa photo instructions call for a frontal view, but do not set a head-height range, eye position, or top margin. Do not use a percentage or measurement from the separate e-visa instructions for this printed photo.[1]
Use a recent photo. The regular specification says it must have been taken no more than six months before the application.[1]
Background, light, and expression
Use a plain white or light-colored background. The authority does not define an exact shade for a light-colored background or give a shadow measurement for the regular visa photo.[2]
The regular visa photo sources do not set a required expression or say that the mouth must be closed. Follow the stated frontal-view requirement, and keep your face easy to see.[1][2]
For a clear home photo, stand a short distance in front of a plain wall and face a window or other soft light. Avoid direct sun, flash glare, and strong shadows. These are practical photo tips, not stated visa rules.
Eyes, glasses, and head coverings
Check with the consular office handling your application for its rules on glasses.
The Poland photo specification says to take the photo without headwear.[1] Check with the consular office handling your application if you need to wear a head covering.
The sources do not list a special medical exception for head coverings. If you need one for a medical reason, check with the consular office handling your application before taking the photo.
Children and printed submission
The opened regular visa photo requirements do not give separate rules for babies or children. Use the same stated print size and photo requirements; do not assume there is an infant exception.[1][2]
This is a printed-photo application. The supplied regular photo instructions specify a photo printed on good photo paper; they do not give a pixel size or file-size limit for an upload.[2] The digital photo and JPEG instructions belong to Russia’s separate e-visa process.[3]
Check the application instructions for the consular office where you will apply. The official authority decides whether a photo meets the requirements.
How to take the photo at home
1. Choose a plain white or light-colored wall. Move away from it enough to reduce shadows. 2. Face soft, even light; ask another person to take the picture if possible. 3. Put the camera at eye level, about 1–1.5 m away, and frame your head and shoulders. These setup suggestions are practical advice, not official measurements.
4. Look straight at the camera and keep your head facing forward. Remove dark glasses, hats, and other items that cover your face, except where an official headwear exception applies. 5. Take several shots, then choose a sharp, evenly lit image without glare or a strong shadow.
6. Crop the chosen image to 35 × 45 mm while keeping the frontal view. The official regular-photo rules do not set a head-height or top-margin number, so do not try to meet an invented measurement.[1] The tool above can prepare the crop in your browser; the photo stays on your device.
Prepare and check the 4×6 print
If you use the tool above, arrange the cropped photo on a 4 × 6-inch print sheet and save the sheet. At the kiosk, choose 4 × 6 inches and print at actual size, with options such as “fit to page” turned off. These are print steps, not official layout rules; the authority does not set how many copies should fit on the sheet.
After printing, measure one photo: it should be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Cut along the edges without trimming into the image. Use good photo paper, as the official guidance says.[2]
Before you submit it, check that the photo is recent, frontal, and the right physical size. A wrong size, a photo taken more than six months before the application, or a turned head can conflict with the stated requirements.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Russian visa photo?
For a regular Russian visa, print it at 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in).[1][2]
How tall should my head be in the photo?
The regular visa photo specification does not set a head-height measurement, eye position, or top margin.[1]
Can I wear glasses in a Russian visa photo?
Check with the consular office handling your application for its rules on glasses.
Can I wear a head covering?
The Poland specification says no headwear.[1] Check with the consular office handling your application if you need to wear a head covering.