United States

US ESTA photo

Required size: 50.8×50.8 mm (2×2 in). Your photo is processed on your device.

The issuing authority doesn't publish one photo size for this document, so the studio uses the size most often asked for. Check the current rules with the authority or organisation that issues it before you apply.

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Upload a portrait from your phone or take one with your camera.

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Photo requirements

  • Size: 50.8×50.8 mm (2×2 in)
  • Head size: 25.4–35 mm from chin to top of head
  • Background: White
  • Privacy: Processed on your device; the photo is not uploaded

Background

Put an accepted colour behind you. This happens on your device.

Download or print

Download a single photo, or a sheet with several copies to print at a photo kiosk.

💡 Printing tip

Save the sheet to your phone or a USB drive and order it at a photo kiosk as a standard 4×6-inch print.

Choose an ordinary photo print, not the passport photo service.

Official specification

Official nameCBP ESTA Application Mobile Photo
How you hand it inDigital upload
Photo size50.8×50.8 mm (2×2 in)
Head height (chin to top of head)25.4–35 mm
BackgroundWhite
GlassesNot allowed
Head coveringOnly for religious or medical reasons, with the face fully visible
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, eyes open

How to Prepare Your US ESTA Photo

Getting your travel documents ready for the United States requires a clear digital image. This page explains what you need to know about the requirements.

Understanding the ESTA Photo Request

The official ESTA site requires a traveler selfie[1][2]. The listed sources do not specify a standard crop or print size for it.

The official ESTA application website lists a traveler selfie as required[1][2]. It does not publish standard crop or print specifications for it[1][2].

Follow the instructions shown in the ESTA application when you upload your selfie[1][2].

Official Size and Head Height Guidelines

The listed ESTA sources do not specify a required crop size[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application when you upload your selfie.

The listed ESTA sources do not give a head-height measurement[1][2].

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a required photo size[1][2]. Follow the upload instructions in the application.

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a head-height measurement[1][2].

Background and Lighting

The listed ESTA sources do not specify a background color or crop for the selfie[1][2].

For a personal photo, even lighting can make your face easier to see. The cited ESTA sources do not specify lighting requirements[1][2].

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a background color[1][2]. Follow any instructions shown in the application.

Facial Expression, Glasses, and Head Coverings

The listed ESTA sources do not specify an expression rule for the selfie[1][2].

The listed ESTA sources do not specify rules for glasses or head coverings[1][2].

The cited ESTA sources do not specify an expression rule[1][2]. Follow any instructions shown in the application.

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a glasses rule[1][2]. Follow any instructions shown in the application.

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a head-covering rule[1][2]. Follow any instructions shown in the application.

Rules for Children and Who Takes the Photo

The applicant supplies the required selfie[1][2]. The listed sources do not give separate photo rules for children or infants[1][2].

The cited ESTA sources do not give separate photo rules for children or infants[1][2]. Follow any instructions shown in the application.

How to Take Your Photo at Home

The cited sources require a traveler selfie but do not specify how to take it[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application.

The cited sources do not specify camera position, pose, expression, or lighting rules[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application.

The cited sources do not specify a background or lighting rule[1][2].

Preparing and Checking Your Digital File

The cited ESTA sources do not specify crop dimensions or a head-height limit[1][2]. Follow the upload instructions in the application.

Review your file against the instructions shown in the application before uploading it[1][2].

The cited sources do not specify expression, hair, or file-format rules[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application.

Frequently asked questions

What size should my US ESTA photo be?

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a photo size[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application.

Can I wear glasses in my ESTA photo?

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a glasses rule[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application.

What background color is required?

The cited ESTA sources do not specify a background color[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application.

What facial expression do I need?

The cited ESTA sources do not specify an expression rule[1][2]. Follow the instructions shown in the application.

Who takes the ESTA photo?

The applicant supplies the photo[1][2].