Austrian Visitor Visa Photo Guide
Get your Austrian visitor visa photo right by following the official rules for size, background, and pose.
Official Size Requirements
When you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa to visit Austria, you must provide a specific photo[1]. The official size for the Austrian visitor visa photo is 35x45 mm, which equals about 1.38x1.77 inches[1].
Source[1] requires an ICAO-compliant colour photo. The BMEIA page does not state a 36 mm head-height limit.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to these exact dimensions right in your browser.
Background and Lighting Rules
The BMEIA requires an ICAO-compliant colour photo[1]. The cited page does not specify a background colour.
When you take your picture at home, stand a short distance away from the wall to prevent harsh shadows from forming behind you. Face a bright window to get even, natural lighting across both sides of your face.
Do not use a camera flash if it creates heavy shadows or causes red-eye effects.
Facial Expression and Head Position
The BMEIA requires an ICAO-compliant colour photo[1]. Check the applicable ICAO photo criteria for expression and pose details.
Check the applicable ICAO photo criteria for rules on eyes and glasses.
Heavy or dark frames often lead to a refused photo, so you might want to remove them entirely before the camera clicks.
Headwear and Religious Exceptions
Check the applicable ICAO photo criteria for rules on head coverings[1].
Even in these cases, your face must remain fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the edge of your face must show clearly on both sides. Shadows from headwear across your face are not allowed.
Rules for Children and Infants
A visa application requires a photo, and children’s photo criteria follow ICAO standards[1].
For very small babies, taking a photo that meets every rule can feel tricky. You can lay the baby flat on a plain light background and take the picture from directly above.
Follow the applicable ICAO criteria when taking a child’s photo.
Submission Methods and Formats
Austrian representations abroad handle visa applications[1]. Submission methods vary by application channel.
Some application channels capture the photo digitally during the appointment[1]. The cited source does not establish that a printed copy is standard for most applications.
Always check the exact instructions given by the consulate handling your paperwork before you attend your appointment.
Preparing and Printing Your Photo at Home
You can prepare your visa photo safely at home before you go to your appointment. Take a clear picture using a digital camera or smartphone with a helper standing about one to one and a half meters away.
Keep the camera lens at your exact eye level to avoid odd angles that distort your features. Once you have a good digital shot, upload it to the tool above to crop it to the correct 35x45 mm size.
You can then download a standard 4x6-inch print sheet containing multiple copies of your photo. Take this file to any local photo kiosk or print shop and print it on ordinary glossy photo paper.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my Austrian visitor visa photo?
Glasses are allowed conditionally, provided the frames do not hide your eyes and the lenses have no glare or tint[1].
What background color do I need?
You need a plain light background that meets ICAO colour photo standards[1].
Can I print my visa photo at a local store?
Yes, you can print a 4x6-inch sheet containing your cropped photo at an ordinary kiosk[1].
Do babies need their own visa photo?
Yes, children and infants must submit a photo following ICAO criteria[1].
What is the exact size of the photo?
The size is 35x45 mm, or 1.38x1.77 inches[1].