Belgian Visitor Visa Photo Requirements
If you apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for Belgium, you must follow strict photo rules set by the government. This guide explains the exact sizes, background rules, and steps you need to follow to prepare.
Official Size and Head Measurements
The official photo size is 35×45 mm (about 1.38×1.77 inches), with a head height of 25–35 mm from chin to top of head[1].
Follow the photo guide’s measurements when preparing your photo[1].
Background and Lighting Requirements
The consular photo guide specifies a white background and a 35×45 mm color photo, with no shadows or color changes[1].
Pay close attention to lighting to prevent dark shadows from forming on the wall or across your face. Balanced light makes sure your facial features remain clear and visible to the office reviewing your documents.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Expressions
The supplied facts say glasses and headwear are not allowed for this visa photo[1]. The source does not establish a religious or medical exception for headwear.
The supplied facts say the mouth must be closed[1]. The source does not establish an exception for headwear or all of the added expression and eye-direction rules.
Submission Rules and Digital Capture
A digital photograph is taken at the embassy for visa applicants[2]. The source does not say it must be taken at a scheduled appointment or that it is the primary official record of the image.
However, some regional application posts also require a printed 35×45 mm photo attached physically to your application form[1]. Because requirements can vary depending on where you submit your paperwork, check the exact local instructions provided by your application center.
Special Rules for Children and Infants
Applicants under 12 are exempt from fingerprints[2]. Source[2] says a digital photograph is taken for visa applicants, but does not specify that infants’ photos are captured during a visit.
Photographing young children can sometimes be difficult, so taking a practice photo at home can help you understand how to position them. You can use the tool above to prepare a practice copy and check your framing before your appointment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo at Home
Stand roughly 1 to 1.5 meters away from the camera and keep the lens positioned directly at your eye level. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of holding the camera or phone at arm's length.
Face toward a large window to capture soft, natural light that illuminates both sides of your face equally. You can use the tool above to crop your picture to the correct proportions easily in your web browser.
Printing Your Photo and Avoiding Refusals
If your specific consular post asks for a printed copy alongside your digital capture, save your cropped photo onto a standard 4×6-inch photo template sheet. You can take this file to a local store kiosk and print it out as an ordinary photograph on glossy or matte paper.
Common reasons visa photos get refused include harsh shadows, poor lighting, wearing glasses, tilted heads, or incorrect head measurements. Always double-check your finished image against official specifications before you submit your application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear my everyday glasses in the photo?
No, glasses are not allowed in your Belgian visa photo[1].
Do babies and infants need a visa photo?
Source[2] says visa applicants’ digital photos are taken at the embassy and applicants under 12 are exempt from fingerprints. It does not give a separate infant-photo rule.
What color should the background be?
White background; authority consular photo guide specifies a 35×45 mm colour photo with no shadows or colour changes[1].