Swiss Visitor Visa Photo Requirements and Size Guide
Getting a visa for Switzerland requires a specific photo that meets strict international standards. Follow these rules to prepare your picture correctly.
Official Size and Submission Rules
The official photo size is 35 × 45 mm, or about 1.38 × 1.77 inches[1]. The checklist asks for one recent photo glued to the application form[1].
Biometric photo capture or exemptions may apply depending on your case and prior VIS enrollment[2].
The supplied checklist specifies the photo size but does not set a head-height measurement[1]. Check the instructions from the Swiss representation handling your application for other requirements.
Background and Lighting Requirements
The photo must be recent, in colour, and ICAO-compliant, with a white or light background and no shadows[1].
Make sure the lighting is even across your face and the background. Stand a short distance away from the wall behind you to prevent casting dark shadows.
Face a large window or use soft, balanced indoor lighting to get clear results without harsh glares on your skin.
Glasses, Headwear, and Facial Appearance
The cited visa checklist does not specify rules for glasses. Check the instructions from the Swiss representation handling your application.
The cited visa checklist does not specify rules for headwear. Check the instructions from the Swiss representation handling your application.
The authority does not explicitly specify a mandatory rule for a neutral expression or a closed mouth in these guidelines, but keeping a calm and natural facial expression is always recommended.
Guidelines for Children and Infants
Biometric data requirements for children may depend on the application circumstances. Check the instructions from the Swiss representation handling the application[2].
If you need to photograph a baby, lay them flat on a plain white or light sheet and take the picture from directly above. Make sure no hands, toys, or other people appear in the frame with the child.
Keep the baby's eyes open and their mouth closed if possible, and take multiple shots so you have a good option to choose from.
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
You can easily prepare your photo at home using a digital camera or a smartphone. Stand about one to one-and-a-half metres away from the camera and keep the lens at your exact eye level.
Ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of holding the phone at arm's length, because front cameras often distort facial proportions.
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the correct 35x45 mm size and check its alignment before you print it out.
Printing and Preparing Your Photo Sheet
Once your photo is cropped correctly, you can arrange it on a standard 4x6-inch photo layout sheet. Print the sheet at a local photo kiosk or at home using standard glossy or matte photo paper.
Cut the printed photo carefully along the borders using a paper cutter or scissors to reach the precise 35x45 mm dimensions needed for your paperwork.
You can use the tool above to make this photo sheet layout quick and simple to prepare for your printing task.
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of a Swiss visitor visa photo?
The official size is 35x45 mm, which equals 1.38x1.77 inches[1].
Can I wear glasses in my Swiss visa photo?
The cited checklist does not specify rules for glasses. Check the instructions from the Swiss representation handling your application.
Are head coverings allowed in the photo?
The cited checklist does not specify rules for headwear. Check the instructions from the Swiss representation handling your application.
How do I submit the photo for my application?
You normally submit one recent photo glued to the application form, though biometric capture or exemptions may apply based on your case and prior VIS enrollment[1].
Does the authority set a specific head height rule?
The head height is not set by the authority in the official guidelines.