French Visitor Visa Photo Guide
A French visitor-visa application requires a photo that meets the official standards[1][2].
Size and Dimensions
French guidance specifies a photo width of 35 to 40 mm and a face height of 32 to 36 mm[1].
Getting these millimeter measurements right helps prevent early rejection of your paperwork. If your face is too small or too large inside the frame, the issuing office may ask you to submit a new picture. Taking time to measure carefully before you send your application saves you trouble later.
Background and Lighting
The photo must be ICAO-compliant. The cited visa FAQ does not state a background color[1].
Face a bright window or use balanced indoor lighting to illuminate your face evenly. Avoid casting shadows behind your head or across your facial features. Good lighting makes sure that your skin tone and facial traits appear clearly on the final print.
Facial Expression and Glasses
The photo must meet the applicable identity-photo requirements[1].
Glasses are allowed conditionally[1]. Follow the instructions for your application location.
The supplied facts say headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons. Follow the instructions for your application location[1].
Rules for Children
Applicants under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprints, but photo requirements remain[1]. Check the filing post's current checklist[1].
You should check the filing post's current checklist before you submit your application materials[1] to make sure you follow any local instructions for minors. Preparing a child's photo requires patience, so try taking multiple pictures in good light until you get a clear shot.
Submission and File Details
France issues Schengen short-stay visas where applicable, and applicants provide ICAO-format photos[1]. France-Visas says two recent photos are required in the application guidance[1].
The consulate or service provider also collects photo data at the appointment[1][2].
The cited source does not specify file-size limits[1].
Taking the Photo at Home
You can easily prepare your own picture at home with some simple preparation. Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the camera lens to avoid facial distortion. Keep the camera at your exact eye level so your face looks natural and balanced.
Ask someone else to take the picture for you instead of trying to hold the camera for a selfie. Stand up straight, look directly into the lens, and relax your shoulders. Once you have a good digital shot, you can crop and format your picture using the tool above.
Printing Your Photo
You can arrange your cropped photo on a standard sheet to save paper and printing costs. Take your prepared file to a local store kiosk and print it as an ordinary 4x6-inch photo.
Make sure the kiosk prints the sheet at one hundred percent scale without any automatic scaling or cropping. Cut the printed copies carefully using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter along the crop lines. Check your physical cutouts with a ruler to verify that they match the required dimensions before attaching them to your application forms.
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need for a French visitor visa photo?
The official size is 35x45 mm or 1.38x1.77 in[1].
Can I wear glasses in my photo?
Glasses are allowed conditionally[1], provided your eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare on the lenses.
Are children required to submit photos?
Applicants under 12 are generally exempt from fingerprints, but photo requirements remain[1].
How many photos do I need to submit?
France-Visas says two recent photos are required in the application guidance[1].
What is the head height requirement?
French guidance specifies a face height of 32 to 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head[1].