Preparing Your Greek Schengen Visa Photo
You need a correct photo when applying for a Greek Schengen visa. Follow these simple rules to prepare your printed photo correctly[1][2].
Official Size and Submission Requirements
The Greek Embassy in Lebanon’s visa checklist asks for one recent passport photo, no older than six months, measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm, with a white or plain light-coloured background and a frontal view[1]. Check the instructions for the consulate where you apply.
The source[2] says visa applicants must appear in person for biometric capture, but it does not specify that a digital photo is taken on site. Source[1] asks for one recent printed photo with the application.
Background and Composition Rules
Your visa photo must feature a white or plain light-coloured background with a direct frontal view of your face[1]. This means you need to position yourself so that you are looking straight into the camera lens with your head centred. To achieve the best possible lighting, try to stand facing a large window during daylight hours.
Natural light prevents harsh shadows from forming under your chin or across your eyes. Avoid using a direct flash if you can, because it often creates an unnatural reflection or a heavy shadow on the wall behind you. If possible, ask a friend or family member to take the picture for you instead of taking a selfie, because holding a camera at arm length can distort your facial features and change your proportions.
Head Height and Proportions
The Lebanon checklist specifies a 35 × 45 mm photo but gives no separate head-height measurement[1].
If you want to crop your picture to the exact correct size easily, you can use the tool above. This browser tool helps you adjust your image dimensions accurately without uploading your personal photo to an external server, keeping your data safely on your own device.
Rules for Children and Infants
The Lebanon checklist requires one application form for each person and one recent passport photo[1]. Check the consulate’s instructions for children and infants.
The checklist requires a frontal view and a white or plain light-coloured background[1]. It does not provide separate instructions for photographing babies or toddlers.
How to Print Your Photo
Because the Greek Schengen visa requires a physical printed photo, you must prepare a hard copy rather than just a digital file[1][2]. You can use the tool above to place your properly cropped photo onto a standard 4 by 6-inch template sheet.
This creates a standard image file that you can print easily at any local photo printing kiosk, retail store, or on your own home printer using standard 4 by 6-inch photo paper. Once your sheet prints out, carefully cut out the 35 by 45 mm photo using a sharp pair of scissors or a paper cutter to get clean, straight edges before attaching it to your application[1][2].
Common Reasons for Photo Refusal
The Lebanon checklist asks for a white or plain light-coloured background[1]. It does not identify common refusal reasons or describe how often photos are refused.
Another frequent issue is poor print quality, such as blurry details, pixelation, or incorrect dimensions caused by printing at the wrong scale. Always use a recent picture that clearly reflects your current appearance, avoids heavy filters, and meets every instruction provided by the official consular checklist[1][2].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a Greek Schengen visa photo?
What background colour do I need for my photo?
You need a white or plain light-coloured background with a frontal view[1].