Croatian Short-Stay Visa Photo Requirements
Preparing a photo for your Croatian short-stay visa application requires attention to specific official rules. Use the guidelines below to get your picture right.
Official Size and Measurements
The official photo size is 35x45 mm, or about 1.38x1.77 inches[1][2]. The head must be no more than 36 mm high[2].
You can easily crop your digital image to these exact requirements using the tool above. Always double-check your final proportions before you save or print the image file. Keep the top of your shoulders and your full head inside the frame with some space around the edges.
Background and Lighting
Your photo background must be light, uniform and unpatterned, with sufficient contrast to your face and hair[2]. Avoid patterned wallpaper, textured walls, or colored sheets that fail to provide a clean contrast.
Stand a short distance away from the background wall to prevent dark shadows from forming behind your head and shoulders. Face a window or use even lighting so your skin tone looks natural. Avoid bright lamps placed directly behind you or to the side, as they can cause uneven shadows on your face.
Facial Expression and Mouth
You must show a neutral facial expression with your mouth completely closed during the photo capture[2]. Avoid smiling, laughing, or making any other facial movements that alter your natural look.
Look straight ahead into the camera lens with your eyes wide open and focused. Keep your head level and centered in the frame so your entire face is clearly visible. Relax your jaw so your mouth stays shut naturally without pursing your lips.
Glasses and Lenses
The ordinance allows sunglasses only in the exceptional case of a blind applicant[2]. It does not specify rules for ordinary glasses.
If you wear glasses, avoid reflections that hide your eyes. The sources do not give specific rules for ordinary glasses or tinted lenses.
Head Coverings and Hair
Religious or medical head coverings are permitted for your application photo[1][2]. However, any approved head covering must leave your cheeks, chin and forehead entirely visible to the camera[1][2].
Make sure the covering does not cast shadows across your face. Keep your hair away from your eyes so your face is visible.
Rules for Children and Infants
A child must be alone in the photo, with their face fully visible and eyes open[2].
For a baby, you can lay them on a plain, light-colored sheet and take the photo from above. Keep hands and toys out of the frame.
Submission Methods and Printing
The application requires one colour photo, which may be submitted as a print, scanned, or taken when applying[2].
If you print at home, use glossy, smooth photo paper with good print quality[1][2]. Follow your printer's instructions to print at actual size without scaling.
If the Office Takes the Photo
You can have your picture taken directly at the application submission point if you prefer not to prepare one in advance[2].
If you choose this option, keep your hair neat, wear simple clothing, and be ready to follow instructions from the staff regarding your head position and facial expression.
Frequently asked questions
What is the required photo size for a Croatian short-stay visa?
Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
The ordinance allows sunglasses only in the exceptional case of a blind applicant. It does not specify rules for ordinary glasses[2].
Are head coverings allowed in the photo?
How should the background look?
The background must be light, uniform and unpatterned, with sufficient contrast to your face and hair[2].