French Short-Stay Visa Photo Requirements and Size Guide
Use these photo instructions when preparing your French short-stay visa application.
Official Size and Head Dimensions
The France-Visas instructions say the photo must be 35–40 mm wide[1].
Your face should take up 70–80% of the photo[1].
Center your head and include the top of your shoulders in the photo.
Background and Lighting Rules
Use a plain, light-colored background with no shadows[1]. France-Visas photo examples specify light gray or light blue[1].
Stand a short distance away from the background to stop shadows from forming behind your head. Face a window or use even lighting so your entire face receives balanced light without harsh dark spots or bright glares.
Avoid standing directly against a wall, because your body will cast a dark shadow right behind you. Turn off any overhead lights that create heavy shadows under your eyes or nose.
Facial Expression and Headwear
Use a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed[1].
Look directly into the camera lens with your eyes wide open. Do not tilt your head up, down, or to the side.
Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons. If worn, they must leave your face visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead and show both edges of your face[1].
Glasses and Visibility
If you wear glasses, your eyes must be visible and there must be no flash reflection on the lenses[1].
Tinted lenses are not allowed, and frames must not cover any part of your eyes[1]. If your frames cover your eyes, adjust them or use glasses with lighter frames.
Rules for Children and Biometrics
Children need a photo for their visa applications[2]. Follow the instructions for taking an infant’s photo.
Make sure the baby's photo follows the same photo instructions[1].
The consulate or service provider collects biometric information, including a photo[3].
Taking Your Photo at Home
Ask someone to take the picture from far enough away to avoid distortion.
Face the camera directly and check that your face fills 70–80% of the photo[1].
Printing and Submitting Your Photo
Submit two recent identity photos in ICAO format[3]. The consulate or service provider also collects your biometric photo at the appointment[3].
Print the photo in color on high-quality photo paper[1].
The photo must be sharp, clear, and printed on high-quality photo paper[1].
Frequently asked questions
Can I smile in my French visa photo?
Use a neutral expression and keep your mouth closed[1].
What background color should I use?
Do babies need their own visa photo?
Yes. Applicants must provide two recent identity photos in ICAO format[3].
Are glasses allowed in the picture?
If you wear glasses, your eyes must be clearly visible, with no flash reflection or tinted lenses; frames must not cover your eyes[1].
How do I print the photo?
Print the photo in color on high-quality photo paper[1].
Can I wear a hat in my visa photo?
Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons. If worn, they must leave your face visible from chin to forehead and show both edges of your face[1].