Preparing Your French Visitor Visa Photo
Get the exact specifications for your French short-stay visitor visa photo. Follow these official rules to prepare your images properly.
Official Size and Head Measurements
France-Visas says the photo must be 35–40 mm wide[1]. The face must measure 32–36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, excluding hair[1].
The face must measure 32–36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, excluding hair[1].
Measure from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, excluding hair[1].
Background and Visual Details
The photo must follow the ICAO standard[1]. The checked French visa pages do not specify a background color[1].
The checked official guidelines do not specify rules for glasses or headwear[1].
The cited pages do not state a background color or expression rule[2][1].
Submission and Appointment Requirements
You must include two recent ICAO-format photos in your visa application file[2].
At the appointment, the service provider or consulate collects biometric data, including a photo[2].
Include the two recent photos in your application file[2]. The service provider or consulate also collects biometric data, including a photo, at the appointment[2].
Rules for Children and Teenagers
Children need their own visa application and photo[2].
Applicants over 12 generally attend in person for biometric collection, which includes a photo[2]. A photo must still be included in the application file[2].
The cited pages do not specify a pose or expression for children’s photos[2][1].
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Photo
The official pages require recent ICAO-format photos[2][1]. They do not specify a home photography setup.
The official pages do not specify who must take the photo or a camera distance[2][1].
Check that the photo is recent and follows the ICAO standard[2][1].
Printing and Checking Your Output
Include two recent printed ICAO-format photos in your application file[2].
Check that the photo is 35–40 mm wide and that the face measures 32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head, excluding hair[1].
The cited pages do not specify paper finish or printer settings[2][1]. Check that the photo is 35–40 mm wide and the face is 32–36 mm high, excluding hair[1].
Frequently asked questions
What is the official size for a French visitor visa photo?
The photo must be 35–40 mm wide, and the face must measure 32–36 mm, excluding hair[1].
What must the head height be in the photo?
The face must measure 32–36 mm from the chin to the top of the head, excluding hair[1].
Do I need printed photos for my application?
Yes, include two recent ICAO-format photos in your visa application file[2].
Are photos taken at the visa appointment too?
Yes. At the appointment, the service provider or consulate collects biometric data, including a photo that may be scanned or taken then[2].
Do children need their own visa photos?
Children need their own visa application and photo[2].