UK Visitor Visa Photo Guidelines and Requirements
Understand the official rules for UK visitor visa photos, including file limits, sizing, and how your biometric photo is collected.
How UK Visitor Visa Photos Are Taken
For a Standard Visitor visa, the authority takes the photo itself or the applicant does not supply one[1]. Standard Visitor visa applicants attend a visa application centre, where their biometric photo is taken[1].
Standard Visitor applicants have their photo taken at their visa application centre[1]. The application page does not specify a print size. UKVI’s general digital guidance is for applicant-supplied digital photos, not the appointment photo[2].
While the official photo is taken at your appointment, you can use the tool above to rehearse, check a photo, or prepare a copy for other uses. The tool never promises that an independent photo will replace the official biometric capture.
Official Size and Head Measurements
UKVI’s general digital photo guidance gives minimum pixel dimensions, not a print size[2].
The general digital photo guidance does not set a head-height measurement[2].
Keep your head straight and centered in the frame. Position the camera at eye level about one to one and a half meters away from your face.
Background and Lighting Requirements
For digital visa photos, UKVI requires a plain light-coloured background that contrasts clearly with you[2]. It does not specify an exact colour.
Face a bright window to get even, natural lighting on your face. Avoid standing too close to the wall behind you to prevent harsh shadows.
Ask someone else to take the picture rather than holding the camera at arm's length for a selfie.
Expression, Eyes, Glasses, and Head Coverings
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed[2]. Look directly into the camera lens with your eyes fully open and visible.
You must remove glasses unless there is a medical reason that prevents you from doing so[2]. Tinted glasses or sunglasses are not allowed.
Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons[2]. Your face must be fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, including both edges of your face.
Rules for Babies and Children
General digital photo guidance states that babies under one year old do not need to have their eyes open[2].
Infants should lie down on a plain light-coloured sheet and be photographed from directly above[2].
Make sure no other people, toys, or hands appear in the frame with the child.
Digital Submissions and File Limits
You apply online and attend an appointment at a visa application centre, where your fingerprints and photo are taken[1].
The general UKVI digital photo guidance sets a maximum file size of 6 MB[2]. This is not the photo process described for Standard Visitor applicants.
You can use the tool above to crop and check your digital files so they fit the correct proportions and format before you need them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a printed photo for a UK visitor visa?
No. Standard Visitor visa applicants attend a visa application centre, where their biometric photo is taken directly by the authority[1].
What size is the UK visitor visa photo?
Standard Visitor applicants have their photo taken at a visa application centre[1]. The application page does not specify a print size.
What are the file size limits for a digital UK visa photo?
Can I wear glasses in my visa photo?
You must remove glasses unless you have a specific medical reason[2].
Do babies need to look at the camera?
Babies under one year old do not need to have their eyes open or look at the camera[2].