Thinking about travelling abroad to the Schengen area? Find out whether you need a Schengen Visa! For a stress-free experience, use a professional visa photo service for your application. Read this article to find out if you really need a Schengen Visa photo in 2023. Let’s go!
What is the Size of a Schengen Visa Photo?
If you’re looking to get a compliant Schengen Visa photo, make sure you choose a professional service that is up to date with all the necessary photo requirements. Check out the Schengen Visa photo size requirements below.
Schengen Visa Photo Size Requirements
- A Schengen Visa photo must be 35mm wide (1 3/8 inches) x 45mm high (1 3/4 inches)
- In the Schengen Visa photo, your head must take up 70-80% of the photo.
What are the Schengen Visa Photo Requirements?
It’s recommended that you follow every requirement if you’re taking your own photo for your Schengen Visa. If you happen to miss out any of the guidelines, you’ll likely experience delays in the processing of your Schengen Visa application.
To increase your chances of getting accepted the first time, use a service that can guarantee that your photo will be accepted like Smartphone iD.
Photo Quality
- If you take your own photo, the photo must be sharp with no visible pixels or printing errors.
- Your photo should not be taken more than six months before your application
Your Appearance
- Ensure your face is entirely visible in the photo
- No deep shadows or glaring lights should obscure your face
- Head coverings and hats are forbidden except for medical or religious reasons (as long as they do not obscure facial features)
- Jewellery is not permitted to be worn in your Schengen Visa photo
- The suggested background colour is grey
- You shouldn’t wear uniform
- You should avoid wearing colors that match the background in your photo
Your Posture
- Keep a neutral expression for the Schengen Visa photo
- Face the camera directly on and center yourself in the frame
- Make sure your eyes are clearly visible
How Many Photos Do I Need for a Schengen Visa?
When applying for your Schengen Visa, you’ll need to submit two identical passport-style photos with your application. Make sure they’re compliant to the requirements so that you don’t experience any delays.
Where to Take a Schengen Visa Photo in the US?
- Smartphone iD: Get certified photos, verified by our biometrics experts, with digital (email) or printed delivery. We offer a great competitive price and a money-back guarantee.
- Walmart Photo Center: upload your compliant photo and pick up two copies in-store. Cheap, but you need to have your own photo to use this option, and there’s no compliance check.
- Photo Studios: You can get photos from photo studios, however, they can be quite pricey and it takes time to set up an appointment and travel.
- Photo Booth: These can sometimes be cheap, although there’s no aftermarket support if something goes wrong.
- Check online whether your local outlets can provide passport-style photos with the correct specifications:
- CVS
- Walgreens
- UPS
- Staples
What is the Cost of a Schengen Visa Photo?
If you’re looking to get a Schengen Visa photo, you can expect to pay between $7 USD and $20 USD. It will depend on which photo service you decide to use as to what price you pay. Be aware that photo studios might well charge more than these prices.
A lot of services aren’t able to provide photos to the correct specifications for a Schengen Visa photo. An easy way to get a reliable, quick and cheap service is to use our Smartphone iD app. We will guarantee your Schengen Visa photo is 100% acceptable by the government.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
If you need to know how to apply for a Schengen Visa, you can find out more by going to the Schengen Visa Information website. Use the steps below to give you a basic guideline as to how to apply and the process involved.
- Check if you are eligible for a Schengen Visa.
- Find out where to apply for your Schengen Visa.
- Acquire the necessary documents Schengen Visa.
- Book an appointment either at an embassy, consulate or visa centre.
- Attend the appointment you have booked with the correct documents.
- Pay the Schengen Visa fee. This could be subject to change so make sure to find out before applying.
- Wait for whether you’re accepted or need to take any other action.
How to Get an Approved Schengen Visa Photo?
Don’t leave your Schengen Visa application to chance by not being sure whether your Schengen Visa photo is acceptable. You can get a pre-approved Schengen Visa photo with a 100% government acceptance guarantee when you use Smartphone iD.
It’s easy to get certified Schengen Visa photos wherever and whenever you need them. Just use our app Smartphone iD. You can start straight away from home, with no expensive equipment required – just your smartphone.
Summary
So whether you need a Schengen Visa for tourism or you’re just transiting through, make sure you have a compliant Schengen Visa photo for your application. There’s no need to make tiresome journeys to a photo booth or studio after work! Just get everything you need at home in one app.
Have you tried out Smartphone iD yet?
