Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 2026
All Schengen visa applications require biometric passport-style photographs meeting ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards. Under the 2026 India-EU Mobility Pact, the same photo specifications apply across all 27 Schengen member states.
Exact Dimensions & Technical Specs
Common Rejection Reasons
VFS Global and consulates reject photos for these top reasons:
- Wrong dimensions — Photo not exactly 35×45mm
- Background issues — Must be plain white/light grey, no patterns
- Face too small/large — Must occupy 70-80% of the frame
- Shadows on face — Even lighting required from both sides
- Wearing glasses — Not allowed since 2025 EU regulation update
- Old photo — Must be taken within the last 6 months
FAQ
Yes! Use a white wall background, natural daylight from a window, and a smartphone with at least 8MP camera. Our tool will handle the cropping and resizing to exact specifications.
Our tool produces photos that meet ICAO biometric standards required by VFS. However, we recommend printing on glossy photo paper at a professional print shop for best results.
Most consulates require 2 identical photos. Some (like France) may ask for 3. Print extras to be safe — typically 4 copies cost ₹200-300 at a photo studio.
Indian passport photos are 51×51mm (2×2 inch) while Schengen visa photos are 35×45mm. Different size, different aspect ratio. Our tool supports both formats.