Background, lighting, glasses, the smile — small details that can set your application back by days.
The photo is the document we ask customers to replace most often. These seven mistakes cause nearly all of it:
- A background that isn't plain and light. It should be even white or light grey, with no shadows.
- An old photo. It must be taken within the last six months.
- Glasses or glare. Take your glasses off.
- A tilted head. Face straight on, looking into the lens.
- An exaggerated expression. Neutral face, mouth closed.
- Filters or retouching. Any digital enhancement gets it rejected.
- The wrong size. It varies by country — Schengen and the UK use 35×45 mm, the US 51×51 mm.
Head coverings
Religious head coverings are accepted as long as the whole face shows, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin.
A practical tip
Shoot by a window in daylight with even light from the front, or use a studio that knows embassy specs. You can upload the photo from your phone on the documents step, and we'll tell you if it needs a retake.
