Passport photos
🇬🇧 United Kingdom Visa Photo Requirements
A rejected photo wastes your appointment time and delays your application. Here are the exact specifications.
Size
45 × 35 mm
Head size
Head height (crown to chin) must be between 29–34 mm
Background
Cream or light grey
Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed
Glasses
No glasses (rule since 2018)
Recency
Taken within the last month
Quantity
2 identical photos
Head covering
Only for religious reasons; face must remain fully visible
What to do
- Plain cream or light grey background
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- Taken against a plain background with no shadows
- Face front-on, looking straight at the camera
- Both photos must be identical (same session, same lighting)
What NOT to do
- No glasses or sunglasses
- No head coverings (except religious)
- No heavy make-up that changes your appearance
- No harsh shadows on face or behind head
- Not too light or too dark — standard photographic exposure
Pro tips
- 1UK photo rules are very strict — use a professional photo studio
- 2The photo must be printed on photo paper, not regular paper
- 3One photo should be attached to the application form; one to your passport copy
- 4Do not smile — a slight frown is acceptable but neutral is best