How to use the Schengen Visa Photo (35×45 mm) tool
- 1
Take a biometric-style photo
Face the camera straight on against a plain light wall, with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
- 2
Schengen preset selected
The page opens with Schengen / EU – Visa & Passport: 35 × 45 mm with a 32–36 mm head guide.
- 3
Line up the guide
Zoom until your head fills the space between the lines and your face is centred in the oval.
- 4
Print for your appointment
Download the 4×6 in or A4 sheet as JPG or PDF and print it on photo paper.
Why use KBSnap’s Passport Photo Maker?
Biometric 35×45 mm preset
Frame and head guide based on the international (ICAO) standard used for Schengen visas.
Print sheets with cut guides
4×6 in, 5×7 in, A4 or Letter sheets with as many copies as fit.
Digital copy too
Keep a 300 DPI JPG for online visa forms and future applications.
Straighten tool
Level a slightly tilted photo so your face is square to the camera.
Private
Your photo is processed in your browser and never uploaded.
Schengen visa photo requirements
| Requirement | Common Schengen rule |
|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height | 32–36 mm, chin to crown (about 70–80% of the photo) |
| Background | Plain and light, often light grey; some consulates specify the shade |
| Age of photo | Recent – usually taken within the last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at the camera |
| Pose | Face straight on, not tilted, both sides of the face visible |
| Glasses | Best removed; never tinted, and no glare or frames over the eyes |
| Copies | Usually one or two, as stated on the checklist |
Schengen countries follow the international biometric photo standard, but each consulate publishes its own checklist. Before you print, check the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you’re applying to, or of its visa application centre.
One visa, many consulates: what can differ
You apply to the consulate of your main destination, and small details vary between countries:
- Background shade – most want plain light grey or another light colour, and some are specific about it.
- Number of photos – one is common; some checklists ask for two.
- How it’s handed in – glued to the application form or handed in loose.
- Photo age – six months is typical, but some centres ask for a more recent photo.
Because the tool doesn’t change the background, pick a wall that meets the strictest version of the rule: plain, light and evenly lit, with you standing about a metre in front of it so no shadow falls behind you.
Printing photos for your visa appointment
Download the 4×6 in sheet and print it at a photo kiosk or print shop, or print the A4 PDF at home on photo paper at 100% scale. The sheet gives you several copies, which is handy if the visa centre asks for an extra one or you need to reapply.
Cut neatly along the guides. A photo with an uneven edge, or one trimmed to 34 mm wide, looks careless and may be refused.
Your fingerprints are usually taken at the appointment, but printed photos still appear on most checklists – bring them unless yours clearly says otherwise.
Why Schengen photos get rejected
- Head too small – common with home photos taken from too far away. The 32–36 mm guide fixes this if the original is sharp enough to zoom in on.
- Smiling or an open mouth – keep a neutral expression.
- Shadows on the face or on the background.
- Glare or thick frames over the eyes.
- Hair covering the eyes or the edges of the face.
- Poor prints – grainy, too dark, or on plain paper.
Getting the rest of your visa file ready? Merge PDF combines scanned documents into one file, and Compress PDF shrinks it for online upload portals.