🇬🇧 United Kingdom visa photo requirements
35 x 45 mm, head 29–34 mm chin to crown, Plain light grey or cream background — and the details that get photographs bounced before an officer ever opens the file.
Check my photo freeThe United Kingdom specification
Photo size
35 x 45 mm
Head height
29–34 mm chin to crown
Background
Plain light grey or cream
- No borders or frames
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Taken within the last month
Last reviewed 12/08/2026 · Source: UK Home Office photo rules. Confirm against the official United Kingdom guidance before printing.
Routes this specification covers
United Kingdom applies one biometric photo standard across its visa routes. The same compliant photo is accepted for every route below — only the supporting documents differ.
Why United Kingdom visa photos get rejected
- Background is off-white, textured or shadowed instead of the plain light grey or cream tone United Kingdom requires.
- Head is outside the 29–34 mm chin to crown window — the single most common mechanical failure.
- Smiling, open mouth, or eyes partially closed.
- Glare on glasses, tinted lenses, or frames crossing the eyes.
- Digital retouching, beauty filters or a photo cropped out of a group picture.
- Printed at the wrong dimensions — United Kingdom expects 35 x 45 mm exactly, with no border.
- Low resolution or heavy JPEG compression once uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo is needed for a United Kingdom visa?
35 x 45 mm. Head height must be 29–34 mm chin to crown, taken against a Plain light grey or cream background. United Kingdom applies this specification across its visa routes, so the same photo works for a visitor, student or work application.
Can I wear glasses in a United Kingdom visa photo?
Assume no. Almost every authority now rejects glasses because of glare and frame obstruction. If you must wear them for a medical reason, carry the supporting letter to your appointment.
How recent does a United Kingdom visa photo have to be?
Within the last six months, and it must reflect your current appearance — beard, hair length and glasses status included.
Can I use the same photo for every United Kingdom visa route?
Yes. United Kingdom publishes one biometric photo standard, so a compliant photo is accepted across the routes listed on this page. Only the surrounding documents change.
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