Your identity photo is one of the first things checked when your file is opened at the visa centre. A photo that does not follow the Schengen format can delay your application - or, in the worst case, see your file rejected on the spot. The good news: getting it right is easy if you follow a few simple rules.

The Schengen photo format at a glance

  • Recent - taken within the last 6 months and matching how you look today (hair, glasses, weight)
  • Size - 3.5 × 4.5 cm, portrait orientation
  • Colour - colour print on plain photographic paper, not regular printer paper
  • Background - plain white or very light, evenly lit, with no shadows, objects or patterns
  • Framing - head and top of your shoulders visible, your face taking up 70-80% of the frame, head straight and centred
  • Expression - neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking straight into the camera
  • Quality - sharp and clear: no creases, staples, glare, red eyes, filters or digital retouching

Rule of thumb: if a stranger could not recognise you from your photo today, retake it.

Glasses, head coverings and accessories

  • Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never accepted.
  • Glasses are not allowed - take them off for the shot, even clear prescription glasses.
  • Head coverings are only accepted for verified religious reasons, and must never hide the face.
  • Avoid uniforms, costumes and heavy jewellery - plain clothing works best.

The mistakes we see most often

  1. Reusing an old passport photo that no longer looks like you
  2. Home-printed or selfie photos - paper quality and framing almost always fail
  3. A grey or shadowed background instead of plain white
  4. Smiling with teeth, tilted head, or hair covering the eyes
  5. Photos damaged by staples, glue or folding

Practical tips from our team

  • Go to a photo studio and ask for a “Schengen visa photo, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background” - they know the format.
  • Print 2 to 4 copies and keep a digital version on your phone as backup.
  • Do not staple or glue the photo to the form - bring it loose, the centre attaches it for you.
  • Keep the photos flat in a document sleeve, not in your wallet.

If you apply with Visa4Thai, your photos are checked against the Embassy’s requirements during our complete document review - before your file ever reaches the counter.

Need help with your full application? See our packages or read our guide to getting to the TLScontact visa centre.