United States · Visa Photo
United States Visa Photo: 51 x 51 mm
United States Visa Photo size: 51 x 51 mm (2.01 x 2.01 inches). Source checked: U.S. Department of State, 2026-04-30.
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in) |
|---|---|
| Head size | 50-69% of photo height · 25-35 mm chin to crown |
| Digital requirements | Use the standalone HD JPEG for online upload when the authority asks for one photo file. Do not upload the printable sheet when a portal asks for a single photo. |
| Print requirements | Print the photo at exactly 51 x 51 mm on photo paper when a printed photo is required. Use 100% / actual size and never fit the image to the page. The printable sheet includes cut guides for individual photos. |
| Official source | U.S. Department of State |
| Last reviewed | 2026-04-30 |
Step-by-step instructions
- 1.Choose United States and Visa Photo in the editor.
- 2.Upload a clear recent photo taken against a plain wall in even light.
- 3.Fit the face guide, validate the crop, and set the required background.
- 4.Preview for free, then unlock the HD photo and printable sheet for 0.99$.
How to take the source photo
- Take the source photo with even front light and no shadow behind the head.
- Face the camera directly with eyes open, a neutral expression, and a closed mouth.
- Frame head and shoulders so the face can be cropped to the verified head-size range.
- Remove glasses before taking the photo.
- No casual hats or caps; any permitted covering must leave the full face visible with no shadows.
Common rejection reasons
- Smiling, frowning, closing eyes, or opening the mouth.
- Hair covering the eyes or face outline.
- Necklaces, chains, or shiny jewelry covering the neck/face or reflecting light.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head.
- Heavy filters, beauty effects, or retouching.
- Wearing glasses when the authority requires them to be removed.
- A casual hat/cap or permitted head covering casting shadows or hiding facial edges.
Digital upload
- Use the standalone HD JPEG for online upload when the authority asks for one photo file.
- Do not upload the printable sheet when a portal asks for a single photo.
Printing
- Print the photo at exactly 51 x 51 mm on photo paper when a printed photo is required.
- Use 100% / actual size and never fit the image to the page.
- The printable sheet includes cut guides for individual photos.
Official source
Official source: United States Visa Photo
U.S. Department of State. Open official requirements: United States Visa Photo (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html). Last reviewed: 2026-04-30.
Cropping, resizing, validation, preview, and export run in your browser. Background processing runs only when you choose the background step.
FAQ
Is my photo public?
Cropping, resizing, validation, preview, and export run in your browser. Background processing runs only when you choose the background step.
Can I print on a 4x6 sheet?
Yes. The editor includes a printable sheet, but submit the standalone United States Visa Photo file when an online portal asks for one photo.