Apply visa

Italy Visa Photo Requirements: Size, Format & Guidelines

Last Update: 31-03-2-25

Usha Mundwad

Planning a trip to Italy? Whether it's for tourism, study, business, or family reunions, securing an Italy visa is a crucial step. One often overlooked yet essential aspect of the visa application process is the Italy visa photo. A simple mistake—like incorrect size, background, or facial expression—can lead to unnecessary delays or even rejection.

To help you get it right the first time, this guide covers all the Italy visa photo requirements, including size, background, face visibility, quality, and common mistakes to avoid. Read on to ensure your photo meets all the necessary specifications.

Italy Visa Photo Size
Italy Visa Photo Background
Facial Expression and Visibility for Italy Visa Photo
Italy Visa Photo Requirements for Children and Infants
Common Reasons for Italy Visa Photo Rejection

Italy Visa Photo Size

To meet Italy Schengen visa requirements, the photo must adhere to these specific dimensions:

Size: 35mm (width) × 45mm (height)
Head Size: The head must cover 70-80% of the photo, which means your face should measure 32mm to 36mm from chin to crown.
Positioning: The head must be centrally aligned, with eyes positioned between 26mm and 36mm from the bottom of the photo.

Pro Tip:

Ensure your photo is recent (taken within the last six months) and reflects your current appearance, including hairstyle and facial hair.

Apply for your Italy visa effortlessly with Teleport!

See Details

Italy Visa Photo Background

A proper background is essential for Italy visa photo approval. Here are the key guidelines:

Color: Plain, light gray or white background. Clarity: The background should be free from shadows, patterns, or objects. Contrast: Your facial features should be clearly distinguishable against the background.

Avoid:

Dark or patterned backgrounds.
Shadows or reflections on the face or background.

Pro Tip:

Wear dark or medium-colored clothing to ensure good contrast with the background. Avoid wearing white or light-colored outfits.

Italy Visa Photo Quality and Recentness

Your Italy visa photo must be of high quality, meeting these technical specifications:

Resolution: The photo should be in high resolution (minimum 600 dpi) with no pixelation or blurriness.
Color Mode: The photo must be in color (black & white photos are not accepted).
Print Quality: The photo should be printed on high-quality glossy photo paper (matte paper is not allowed).
Condition: The photo should be free from stains, creases, marks, or damages.

Do not:

Submit a photo with poor lighting or shadows.
Use filters or enhancements that alter your natural appearance.

Tip:

Avoid using selfies or low-quality printouts—they will likely lead to rejection.

Facial Expression and Visibility for Italy Visa Photo

Your face should be clearly visible and neutral in expression. Follow these rules:

Expression: Maintain a neutral expression with a closed mouth—no smiles, frowns, or raised eyebrows.
Eyes & Ears: Eyes must be open and clearly visible, and ears should be partially visible.
Head Position: Face the camera directly—do not tilt or turn your head.
Hair & Accessories:

Ensure hair does not cover the face.
Glasses are discouraged, but if worn, they should not be tinted, reflective, or have thick frames.
Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons but must not obscure facial features.

Pro Tip:

If you usually wear glasses, it’s best to remove them to avoid glare and reflections that could cause your photo to be rejected.

Italy Visa Photo Requirements for Children and Infants

If you are applying for an Italy visa for a child or infant, there are specific requirements:

Solo Appearance: The child must be alone in the photo—no other person or objects (including hands, toys, pacifiers, or chairs) should be visible.
Eyes & Mouth:

Children under 6 months old may have slightly closed eyes.
For infants, an open mouth is acceptable, but it is recommended to capture the child with a neutral expression.

Head Position: The child's head must be straight and facing the camera.

Pro Tip:

For newborns, place a white or light gray cloth behind the head and take the photo from above to ensure a plain background.

Common Reasons for Italy Visa Photo Rejection

Many visa applications are delayed or rejected due to incorrect photo specifications. Avoid these common mistakes:

Incorrect Size: If the photo isn’t 35mm × 45mm, it will be rejected.
Wrong Background: Photos with dark, patterned, or shadowed backgrounds are unacceptable.
Poor Quality: Low resolution, blurry, or pixelated photos will be rejected.
Facial Obstruction: Avoid hats, large jewelry, thick-rimmed glasses, or hairstyles that obscure your face.
Expression Issues: Smiling, frowning, or looking away from the camera will lead to rejection.
Digital Alterations: Photos with filters, enhancements, or airbrushing are strictly not allowed.

Conclusion

Submitting the correct Italy visa photo is a small but crucial step in your visa application process. By following the official Italy visa photo size, background, quality, and expression guidelines, you can avoid rejections and delays.

Before submitting, take the time to double-check your photo against these requirements. A high-quality, compliant visa photo ensures a smoother visa process—bringing you one step closer to your Italian adventure!