Passport and visa photos are rejected for tiny reasons — wrong pixel size, a file a few KB too big, or the wrong background tone. Here are the exact specs for the most-requested countries.
Quick reference
| Document | Dimensions | Format | File size | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Passport | 600×600 px (2×2 in) | JPEG | up to ~240 KB | White |
| US Visa (DS-160) | 600×600 px | JPEG | 54–240 KB | White |
| US DV Lottery | 600×600 px | JPEG | ≤ 240 KB | White |
| UK Passport (digital) | ≥ 600×750 px | JPEG | 50 KB–10 MB | Light grey / cream |
| Schengen / EU Visa | 413×531 px (35×45 mm) | JPEG | ≤ 500 KB | Light grey |
| India Passport | 35×45 mm | JPEG | 10–250 KB | White |
| China Visa | 354×472 px (48×33 mm) | JPEG | 40–120 KB | White |
Specs change and individual consulates vary. Always confirm against the official authority before you submit. See our editorial policy.
The three things that get photos rejected
- Wrong dimensions. A square 600×600 photo is not interchangeable with a 35×45 mm portrait. Match the exact pixels.
- File too large (or too small). Many portals enforce a hard KB cap; some also set a minimum. A compressor that targets an exact range solves both.
- Wrong background. The US and India want pure white; the UK and EU want a plain light grey or cream — not pure white. Photograph against the correct backdrop.
Make a compliant photo for free
Use the Passport Photo Maker or pick a country preset such as US Visa DS-160 or Schengen Visa. Upload your photo, and the tool locks the exact dimensions, format and KB range, then shows a pass/fail check — all in your browser, never uploaded.