UK visa photo requirements
As of October 25, 2026, a UK visa photo upload must be a JPG or JPEG of at least 600 x 750 pixels and 50 KB to 6 MB, in color, on a plain light background, with no filters (per gov.uk, checked on Oct 25, 2026).
In most cases, people applying for a UK visa or entry clearance must enroll fingerprints and a facial image, unless exempted, deferred, excused or allowed to reuse earlier biometrics.
UK Visas and Immigration refuses visa photos changed by computer software or any other means, including an added filter.
A JPG or JPEG in portrait orientation, at least 600 x 750 pixels, between 50 KB and 6 MB. The Home Office explains the limits: smaller files are too low in quality, larger ones are too big to store.
Shoot in color, in focus and in a well-lit room, and frame your head, shoulders and upper body rather than a tight crop of the face.
A plain, light-colored background that contrasts clearly with you, with nothing and nobody else in the frame and no shadows on your face or the wall behind you.
Source: gov.uk
Most visa and entry clearance applicants enroll fingerprints and a facial image as part of the application. People whose biometrics can be reused upload a new, live photo instead, through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or an online form.
For an upload, a phone or tablet photo is fine, and UK Visas and Immigration suggests asking someone else to take it to lower the chance of rejection.
No software changes, no filters and no mirrored or flipped image. It cannot be a scan or photo of another photo, and it cannot be the photo already printed in your passport or identity card.
The Home Office wants a new photo taken live, and officials may reject the photos after 5 attempts if your face cannot be matched to the image in your identity document.
Photograph the child alone, with no toys or pacifier. Children under 6 can look away or show an expression; babies under one can have their eyes closed and should lie on a plain light sheet, photographed from above.
Source: gov.uk
Only if you need them. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed, and the frames, glare, reflections or shadows must not cover your eyes. Source: official page "Take a photo of your face for a visa application or permission", checked on Oct 25, 2026.
Yes, when it is worn for religious reasons. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, and your facial features must stay clearly visible. Source: official pages "Take a photo of your face for a visa application or permission" and "Biometric enrolment: policy guidance › Facial images", checked on Oct 25, 2026.
On your eVisa, the online record of your immigration status, which you may choose to share with employers and other organizations. Source: official page "Biometric enrolment: policy guidance › Facial images", checked on Oct 25, 2026.
No. SelfieToPassport is not affiliated with UK Visas and Immigration or any other government agency. UK Visas and Immigration publishes the photo rules for free at gov.uk; this page links to each one.
We crop and resize your original photo and never replace or repaint the background. If the wall does not pass the check, the tool asks for a new photo and tells you how to fix the light or the wall.
Ready? Free preview with the measurements drawn on your photo; $6.95 for the digital file and both print sheets.
Make my UK visa photoEvery rule on this page comes from a page published by UK Visas and Immigration, read on the date shown. We rewrite each rule in plain words and link to the page it came from. Each rule has a review deadline; one that passes it without a new check comes off the page.
Something here out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official page.
