Complete guide to Schengen visa photo requirements for South African applicants in 2026. Learn about photo specifications, size, background, and common mistakes to avoid.
Passport photos are a critical component of your Schengen visa application. Incorrect photos are one of the most common reasons for visa application delays or rejections. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all Schengen visa photo requirements for South African applicants, including specifications, size, background, and common mistakes to avoid.
Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm (width x height)
Tolerance: ±2mm (photos can be 33-37mm wide and 43-47mm tall)
Aspect Ratio: Approximately 3:4 (width to height)
Important: Photos must be exactly the specified size. Photos that are too large or too small will be rejected.
Color: White or light gray (off-white acceptable)
Quality: Solid color, no patterns, textures, or shadows
Contrast: Must provide clear contrast with your face and clothing
Important: Background must be uniform and free of shadows, patterns, or other people/objects.
Resolution: High resolution (minimum 600 DPI recommended)
Print Quality: Professional quality, not pixelated or blurry
Color: Color photos only (black and white not accepted)
Paper: High-quality photo paper (matte or glossy)
Important: Photos must be sharp, clear, and professional quality. Selfies, edited photos, or low-quality prints will be rejected.
Requirement: Neutral expression (no smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions)
Eyes: Open and clearly visible
Mouth: Closed, natural position
Important: Your expression should be natural and neutral. Avoid smiling, as it can distort facial features.
Requirement: Face the camera directly (full face view)
Head: Straight, not tilted or turned
Eyes: Looking directly at the camera
Chin: Level with the camera
Important: Your head must be straight and facing the camera. Tilted or turned heads will be rejected.
Requirement: Face must occupy 70-80% of the photo
Head: From top of head to chin
Forehead: Visible, not covered by hair or headwear
Chin: Visible, not covered
Important: Your face must be clearly visible and occupy the majority of the photo space.
Requirement: Wear normal, everyday clothing
Colors: Avoid white or very light colors (may blend with background)
Patterns: Avoid busy patterns or logos
Style: Conservative, appropriate for official documents
Important: Wear clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid white shirts or tops.
General Rule: No headwear (hats, caps, headbands) unless required for religious reasons
Religious Headwear: Allowed if worn daily for religious purposes, but face must be fully visible
Important: If wearing religious headwear, ensure your face from forehead to chin is fully visible.
General Rule: No glasses unless required for medical reasons
Medical Glasses: Allowed if required for medical reasons, but:
Important: If you must wear glasses, ensure they don't cover your eyes and there's no glare on the lenses.
Requirement: Even, uniform lighting
Shadows: No shadows on face or background
Glare: No glare or reflections
Brightness: Well-lit, not too bright or too dark
Important: Photos must be evenly lit with no shadows or glare.
Requirement: Sharp focus on face
Blur: No blur or motion blur
Sharpness: Face must be in sharp focus
Important: Photos must be sharp and in focus. Blurry photos will be rejected.
Requirement: No retouching, editing, or digital manipulation
Filters: No filters or effects
Editing: No editing of facial features
Natural: Photos must be natural and unedited
Important: Photos must be unedited and natural. Any retouching or editing will result in rejection.
Solution: Use a professional photographer familiar with visa photo requirements.
Solution: Ensure background is solid white or light gray with no patterns or shadows.
Solution: Maintain neutral expression, face camera directly, keep eyes open and visible.
Solution: Use professional photography services with proper equipment and lighting.
Option 1: Professional photo studios
Cost: ZAR 50-150 per set of photos
Option 2: Photo booths at shopping malls or post offices
Cost: ZAR 30-80 per set of photos
Option 3: Online photo services
Cost: ZAR 40-100 per set of photos
Option 4: Take photos yourself
Cost: ZAR 20-50 per set of photos
Important: DIY photos are risky. Professional photographers are recommended for visa applications.
Requirement: Two identical photos
Use:
Important: Both photos must be identical and meet all requirements.
Requirement: One photo must be attached to application form
Method: Glue or staple (preferably glue)
Position: Top right corner of application form (if specified)
Important: Follow embassy/consulate instructions for photo attachment.
Requirement: Photos must be taken within the last 6 months
Reason: Photos must reflect your current appearance
Important: Use recent photos that accurately represent your current appearance.
Use Professional Services: Hire a professional photographer familiar with visa photo requirements
Check Specifications: Verify exact requirements for your destination country
Recent Photos: Use photos taken within the last 6 months
Proper Clothing: Wear clothing that contrasts with white background
Neutral Expression: Maintain neutral, natural expression
Good Lighting: Ensure even, uniform lighting
Sharp Focus: Ensure photo is sharp and in focus
No Editing: Don't retouch or edit photos
Multiple Copies: Get extra copies in case of issues
Check Before Submission: Review photos before submitting application
Can I use an old passport photo for my Schengen visa?
No, photos must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
Can I smile in my Schengen visa photo?
No, you must maintain a neutral expression. Smiling can distort facial features and result in rejection.
Can I wear glasses in my Schengen visa photo?
Glasses are generally not allowed unless required for medical reasons. If you must wear glasses, ensure they don't cover your eyes and there's no glare.
Can I wear a headscarf in my Schengen visa photo?
Religious headwear is allowed if worn daily for religious purposes, but your face from forehead to chin must be fully visible.
What if my photo is rejected?
If your photo is rejected, you'll need to provide new photos that meet all requirements. This may delay your application.
Can I take my own photo for a Schengen visa?
Yes, but it's risky. Professional photographers are recommended to ensure all requirements are met.
How many photos do I need for a Schengen visa?
You need two identical photos - one attached to the application form and one kept loose.
What size should my Schengen visa photo be?
Photos must be 35mm x 45mm (width x height) with a tolerance of ±2mm.
Can I use a digital photo for my Schengen visa?
You can take a digital photo, but it must be printed on high-quality photo paper meeting all specifications.
What background color is required for Schengen visa photos?
Background must be white or light gray (off-white acceptable), solid color with no patterns or shadows.
Schengen visa photo requirements are strict and must be followed exactly. Incorrect photos are a common reason for application delays or rejections. Use professional photography services, ensure all specifications are met, and submit recent photos that accurately represent your current appearance. With proper preparation, you can avoid photo-related issues and ensure a smooth visa application process.
For the most up-to-date photo requirements, consult the official embassy or consulate website of your main destination country, or visit the VFS Global website for application procedures.
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