The holder of an open Schengen visa has the right to visit all 26 states that are part of the Schengen area. One of the documents required to obtain a visa is a photograph. Failure to comply with the requirements for photography is fraught with visa refusal.
What are the requirements for photographs for visas to the Schengen countries?
The requirements are largely the same as for passport photographs. In accordance with the EU Visa Code, the photo must be taken in accordance with ICAO rules (DOWNLOAD document). It is a specialized agency of the United Nations, an international civil aviation organization.
Icao standards stipulate the following requirements for images:
- Date of creation - no later than 180 days before the day of submission of documentation;
- Size - 3.5x4.5 cm;
- Location - the face and the upper border of the shoulders fit into the picture, the area of the face is from 70 to 80% Photo;
- Quality - high, sharpness and contrast are present, with moderate brightness, without ink blots;
- Look - strictly into the lens;
- Skin tone - looks natural.
The image must be of high resolution and printed on high quality photo paper.
The consulates of some Schengen countries - Hungary, Czech Republic, Belgium - are loyal to some requirements and can accept images of 3.5x4.0 cm in size. But it is hardly necessary to take risks for this. Having done everything in accordance with the specified parameters, the applicant will reduce the risk of visa refusal to a minimum.
Rules regarding the style and color of the image:
- Color - neutral;
- Background - plain, in light colors, but not white. In 2010, a standard was introduced, according to which the background should have a blue or light gray tint;
- Lighting - smooth, without shadows;
- Face - in front view, with clear contours. The effect of "red pupils" is prohibited, not allowed to look over the shoulder as in a portrait, tilting the head to the side and forward;
- Eyes - open, you can see them, they are not blocked by hair.
IMPORTANT: Schengen countries do not accept black and white, excessively light or dark images.
It is advisable to take a photograph in dark clothing - this way you will be able to achieve the contrast that is important for photography.
Requirements for pictures with and without accessories:
- Glasses do not shade the eyes, they do not cover them, the eyes are clearly visible, and the glasses do not glare from camera flashes;
- Shooting with glasses with darkened diopters is prohibited, and if possible, a massive frame should be replaced with a less bulky one;
- The use of hats when shooting is prohibited, with the exception of the rules dictated by religion. However, in this situation, the oval of the face should be opened from the forehead to the chin line;
- There is only one person in the frame, with a neutral expression on his face and a closed mouth.
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It is not allowed to get into the lens of the back of the chair, toys and other people except for the photographed.
What are the requirements for a child's photo
Almost the same requirements are imposed on a portrait photograph of a minor as for images of adult citizens of the Russian Federation:
- The size - strictly 3.5x4.5 cm;
- Background - plain, light;
- Light - natural, non-glare, no shadows;
- Head position - even;
- Facial expression - neutral. In practice, the point is difficult to fulfill: the child's face is in constant motion. In this regard, a slight deviation from the prescribed norm is permissible for children under 10 years of age;
- Hair - collected.
Excess items, including children's accessories - panamas, glasses, hats - are excluded from the frame.
Number of photos for a Schengen visa and their validity period
One photo is attached to the visa application. If you wish, you can attach two or three additional images to it, especially since less than six images are rarely made in a photo studio.
The photo must have been taken less than six months ago, without folds, bruises and spots. A hypothetically poor image submitted to the embassy is a reason for refusal.
In the Schengen countries, the biometric visa format is relevant. An applicant who applies to a consulate or visa center is fingerprinted and a digital photograph is taken. At the same time, the paper photo remained in the list of required documents - it is glued to the questionnaire. Therefore, you still have to use the service of a photo studio.
Is it possible to get a visa refusal if the photo is not made correctly?
You should scrupulously adhere to all the requirements for a photo for a Schengen visa. Compliance with the rules will avoid trouble.
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An illiterate photograph will lead to the fact that the entire package of documents will be considered incomplete, and everything will have to be reissued, including the questionnaire. And if, in addition to the incorrect image, any other defect is found, this is fraught with a refusal to obtain a visa.
It is worth additionally familiarizing yourself with the requirements of the consulate of the country where the trip is planned. Individual rules can be specific and differ from the generally accepted ones.
Where and how best to take a photo for Schengen
Experts advise contacting a specialized salon or photo studio. An employee of the listed institutions is usually familiar with the rules that apply to this type of document, is able to scale a photo, correctly fit the model and adjust the light.
The average cost of photographs in the salons of Moscow is from 190 to 350 rubles... In Tyumen the service will cost at 150-250 rubles, in Samara will cost from 100 to 230, and in St. Petersburg - 240-350 rubles... You will have to pay extra for the urgency. More detailed information about how much the service costs can be obtained by specifying the request parameters.
If you want to save money and take the risk, you can try to take a photo yourself. This will require a basic knowledge of Photoshop. But, as it was written above, it is better to trust the professionals.
Special requirements for photographs for a visa to other countries
Regardless of which country is chosen for travel, there are a number of rules that apply to the creation of photographs for a visa. Both the American, Indian and Chinese embassies will require fresh photographs taken no later than the last 180 days.
When photographing, the applicant must:
- Look directly into the lens without tilting your head down or to the sides;
- Withstand a calm facial expression;
- Do not smile and keep your lips closed;
- Smoothly combed, hair should not fall over the face, covering it.
The listed requirements are standard. However, some states have their own photography requirements.
One of the most common is the size of the snapshot:
- Photo request in China 33x48 mm;
- A picture is needed for an American visa 50x50 mm;
- In the UAE - 43x55 mm.
Most embassies agree that the image should be in color. Less often, only in 10% cases, b / w images are allowed.
The issue of creating a photo for a Schengen visa is a serious and responsible one. But if you familiarize yourself with the requirements listed above and combine the knowledge gained with the services of a professional photographer, you will not have to worry about the result.
