United States Visa (DS-160 / DS-260 digital photo) photo requirements
| Printed size | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (bottom of chin to top of head including hair) | 25–35 mm |
| Head height | 50–69% of image height |
| Eye line from bottom | 28–35 mm |
| Background | Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background |
| Digital photo | 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, max 240 KB, JPEG |
| Glasses | not allowed (since November 1, 2016), except rare medical cases with signed medical statement |
| Photos needed | 1 |
Official rules to follow
- Square aspect ratio (height equals width)
- Color, 24 bits per pixel, sRGB
- Compression ratio should be less than or equal to 20:1
- Taken within last 6 months
- Full-face view directly facing camera, neutral expression, both eyes open
- Everyday clothing; no uniforms except daily religious clothing
- No hat/head covering obscuring hair or hairline unless worn daily for religious purpose
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices; hearing devices allowed
- No photos copied/scanned from licenses or official documents; no snapshots, magazine, vending-machine or low-quality phone photos
- If scanning a printed photo: 2x2 in scanned at 300 ppi (12 px/mm)
- Some embassies also require 1 printed 2x2 photo at interview; DS-260 immigrant visa applicants bring 2 identical printed 2x2 photos
Source: official requirements. Rules can change — always double-check before you submit.
How to make a United States Visa (DS-160 / DS-260 digital photo) photo online
- Take a well-lit, front-facing photo against any plain wall.
- Upload it above. We find your face, crop to 2×2 in (51×51 mm) and set the correct background.
- Check the head-size indicator, drag to fine-tune if needed, and download the digital photo or the printable 4×6 sheet.
Other passport & visa photos
- United States Passport
- United States Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery entry photo
- United States Green Card / Adjustment of Status (USCIS Form I-485)
- United Kingdom Passport (printed photo, paper application)
- United Kingdom Passport (online application digital photo)
- United Kingdom Visa / immigration permission (digital photo)
- Canada Temporary Resident Visa (printed photo)
- Australia Passport
- Australia Visa (ImmiAccount online / paper)
- New Zealand Passport (online application, digital photo)
- Schengen Area (EU) Schengen short-stay visa
- Germany Reisepass / Personalausweis
- Italy Passaporto
- Spain Pasaporte / DNI
- Netherlands Passport / ID card
- Ireland Passport (paper application, printed photo)
- Ireland Passport / Passport Card (Passport Online, digital photo)
- India Passport (ICAO-compliant photo upload; printed copy where required)
- India OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India)
- China Visa (printed photo and COVA online digital photo)
- China Passport / Travel Document for Chinese citizens abroad (China Consular app / embassy)
- Japan Passport (paper application, printed photo)
- Japan Passport (online application via Mynaportal / overseas online application, uploaded studio photo)
- Japan Visa (paper application)
- South Korea Passport
- South Korea Visa (paper and e-Visa)
- Singapore Passport (digital upload via ICA e-Services)
- Malaysia Passport (printed photo, children under 4 years only)
- Vietnam e-Visa (evisa.gov.vn portrait upload)
- Indonesia Visa (e-Visa / e-VOA, evisa.imigrasi.go.id)
- Turkey Passport (and national ID card) biometric photo
- United Arab Emirates Visa / Entry Permit (ICP / GDRFA)
- Saudi Arabia Visa (tourist eVisa / KSA visa platform)
- Russia Visa (paper application at embassy/consulate/visa centre)
- South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad)
- Nigeria Passport (online application photo upload)
- Pakistan Passport (online application / renewal photo upload)
- Israel Passport (non-biometric, issued at Israeli missions abroad)
- Egypt Visa (embassy application, USA)
Frequently asked questions
What size is a United States Visa (DS-160 / DS-260 digital photo) photo?
2×2 in (51×51 mm), with the head measuring 25–35 mm from chin to top of head, with the head filling 50–69% of the height. Background: Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background.
Can I take my United States Visa (DS-160 / DS-260 digital photo) photo at home?
Yes. Stand facing a window for soft, even light, keep a neutral expression and have someone take the photo from about 1.2 m (4 ft) away at eye level. Upload it above — we crop it to the exact size and replace the background automatically.
How do I print it?
Download the 4×6 inch print sheet and order a standard 4×6 (10×15 cm) print at a pharmacy or photo kiosk. Make sure it prints at 100% size (no "fit to page"), then cut out the photos along the guide lines.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Face detection and background removal run in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Will my photo be accepted?
Our tool follows the official size and position rules, but acceptance also depends on lighting, focus and expression. Always check the latest official requirements on the issuing authority's website (linked above).