U.S. Visa Photo Maker
U.S. visa photos are 2 × 2 inches with a plain white or off-white background. For online DS-160 applications, the digital photo must be square, between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. PassportSelf crops and sizes your photo to these dimensions.
Last updated: August 26, 2026 · Reviewed by PassportSelf
What size is a U.S. visa photo?
Printed: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Digital upload: a square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels.
The head must measure between 1 and 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head, with eyes between 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo — the same framing as a U.S. passport photo.
Can I wear glasses in a U.S. visa photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in U.S. visa photos, with no medical exception for the standard photo.
This is stricter than the passport rule. Remove glasses before taking your photo.
Does the background have to be white?
Yes — a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture or lines.
See our guide to getting a compliant passport photo background at home.
No appointment. No account. No subscription.
How do I make a DS-160 visa photo at home?
Take a photo against a white wall with your phone, then use PassportSelf to crop it to the exact square dimensions and download the digital file.
- Take a well-lit, front-facing photo against a white background — no glasses, neutral expression.
- Upload it to PassportSelf and select U.S. Visa.
- Position your head using the on-screen guides.
- Download the digital photo for your DS-160 upload, plus a printable 4×6 sheet if you also need printed copies.
Official U.S. visa photo requirements
The values below come from PassportSelf's requirements database, reviewed against the U.S. Department of State's published visa photo requirements.
| Requirement | U.S. Visa |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2″ × 2″ (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height | 1–1.375 in |
| Eye position | 1.125–1.375 in from the bottom edge |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture or lines |
| Expression | Neutral facial expression, both eyes open, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Glasses are not allowed in visa photos |
| Head coverings | Not allowed unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons; the full face must be visible |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital editing | The photo must not be digitally altered or retouched. No filters, no beauty apps, no background editing. |
Official source: U.S. Department of State · Requirements last reviewed: August 26, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is a U.S. visa photo the same as a passport photo?
The printed size is the same 2×2 inches, but visa photos have stricter rules: glasses are never allowed, and digital uploads for the DS-160 must be square JPEGs within specific pixel and file-size limits.
Can I smile in a U.S. visa photo?
Use a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Visa photo guidance is stricter about expression than passport guidance.
How old can the photo be?
It must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
Does PassportSelf guarantee my visa photo will be accepted?
No. PassportSelf formats your photo to the published requirements; acceptance is decided by the U.S. Department of State and the consular officer handling your application.
No appointment. No account. No subscription.