US visa photo (DS-160) requirements
| requirement | official spec |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head (chin → crown) | 1–1⅜ inches |
| Background | white or off-white |
| Digital file | Square, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, JPEG, 240 KB or less |
| Head 1 to 1⅜ inches (50–69% of the photo height), chin to top of hair | |
| Plain white or off-white background, no shadows | |
| Taken in the last 6 months, face the camera, neutral expression | |
| No glasses |
Checked 2026-10-23 against travel.state.gov · Photo requirements · travel.state.gov · Digital image requirements.
How to take a good photo
- Stand about half a metre in front of a plain, light wall.
- Use even daylight from the front: no shadows on your face or behind you.
- Phone at eye level, face straight on, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- No glasses, hats or hair over your eyes (religious head coverings are fine if your face is fully visible).
- Upload it above, check the green ticks, download.
FAQ
What size is a US visa photo (DS-160)?
2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure 1–1⅜ inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
What background does a US visa photo (DS-160) need?
A plain white or off-white background with no shadows or patterns.
What are the digital photo requirements?
Square, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, JPEG, 240 KB or less.
Can I take it at home with my phone?
Yes. Stand in front of a plain wall in even daylight, hold the phone at eye level about an arm's length away, face the camera with a neutral expression, then let the tool crop and fix the background.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Face detection and background removal run inside your browser. The photo never leaves your device.