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US visa photo maker
Turn a phone photo into a US visa photo that meets the official size rules. You get a digital file for the DS-160 or DS-260 upload and a 4×6 print sheet. Free, and your photo never leaves your device.
2026Official rules
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Background: Plain white or off-white. No shadows, textures or objects.
Official US visa photo requirements
| Digital image | Square JPEG, 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels, 240 kB or less, colour (sRGB) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 50–69% of the image height (1 to 1-3/8 in on a print), top of hair to chin |
| Eye height | 56–69% of the image height from the bottom (1-1/8 to 1-3/8 in on a print) |
| Print size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), if your embassy asks for a printed photo |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Glasses | Not allowed since November 2016 (medical exceptions need a signed statement) |
| Age of photo | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Head covering | Only if worn daily for religious reasons; full face visible |
Last checked against the official sources on 28 October 2026: U.S. Department of State: visa photo requirements · Digital image requirements · Photo composition template
How to take a good photo with your phone
- Stand about 1 metre (3 feet) in front of a plain, light-coloured wall.
- Face a window or use even light, so there are no shadows on your face or the wall.
- Ask someone to take the photo at eye level. Avoid selfies; they distort your face.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed.
- Check the glasses rule in the table below; if in doubt, take them off. Keep hair away from your eyes.
- Upload the photo above, check it lines up with the guides, and download.
Common questions
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The face detection and cropping run inside your browser. Your photo is never sent to a server.
What size is the digital file?
The download is a square 600 × 600 pixel JPEG, inside the official 600–1200 pixel range, under the 240 KB limit.
How do I print the photos?
Download the 4×6 print sheet and print it as a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) photo at any photo shop or pharmacy. If you print at home, choose "actual size" or 100%, not "fit to page". Cut along the grey lines.