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Italy Visa / Schengen Visa Photo (35×45 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Italy visa photo requirements (visto Schengen Italia), including exact dimensions, white background rules, pose guidelines, and how to take a compliant Italian Schengen visa photo at home.

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Italy Visa Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryItaly (Italia)
Document TypeVisa / Schengen Visa
Photo Size35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Resolution (DPI)600 (minimum 300)
Digital Photo Size826 × 1062 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Head Size32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo)
Min. Head Width32 mm
Background ColorPlain white
PrintableYes — on matte photo-quality paper
ColorColor only
Number of Photos Required2 identical photos
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months

Size Diagram

Italy Visa Photo Size Diagram - 35x45mm
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 35×45 mm. Your face height should be 32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80%). Eyes should be in the upper half of the photo.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI will automatically crop to 35×45 mm, remove the background, and ensure it meets all requirements.

Detailed Italy Visa Photo Requirements

Photo Basics

  • Must be in color, taken within the last 6 months
  • Clear, sharp, and in focus — high contrast, appropriate brightness
  • No filters, digital alterations, or retouching
  • No scanned or photocopied photos — original photographs only
  • No selfies — have someone else take the photo

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — full front view
  • Neutral expression — mouth closed, no smiling
  • Both eyes open and clearly visible, in the upper half of the photo
  • Both earlobes visible, shoulders visible
  • Head not tilted or rotated

Background

  • Plain white uniform background, no shadows, patterns, or objects

Glasses

Strongly recommended to be removed. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited. If wearing prescription glasses: no glare, eyes fully visible, no heavy frames.

Head Coverings

  • Only for religious reasons
  • Full face visible from chin to forehead and both sides

Clothing

  • Normal everyday clothing — dark colors recommended for contrast with white background
  • No uniforms
  • Avoid white or very light-colored tops

Source: Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles — Schengen Visa

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How to Take an Italy Visa Photo at Home

1

Use a Smartphone

Any modern smartphone works. Clean lens, highest resolution. Use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo.

Taking visa photo
2

Good Lighting

Face a window with natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight. Our AI will fix the background.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically replace it.
Lighting
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear dark-colored clothing for contrast with the white background. No uniforms. Religious head coverings allowed if face fully visible.

Attire
4

Pose Correctly

Head forward, shoulders relaxed. Both earlobes visible. Hair behind ears.

Pose
5

Neutral Expression

Eyes open, mouth closed, no smiling.

Expression

Good and Bad Examples

Good and bad examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is an Italy visa photo?

Exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photograph.

How many photos do I need?

2 identical recent color photographs with your Schengen visa application.

Can I wear glasses?

Strongly recommended to remove them. Sunglasses and tinted lenses always prohibited.

What background is required?

Plain white, uniform, no shadows or patterns.

Can I take it with my phone?

Yes! Upload to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will crop to 35×45mm and ensure compliance.

What if my photo is rejected?

Your visa application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all requirements before you submit.