Latvia Visa Photo (35×45mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Latvia visa photo requirements (Schengen standard), including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo for your Latvia Schengen visa application.

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Latvia Visa Photo Specifications (Schengen Standard)

RequirementSpecification
CountryLatvia (Latvija)
Document TypeVisa (Schengen)
Photo Size35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Resolution (DPI)600
Head Size31–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo height)
Background ColorPlain light grey (preferred), white, or cream
PrintableYes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital for Online SubmissionYes (JPG/JPEG, under 120 KB)
Digital Photo Size827 × 1063 pixels (at 600 DPI)
Photo Paper TypeMatte or glossy
ColorColor only (black and white not accepted)
Quantity Required2 identical photos
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months

Latvia Visa Photo Size Diagram

Latvia Visa Photo Size Diagram - 35x45mm Schengen standard with head size 31-36mm
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 35×45mm (3.5×4.5 cm), following the Schengen visa photo standard. Your head must measure between 31–36mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, occupying 70–80% of the photo height.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 35×45mm size, remove and replace the background with white, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all Schengen visa requirements.

Detailed Latvia Visa Photo Requirements

Latvia is part of the Schengen Area and follows the EU Visa Code (Regulation EC 810/2009) for visa photo requirements. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or digital alterations — do not apply beauty filters or digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance
  • Photos must not be folded, dirty, or damaged

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
  • Your head must measure between 31–36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (70–80% of photo height)
  • The photo must show your face in close-up with a small portion of shoulders visible
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
  • You need to submit 2 identical photos

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
  • Keep your head centered in the frame

Background

  • Use a plain light grey (preferred), white, or cream background
  • No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head
  • Sufficient contrast between your face and the background
  • Uniform lighting across the entire background

Glasses

Glasses are not recommended. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare or reflection on the lenses, the frame must not cover your eyes, and your eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are strictly not permitted.

Head Coverings and Hats

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn daily for religious purposes
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
  • No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
  • Avoid wearing white or very light-colored tops that may blend with the background
  • Avoid large earrings or facial piercings that may obscure facial features

Schengen Visa Photo Standard

As a member of the Schengen Area, Latvia follows the standard Schengen visa photo format specified in the EU Visa Code. This means the same photo can be used for visa applications to any of the 29 Schengen countries. The key requirements are: 35×45mm size, light grey or white background, neutral expression, and the photo must be suitable for biometric facial recognition.

Make Passport/Visa Photo for Other Countries →

How to Take a Latvia Visa Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Latvia visa photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

Taking visa photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with the required white color.
Proper lighting setup for visa photo
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face is visible.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

Appropriate attire for visa photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.

Correct posing for visa photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile, frown, or show teeth.

Neutral facial expression for visa photo

Good and Bad Examples of Latvia Visa Photos

Good and bad examples of visa photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a Latvia visa photo?

A Latvia visa photo must be exactly 35×45mm (3.5×4.5 cm), following the Schengen visa photo standard. Your head must measure between 31–36mm from chin to the top of your head. You need to submit 2 identical photos.

What background color is required for a Latvia visa photo?

The background must be plain light grey (preferred), white, or cream with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible. If you don't have a suitable background, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Is the Latvia visa photo the same as other Schengen countries?

Yes. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, and all Schengen visa photos follow the same standard: 35×45mm with a light grey or white background. The same photo can be used for visa applications to any Schengen country.

Can I take my Latvia visa photo with my phone?

Yes! You can take your visa photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all Schengen visa photo requirements.

Can I wear glasses in my Latvia visa photo?

Glasses are not recommended for Latvia visa photos. If you must wear prescription glasses, ensure there is no glare or reflection on the lenses, the frame must not cover your eyes, and your eyes must be clearly visible. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are strictly not permitted.

Can I smile in my Latvia visa photo?

No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open. No smiling, squinting, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are allowed.

How many visa photos do I need for Latvia?

You need to submit 2 identical photos with your Latvia visa application. The photos must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and meet the Schengen visa photo standard.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?

No, hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. Even then, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.