Everything you need to know about Russia visa photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | Russia (Россия) |
| Document Type | Visa (Виза) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 32–36 mm from chin to top of head (70–80% of photo) |
| Space Above Head | Approximately 5 mm of free space |
| Face Coverage | 70–80% of the photo (face approximately 50%) |
| Background Color | Plain white or off-white |
| Printable | Yes — on matte photo-quality paper |
| Digital Photo Size | 826 × 1062 pixels (printed); 450 × 600 pixels (e-visa) |
| Digital File Size (e-visa) | 20–35 KB, JPEG format |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte photo paper |
| Color | Color only |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Number of Photos Required | 1 photo (glue to application form) |
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Министерство иностранных дел) has specific requirements for visa photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
Glasses are permitted with restrictions for Russia visa photos:
If you are applying for a Russian e-visa online, the digital photo must meet these specifications:
Source: Russian Consulate in Busan — Visa Photo Specifications
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Russia visa photo at home using your smartphone.
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 are not accepted — they tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
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 and red-eye.
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.
Stand about 1.2 meters (4 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 and both ears are visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos
A Russia visa photo must be 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm). Your face should cover 70–80% of the photo, with the head height between 32–36 mm from chin to the top of the head.
Glasses are permitted with strict conditions: lenses must be clear (no tint), frames must be thin, and there must be no glare or reflections on the lenses. Your eyes must be clearly visible. However, we recommend removing glasses to avoid any risk of rejection.
The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible. There should be sufficient contrast between your face and the background. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
You need 1 photo for a Russia visa application. Glue it to the designated space on the application form. Do not staple, use paper clips, or enclose it in an envelope.
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 official Russia visa photo requirements.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and both eyes open. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions are permitted.
For Russia e-visa applications, the digital photo must be 450×600 pixels (maximum 900×1200 pixels), in JPEG format, with a file size between 20–35 KB.
If your visa photo doesn't meet the requirements, your visa application will be delayed. Using PassportPhoto.help ensures your photo meets all official requirements before you submit your application, saving you time and hassle.
