DS160 Photo Requirements | size | Color and More
DS160 Photo Requirements | size | Color and More
Your photo is a vital part of your visa application. It is mandatory to submit a photo with your DS-160 application. For specific guidelines, please refer to the information below on how to provide a suitable photo. The acceptance of your digital image or photo is at the discretion of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.
We recommend using a professional visa photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements.
General Requirements
- In color
- Size: The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. For more details, view the Photo Composition Template.
- Recent: Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
- Background: Plain white or off-white.
- View: Full-face view directly facing the camera.
- Expression: Neutral facial expression with both eyes open.
- Clothing: Normal daily wear; uniforms are not allowed except for religious clothing worn daily.
Specific Restrictions
- Head Coverings: No hats or head coverings that obscure the hair or hairline, unless for religious reasons. The full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast shadows on the face.
- Eyeglasses: Not allowed unless for medical reasons. If allowed, there must be no glare, shadows, or refraction from the glasses that obscure the eyes. A medical statement is required for exceptions.
- Accessories: No headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items. Hearing devices or similar articles are allowed if normally worn.
Quality and Composition
- Shadows and Lighting: The image must be clear, accurately reproduce skin tones, and be free of shadows.
- Size and Position: The photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with the head centered and sized between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).
- Resolution, Print Size, and Quality: The photo must be sharp without visible pixels or printer dots, printed on glossy or matte quality paper.
- Digital Changes: Avoid cropping out the background. Take the photo in front of a white or off-white background.
Special Cases
- Children: No other person should be in the photo. The child should face the camera with eyes open. For infants, it’s acceptable if their eyes are not entirely open. Place the child in a car seat with a white or off-white blanket instead of holding them.
For examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos, refer to the Photo Examples.
Commonly Asked Questions
- Can I submit DS-160 without a photo?
- No, a photo is required for the DS-160 application.
- What is the DS-160 photo size?
- The photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
For more detailed information, visit the official website.
Shadows and Lighting
The image is clear, reproduces skin tones accurately, and does not have shadows.
Size and Position
Photo tip: Your photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with the head centered and sized between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).
Resolution, Print Size, and Quality
The photo is sharp without any visible pixels or printer dots. The photo is printed on glossy or matte quality paper.
Digital Changes
Photo tip: Take your photo in front of a white or off-white background instead of cropping out the background.
Pose and Expression
Acceptable – The customer is directly facing the camera with a neutral expression. Eyes are clearly visible.
Attire, Hats, and Glasses
Photo tip: You may not wear hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical purposes.
Background
Acceptable – The background is white or off-white, without shadows, and is plain without texture, objects, or lines.
Children
Acceptable – No other person is in the photo, and the child is facing the camera with eyes open.
Photo tip: It is acceptable if your infant’s eyes are not entirely open.
Instead of Holding the child; Photo tip: Place the child in a car seat with a white or off-white blanket.
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