Sizing & Face Ratio
Wrong Dimensions or Face Proportions
Embassies require the head to occupy a strict percentage of the image height (50-69% for US, 70-80% for Schengen). PixPass measures head-to-chin distance down to the millimeter.
Passport & Visa Photos, Embassy Guaranteed
Updated with official rules for 140+ countries. Exactly matches embassy dimensions, backgrounds, and facial ratios. Flags shadows and glasses glare upfront to prevent costly delays.
Matching Official Guides
Press Enter to search the full official directory
- 140+
- Countries Covered
- 100%
- Embassy Standard
- 300 DPI
- Digital & 4x6 Print
Official Photo Guides by Country & Destination
Select your destination to read official sizing standards, background rules, and common rejection pitfalls. Create your compliant photo directly on the guide page.
Browse the complete directory to find your destination country's official guide.
4 Common Reasons Visa Photos Get Rejected
Embassies use automated biometric scanners to check visa and passport photos. Manual photo studio crops and beauty filters often cause rejections. Here is how PixPass keeps you compliant:
Background & Lighting
Illegal Background Color & Dark Shadows
Schengen countries reject pure white backgrounds (they require light grey #F2F4F5), while harsh wall shadows trigger auto-rejection. PixPass sets the legal background tone and removes shadows.
Eyeglasses & Glare
Eyeglass Glare Obscuring Pupils
The US and many countries strictly ban eyeglasses. Even where allowed, flash glare over the eyes causes immediate rejection. We warn you upfront to retake for free if glare is unfixable.
Digital Upload & Printing
Digital File Too Large for Portal Upload
Government portals like US DS-160 reject files over 240 KB or under 600x600 px. PixPass outputs an exact sRGB JPEG within the approved file size budget, plus a 4x6 print sheet.
Our Consular Standards & Promises
Built for high-stakes visa and passport applications. Clear rules, honest retakes, and absolute privacy.
Official Sources
Strictly Aligned with Official Regulations
All sizing, background colors, and dress codes are directly verified against US State Department, Schengen Consular Code, and national embassy directives.
Honest Retake
We Never Sell Questionable Photos
If your original photo has closed eyes, motion blur, or severe glare that cannot be safely fixed, we advise you to retake it for free before checkout.
Privacy First
Zero Facial Biometrics Retained
Your portraits are processed securely in your browser session, never permanently archived, and never used to train public AI models.
Passport & Visa Photo FAQ
Answers about taking photos at home, embassy acceptance, drugstore printing, and privacy.
Can I take my passport photo at home with a smartphone?
Yes. Stand about 1.5 to 2 meters away from the camera in front of an off-white wall with natural daylight on both sides of your face. PixPass automatically handles background replacement, cropping, facial proportions, and file size.
Why should I read my destination country's guide before creating a photo?
Because requirements vary significantly. For example, US requires 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) with a white background, while Schengen requires 35x45 mm with a light grey background (#F2F4F5). Each guide applies the exact official rules for that destination.
What happens if my photo gets rejected by the embassy?
PixPass strictly follows official specifications with very high acceptance rates. In the rare event your photo is rejected due to sizing or background compliance reasons, we offer a 100% full money-back guarantee.
How do I print the 4x6 photo sheet at a local store?
When you create your photo on the guide page, you receive both a digital JPEG and a 4x6 inch (10x15 cm) 300 DPI sheet with 6 photos and cutting lines. You can print it as a standard 4x6 snapshot print at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or any photo kiosk for just a few cents, then cut along the lines.
Are eyeglasses allowed in visa and passport photos?
The US Department of State and many other countries strictly prohibit eyeglasses in passport and visa photos. Where allowed, frames must not cover eyes and there must be no glare. We strongly recommend removing your glasses when taking the photo.
Start Your Visa or Passport Application
Search our directory of 140+ countries to find official specifications and prepare your photo directly within the guide.