Documents · United States
US visa (DS-160) photo size and requirements
US visa (DS-160 and DS-260)
The DS-160 asks for a digital file: square, 600 to 1200 pixels, JPEG, at most 240 KB. The DS-260 asks for two 2 × 2 inch prints instead, and some consulates want a print at the interview. Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open; a smile doesn't count as neutral for a visa photo. Glasses need a signed medical statement, and the camera should be at least 4 feet (1.2 m) away, so ask someone to help or use a timer on a stand.
Requirements
- Printed photo
- 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in)
- Digital file
- Square, 600 to 1200 px, 54 to 240 KB, JPEG
- Head height
- 25.4 to 34.9 mm (1 to 1.37 in); in a digital file 50 to 69 % of the photo height, chin to the top of the hair
- Eye height from the bottom
- 28.6 to 34.9 mm (1.13 to 1.37 in); in a digital file 56 to 69 % of the photo height
- Background
- Plain and even: white, off-white
- Glasses
- No glasses, unless needed for a medical reason
- Expression
- Neutral
- Selfies
- Not stated. A photo someone else takes is safest
- How recent
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Print sheets in PassPic
- 4 × 6 in, 10 × 15 cm, A4, Letter
Source: travel.state.gov, last checked 14 October 2026.
“Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches”
Babies and young children
- Eyes must be open, also for babies.
- The expression must still be neutral.
- A baby can lie on a plain sheet and be photographed from above.
Common mistakes
- A head that is too small or too large. It must be 25.4 to 34.9 mm (1 to 1.37 in); in a digital file 50 to 69 % of the photo height, chin to the top of the hair.
- A busy or uneven background, or one that isn't white or off-white.
- Wearing glasses without a medical reason.
- An expression that isn't neutral.
- An old photo. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
- A file of the wrong size or type. It must be: square, 600 to 1200 px, 54 to 240 KB, JPEG.
- A photo that was retouched, filtered or had its background replaced.
PassPic can't measure some things, so check them yourself: glasses, head coverings and hair over the eyes.
How PassPic helps
PassPic checks your photo against these rules on your phone and marks each check Passed, Check or Fix, with a one-line tip. It crops and scales the photo to size and never changes your face or your background. Your photo is checked on your phone and never uploaded.
PassPic is coming to Google Play.
Related documents
We can't promise that any office will accept a photo; the issuing authority decides. Rules change, so read travel.state.gov before you send your photo. PassPic is an independent app. Not affiliated with any government.