What size is a Schengen visa photo?

35×45 mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). This is NOT the same as a US passport photo (2×2 inches / 51×51 mm). Your face should cover 70–80% of the image height.

Can I use a US 2×2 passport photo for a Schengen visa?

Usually no. The size differs (51×51mm vs 35×45mm), and European ICAO biometric framing is stricter — especially on expression (no smile) and background requirements.

Do European visa photos allow smiling?

No. ICAO-style guidance requires a neutral expression with mouth closed. The US passport system is more permissive about smiling, which is why US-style photos often 'feel wrong' for Europe.

How much is the Schengen visa fee?

€90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–12. Processing normally takes 15 days, extendable up to 45 days. Additional service provider fees may apply.

When does ETIAS start for US citizens?

ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026 at a fee of €20. No applications are being collected yet. It will be required for US citizens making visa-free short stays.

How do I print a 35×45mm photo cheaply?

Place 6 copies of your 35×45mm photo on a 4×6 inch template. Print at Walmart ($0.16) or Walgreens ($0.39) and cut to size. Much cheaper than $16.99–$17.99 passport photo services.

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa from the US?

Apply at the consulate of your main destination country. Many use service providers: France uses TLS centers, Germany uses BLS International, and Italy uses its consulates directly (via Prenot@Mi).

Schengen Visa & European Passport Photo Requirements (USA)

Q: Do babies need eyes open for European passport photos?

Not always. Germany's official guidance states children under 1 do not need eyes open. The UK similarly relaxes this for infants. Children under 5–6 also get relaxed expression requirements.

Q: What background color should a Schengen visa photo use?

EU ICAO guidance calls for a plain light-colored background. Most consulates accept white. Exception: French passport/ID photos require light blue or gray (pure white is rejected).

Q: Do US citizens need a Schengen visa?

Not for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For stays over 90 days, a visa is required. When ETIAS launches (late 2026), US citizens will need pre-travel authorization.

Europe uses 35×45 mm photos with strict ICAO biometric rules — no smile, neutral expression, 70–80% face coverage. Your US 2×2" photo won't work.

Get EU Photo — $6.99 France / Germany / Italy

35×45 mm ICAO format Country-specific presets 4×6 print template (6 copies)

Schengen / EU Photo Specs

Print size	35 × 45 mm (≈1.38 × 1.77 in)
Face coverage	70–80% of image height
Background	Plain, light-colored (usually white)
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed, no smile
Eyes	Open and clearly visible
Glasses	Check country — varies
Recency	Within 6 months
Print quality	Photo paper (no scans/copies)

Source: EU ICAO photo guidelines

US 2×2" vs Schengen 35×45mm — Two Different Standards

35×45 mm

Schengen / EU (Portrait)

35 × 45 mm — taller than wide. Strict neutral expression.

2×2 in (51×51)

US Passport (Square)

51 × 51 mm — square. Wrong size AND expression style for Europe.

Requirement	Schengen / EU	US Passport
Print size	35 × 45 mm (portrait)	51 × 51 mm (2×2 in, square)
Face coverage	70–80% of image height	Head 25–35 mm (1–1⅜ in)
Expression	Neutral only, mouth closed, no smile	Neutral or natural smile allowed
Background	Plain light-colored (varies by country)	White or off-white
Glasses	Country-specific (often allowed)	Generally not allowed
Print quality	Photo paper; no scans/photocopies	Matte or glossy photo paper
Recency	Within 6 months	Within 6 months

Key difference: European ICAO standards are stricter about "no smile" and neutral expression. A US passport photo with a natural smile will likely be rejected for a Schengen visa.

Country-Specific Rules: France, Germany & Italy

While the baseline is 35×45mm ICAO, each country has its own nuances and visa submission process in the US.

🇫🇷

France

Background: light blue/gray for passport (NOT white)

Visa photo: 35×45mm, ICAO standard
Passport/ID photo: Face 32–36mm, light blue/gray background (pure white rejected)
Biometrics: Age 12+ must appear in person
US intake: TLS centers in 10+ cities
US citizens: No visa needed for stays under 90 days

Get France Photo

🇩🇪

Germany

Clearest biometric photo examples available

Photo: 35×45mm, strict biometric framing
Under 1: Eyes open not required
Under 5: Neutral expression not required
US intake: BLS International (except Atlanta: direct)
Minors: Both parents + child must be present

Get Germany Photo

🇮🇹

Italy

No scanned or photocopied photos accepted

Photo: 35×45mm, white background, ICAO aligned
Face coverage: 70–80% of image height
Tourism visa: 2 photos required
US intake: Consulate-led via Prenot@Mi portal
Minors: Both parents must sign; notarization if needed

Get Italy Photo

Visa Application Centers in the US

France	TLS centers — Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, LA, Miami, NYC, SF, Seattle, DC
Germany	BLS International (except Atlanta: apply at consulate directly)
Italy	Consulates directly — book via Prenot@Mi portal

Schengen Visa Fees & Timing

€90

Adults

€45

Children 6–12

15 days

Processing

Apply no earlier than 6 months and at least 15 days before travel. Processing can extend to 45 days.

Age-Specific Photo & Application Rules

European standards have clearer child accommodations than most systems — especially for babies and toddlers.

Baby (Under 1 Year)

Eyes open NOT required (Germany, UK)
Lay on plain light sheet, photograph from above
Support head if needed — hand must not be visible
No other people, toys, or objects in frame
Same 35×45mm dimensions apply

Toddler (1–5 Years)

Neutral expression NOT required (Germany ≤5, UK <6)
Face must still be fully visible (no hair over eyes)
No toys visible in frame
Only one subject in photo
Common failures: blur, head tilt

Child & Teen (6–17)

Standard biometric rules apply (above 5–6)
Biometrics: France requires in-person for age 12+
Both parents usually must sign visa application
Germany: both parents + child present for passport
Italy: both parents sign; notarization for absent parent

ETIAS — Coming Late 2026 for US Citizens

When the European Travel Information and Authorisation System launches, US citizens making visa-free short stays will need pre-travel authorization.

€20

Application fee

Q4 2026

Scheduled launch

Online

Application type

No applications are being collected yet
ETIAS itself does not require photo upload
EES (Entry/Exit System) captures facial image + fingerprints at the border
Biometric photo standards remain critical for passports and visas

EES vs ETIAS

	ETIAS	EES
What	Pre-travel authorization	Border recording system
When	Before travel	At entry/exit
Biometrics	None (online form)	Facial image + fingerprints
For whom	Visa-free nationals	All non-EU travelers

Print 6 European-Size Photos for $0.16

A 4×6 inch print fits 6 copies of 35×45mm photos in a 2×3 grid. Print at Walmart for $0.16 and cut to size. Walgreens: $0.39.

Retail passport photo services charge $16.99–$17.99 and only produce US 2×2" photos — wrong size for Schengen.

Total cost: $6.99 + $0.16 = $7.15 for 6 correctly-sized European photos.

Get Started — $6.99

Includes digital + 4×6 print template

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually no. The US photo is 51×51mm (square) while Schengen requires 35×45mm (portrait). Beyond size, European ICAO standards are stricter about neutral expression and background uniformity.

EU ICAO guidance says a plain light-colored background. Most consulates accept white. Exception: French passport/ID photos require light blue or gray — pure white is rejected for those documents. Always check your destination country's checklist.

Some consulates explicitly reject them. Italy's LA consulate, for example, specifically says scanned or photocopied photos are not accepted for Schengen tourism visas. Always use high-quality prints on photo paper.

Not always. Germany's official guidance states children under 1 don't need eyes open. The UK similarly relaxes this. For toddlers under 5–6, neutral expression is also not required (Germany ≤5, UK <6).

Not for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For stays over 90 days, a visa is required. When ETIAS launches (scheduled late 2026), US citizens will also need pre-travel authorization (€20).

Apply at the consulate of your main destination country. France uses TLS centers (10+ US cities). Germany uses BLS International (except Atlanta: apply at consulate directly). Italy uses its consulates via the Prenot@Mi portal.

The photo specs are similar (35×45mm, biometric), but some countries have additional rules. French passports require a light blue/gray background. Germany says don't cut/trim photos yourself. Italy ties applications to AIRE registration and consular jurisdiction. All require in-person appearance.

ETIAS is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026 at €20. The application is online and does not currently describe a photo upload requirement. However, EES will capture facial images and fingerprints at the border.

Official Sources

Get Your Schengen / EU Photo in 3 Minutes

35×45mm ICAO-compliant format with correct face coverage, neutral expression, and country-specific presets. Plus a 4×6 print template with 6 copies — print at any store for $0.16.