Guidance - How to Make Your Own Passport / Visa Photo at Home

Please follow the guidance notes below to prepare a digital photo for your visa. Once you have taken your photo, please email us the file in jpeg / jpg format, we will do the rest: print, cut it to the required size and attach to your application.

Step 1. Set up your photo shot

Photo must be taken against white, off-white background. If you are taking a photo against a wall, make sure there are no objects appearing in the shot (e.g. sockets, flowers, windows, etc.).

Adjust the lighting so that there are no shadows on your face or around your head and body. Try to take your photo near natural daylight, or turning on / off household lights.

Step 2. Mind your photo presentation

Pose for your photo shoot. You must be on your own, there must be no other people on the photo and babies must be without toys or a dummy.
  • Clothes: wear your normal everyday clothing and hairstyle, do not put uniform.
  • Head coverings: remove a hat / cap or other head covering, unless you wear such items because of your religious belief, ethnic background or medical reasons.
  • Glasses: sunglasses and tinted glasses are forbidden, but if you wear prescription glasses, you can leave those.
  • Face expression: pose with a neutral face, non-smiling with your mouth closed, straight in the camera. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible with no hair across your eyes. Eyes must be free of red-eye effect.
Step 3. Shoot

Place your camera in the same height as the head. There should be plenty of headroom and room around your arms. Your shoulders must be visible. It's better to be too zoomed out than too zoomed in. Take several photos.

Step 4. Email your image

Transfer your files to the computer and email them to us. If you have taken you photo with your smart phone, you can email them directly from your device (provided you have an email account set-up on your phone).

Digital photo samples - dos and don'ts

Please view sample digital photos provided by the UK government and avoid most common mistakes when creating your visa application photo.