New GOV.UK guidance, published on 12 February 2026, sets out how applicants must take and format a digital photo of their face for a visa application or permission.
Key facts
- Who: Anyone applying for a visa or permission who must supply a digital photo of their face, including people applying on behalf of a child
- From: 12 February 2026 (date of publication; the source gives no separate in-force date)
- Source: Take a photo of your face for a visa application or permission
The guidance sets requirements for the quality, format and content of the photo.
Quality. The photo must be clear, in focus, in colour and taken in a well-lit room. It must not be altered by computer software or other means, for example by adding a filter.
Format. The file must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, at least 50KB and no more than 6MB, in jpg or jpeg format, and vertically orientated. It must not be mirrored or flipped.
Content. The photo must show head, shoulders and upper body against a plain, light-coloured background that contrasts clearly with the person. It must contain no other objects or people and show no red eye. A phone or tablet can be used.
The photo must not be a scan or photo of another photo, must not be the same photo as in the passport or identity card, and must not be a photo of an identity document.
The applicant must face and look straight at the camera, with a plain expression, mouth closed and eyes open and visible. Facial features must be clearly visible, with no hair in front of the eyes and no shadows on the face or behind. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons. Shoulders and torso must be clothed.
Glasses should not be worn unless necessary. If they are, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted, and the eyes must not be covered by frames, glare, reflection or shadow.
The guidance says applicants should try to arrange for another person to take the photo, which helps reduce the chance of rejection.
Children. Children must be alone in the picture. Babies must not hold toys or use dummies. Anyone applying for someone else, such as a child, must photograph that person's face. Children under 6 do not have to look directly at the camera or have a plain expression. Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. Their head can be supported by hand, but the hand must not be visible in the photo. Children under one should lie on a plain, light-coloured sheet, with the photo taken from above.
What this means for applicants
Check the photo against each rule before uploading it. A photo that does not meet the requirements risks being rejected. Use a new photo rather than the passport or identity card image, and do not apply filters or editing. Anyone applying for a child must submit a photo of the child's face.
Related guide: UK visa application form