AnswerSchengen visachecked November 10, 2026
Schengen visa photo rejected
Schengen visa photos follow the ICAO standard: 35 × 45 mm, with the face taking 70 to 80 % of the photo height, a neutral expression, and a plain light background. Consulates can add their own rules, and many visa centres take the photo at your appointment.
Why it happens
- The face is too small or too large for the 70 to 80 % rule.
- The background is not plain or light, or the consulate wants white.
- Shadows, glare on glasses, or a tilted head.
- The photo is older than 6 months.
How to fix it
Check your consulate
Look at the visa checklist of the country you are applying to. Some ask for white specifically.
Frame to 35 × 45 mm
Our tool crops so the face fills 70 to 80 % of the height.
Ask the visa centre
If you apply through a visa centre, check whether they take your photo at the appointment.
Check your photo now, free
Checks
- Add a photo to see the crop and the checks.
Bought your photo here and it was still rejected? You get a free redo or a refund. See the guarantee
Questions
Can I wear glasses?
Clear glasses without glare may be accepted, but removing them is safer. Some consulates refuse them.