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UK vs Russia visa photo: both 35 × 45 mm
UK and Russia both ask for 35 × 45 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the visa photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
Partially. UK and Russia publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — UK: Plain light; Russia: Light grey. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
In short
UK and Russia use the same photo dimensions for this document. The other specifications (head-height, background, glasses) may still differ — see below.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | UK | Russia |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 35 × 45 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 750 px | The authority does not publish this detail |
| File size limit | ≤ 6 MB | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Head height | 64–76% (29–34 mm) | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Background | Plain neutral background in a light grey or cream shade with clear contrast against the face. | Light grey plain background without textures or shadows; this differs from the Russian international passport, where the background is white. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious or medical reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Face strictly straight; entire head visible; no other people or objects in the frame. | Strictly full face, no tilt. |
| Lighting / shadows | Photo must be clear, well-lit, and without digital alterations. | Shadows, overexposure, and reflections not permitted. |
| Authority | UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office), GOV.UK | Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia |
| Last verified | 1 Oct 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for UK and Russia?
Partially. UK and Russia publish the same print size (35 × 45 mm), and the background rules overlap but not on white — UK: Plain light; Russia: Light grey. A background that both rules allow works for both; check each linked page before reusing one photo.
Which photo is larger — UK or Russia?
Neither — both countries use the same 35 × 45 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do UK and Russia require?
UK requires: Plain light. Russia requires: Light grey.