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USA vs France visa photo — full spec comparison
Side-by-side comparison of visa photo requirements for USA and France, sourced from each issuing authority.
In short
USA requires 51 × 51 mm while France requires 35 × 45 mm. The two specifications are NOT interchangeable — a photo accepted for one will be rejected by the other.
Can you use the same photo for both?
No — the print sizes differ. USA requires 51 × 51 mm, while France requires 35 × 45 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document.
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 | USA | France |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600×600 px | Not specified by the issuing authority |
| Head height | 50–69% | 70–80% |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background without shadows or foreign objects. | Plain light background per ISO/IEC and ICAO standards. |
| Glasses | Glasses prohibited, except for rare medical exceptions. | No dark glasses or reflections; eyes must be fully visible. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, no tilt or rotation. | Full face, face and shoulders centred, no tilt. |
| Lighting / shadows | Even light, no shadows, reflections, or digital alterations to appearance. | Shadows, overexposure, and reflections not permitted. |
| Attire | Ordinary everyday clothing; uniforms not permitted, except daily religious dress. | Neutral clothing without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | France-Visas |
| Verification | Official — exact | Official — general |
| Last verified | 2026-05-21 | 2026-05-21 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for USA and France?
No — the print sizes differ. USA requires 51 × 51 mm, while France requires 35 × 45 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document.
Which photo is larger — USA or France?
USA uses the larger photo: 51 × 51 mm versus 35 × 45 mm for France.
What background colour do USA and France require?
USA requires: White or off-white. France requires: Plain light.