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USA vs Philippines visa photo: both 51 × 51 mm
USA and Philippines both ask for 51 × 51 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?
USA and Philippines publish the same print size (51 × 51 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (USA: White or off-white; Philippines: Plain white). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
In short
USA and Philippines 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 | USA | Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size= same | 51 × 51 mm | 51 × 51 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 600 px | 600 × 600 px |
| File size limit | ≤ 240 KB | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Head height= same | 50–69% | 50–69% |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background without shadows or foreign objects. | Strictly white background. |
| Glasses | Glasses prohibited, except for rare medical exceptions. | Glasses prohibited. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open. | A neutral expression is preferred; a slight closed-mouth smile with no visible teeth or gums (known as a Mona Lisa smile) is allowed, both 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, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | Even light, no shadows, reflections, or digital alterations to appearance. | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Attire | Ordinary everyday clothing; uniforms not permitted, except daily religious dress. | Neutral clothing, shoulders visible, without uniform or distracting accessories. |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) — embassies and consulates |
| Last verified | 21 May 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for USA and Philippines?
USA and Philippines publish the same print size (51 × 51 mm), and a plain white background satisfies both rules (USA: White or off-white; Philippines: Plain white). One photo session can usually cover both; head-height and the digital-upload rules are on each linked page.
Which photo is larger — USA or Philippines?
Neither — both countries use the same 51 × 51 mm photo for this document.
What background colour do USA and Philippines require?
USA requires: White or off-white. Philippines requires: Plain white. A plain white background satisfies both.