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USA vs Russia visa photo: 51 × 51 mm vs 35 × 45 mm
USA: 51 × 51 mm. Russia: 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?
No — the print sizes differ. USA requires 51 × 51 mm, while Russia requires 35 × 45 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document.
In short
USA requires 51 × 51 mm while Russia requires 35 × 45 mm. The two specifications are NOT interchangeable — a photo accepted for one will be rejected by the other.
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 | Russia |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size≠ differs | 51 × 51 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 600 px | The authority does not publish this detail |
| File size limit | ≤ 240 KB | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Head height | 50–69% | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Background≠ differs | Plain white or off-white background without shadows or foreign objects. | Light grey plain background without textures or shadows; this differs from the Russian international passport, where the background is white. |
| Glasses | Glasses prohibited, except for rare medical exceptions. | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. |
| 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. | Strictly full face, 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. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia |
| 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 Russia?
No — the print sizes differ. USA requires 51 × 51 mm, while Russia 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 Russia?
USA uses the larger photo: 51 × 51 mm versus 35 × 45 mm for Russia.
What background colour do USA and Russia require?
USA requires: White or off-white. Russia requires: Light grey.