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USA vs UK visa photo: 51 × 51 mm vs 35 × 45 mm
USA: 51 × 51 mm. UK: 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 UK requires 35 × 45 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: USA expects 600 × 600 px, UK expects 600 × 750 px.
In short
USA requires 51 × 51 mm while UK 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 | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size≠ differs | 51 × 51 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 600 px | 600 × 750 px |
| File size limit | ≤ 240 KB | ≤ 6 MB |
| Head height≠ differs | 50–69% | 64–76% (29–34 mm) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background without shadows or foreign objects. | Plain neutral background in a light grey or cream shade with clear contrast against the face. |
| 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 or medical reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Strictly full face, no tilt or rotation. | Face strictly straight; entire head visible; no other people or objects in the frame. |
| Lighting / shadows | Even light, no shadows, reflections, or digital alterations to appearance. | Photo must be clear, well-lit, and without digital alterations. |
| Attire | Ordinary everyday clothing; uniforms not permitted, except daily religious dress. | The authority does not publish this detail |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office), GOV.UK |
| 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 UK?
No — the print sizes differ. USA requires 51 × 51 mm, while UK requires 35 × 45 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: USA expects 600 × 600 px, UK expects 600 × 750 px.
Which photo is larger — USA or UK?
USA uses the larger photo: 51 × 51 mm versus 35 × 45 mm for UK.
What background colour do USA and UK require?
USA requires: White or off-white. UK requires: Plain light. A plain white background satisfies both.