Czech Republic Schengen visa photo requirements
Czech Republic uses the shared Schengen photo standard — 35 × 45 mm, ICAO biometric framing, plain light background. This page covers the photo standard plus how Czech Republic consulates handle Schengen visa applications: where to apply, processing times, fees and consulate-level handling.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · VFS Global · €90
Prepare a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo on a plain light background. Apply through Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global in most markets. Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Processing time 15 calendar days standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Issuing authority | Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global in most markets |
|---|---|
| Visa application centre | VFS Global |
| Processing time | 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for second-line review |
| Standard fee | €90 |
| Reduced fee | €45 for children 6–12 |
| Application languages | Czech, English |
| Official portal | Czech Republic short-stay visa portal ↗ |
Photo specification
Schengen 35 × 45 mm. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs references the shared Schengen photo standard for short-stay visa applications.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 70–80% of frame height (32–36 mm chin-to-crown) |
| Background | plain light grey or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Glasses | Strongly discouraged; remove for the shot. See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
Czech Republic consulate handling
Czech consulates verify the photo background colour under daylight before accepting. Off-white prints that look fine on screen sometimes register as cream or grey.
Czech Republic national document photos
Frequently asked questions about Czech Republic Schengen visa photos
What size is the Czech Republic Schengen visa photo?
35 × 45 mm. Czech Republic uses the shared Schengen biometric photo standard — the same as every other Schengen state. The head must occupy 70–80% of the frame height with a plain light background.
Where do I apply for a Czech Republic Schengen visa?
Apply through the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs + VFS Global in most markets. Czech consulates verify the photo background colour under daylight before accepting. Off-white prints that look fine on screen sometimes register as cream or grey.
How long does Czech Republic take to process a Schengen visa?
15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days for second-line review. First-time applicants and applications submitted during peak travel seasons tend to fall toward the upper end of this window.
What does the Czech Republic Schengen visa cost?
Standard fee €90, €45 for children 6–12. Some markets add a VAC service fee on top of the consular fee paid to VFS Global.
Can I wear glasses in a Czech Republic Schengen visa photo?
Czech Republic follows the shared Schengen baseline: glasses are strongly discouraged because of glare and frame-related rejection risk. The safest choice at every consulate is to remove glasses before the shot.
Compare other Schengen countries
Prepare your Czech Republic Schengen visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to the 35 × 45 mm Schengen biometric frame and checks the background automatically.