Latvia Visa, Residence Permit and Passport Photo for Ukrainians: Sizes and Requirements 2026
Latvia
In short. For a Latvian visa, residence permit and passport you need a colour 35×45 mm photo: the face occupies 70-80% of the frame, the background is light (white for the passport and eID), the expression is neutral with the mouth closed, and the photo is no older than 3 months.
- A single size for all Latvian documents - 35×45 mm, in colour (PMLP, Latvian MFA).
- The face must occupy 70-80% of the frame height; the expression is neutral, the mouth closed.
- For the passport and eID a white background is officially required, and the photo must be no older than 3 months (Latvian MFA).
- Headwear is prohibited, except for religious reasons - and it must not cover the face or cast a shadow.
- The consular section of the Latvian Embassy in Kyiv does NOT currently accept documents for a Schengen visa; applications are made through Latvian missions in other countries (including VFS Global there) or the representation of another Schengen country.
Short answer
Latvia uses a single document photo format - 35×45 mm, in colour, on a light background, with a neutral facial expression. This is confirmed by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) and the consular pages of the Latvian MFA. For the passport and eID a white background is officially specified.
Sizes and technical requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35×45 mm |
| Share of the face in the frame | 70-80% of the height (from chin to crown) |
| Background (passport, eID) | White |
| Background (visa, Schengen) | Light, plain (white or light grey) |
| Facial expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Photo age | No older than 3 months |
| Quality | High resolution, no blur, natural colours |
Under the Schengen standard (the EU Visa Code, Regulation 810/2009, and the ICAO technical requirements) the height of the head from chin to crown is approximately 32-36 mm, and the face occupies 70-80% of the frame. The exact proportions are most conveniently set with an online 35×45 mm template.
Rules that are often broken
- Glasses: there is officially no outright ban, but no glare and no tinted lenses; the eyes must be clearly visible. The safest option is to remove the glasses.
- Headwear: prohibited, except for religious reasons. In that case it must not cover the face or cast a shadow.
- Only one person in the photo, with no other people, hands or toys.
- The photo is not creased or dirty, and is printed on quality photo paper.
Where to submit documents (for Ukrainians)
- Passport, eID, residence permit: through PMLP in Latvia or the consular sections of Latvian embassies.
- Schengen visa: the consular section of the Latvian Embassy in Kyiv does not currently accept documents for Schengen visas and does not yet work with VFS Global in Ukraine. Applications can be made through Latvian diplomatic missions in your country of lawful residence (where VFS Global may act as the external provider) or through the representation of another Schengen country (short-stay visas of up to 90 days within 180). Before travelling, check the current status with the consulate: +380 44 490 70 37.
Typical reasons for refusal
- A dark or coloured background instead of a light/white one - the most common mistake.
- A smile, an open mouth, a tilt of the head.
- An old photo (over 3 months) or one that does not match your current appearance.
- Shadows on the face or background, glare from glasses.
- Face too large or too small - the 70-80% share is not met.
- Low print quality, blur, unnatural colours.
The fastest way to avoid these mistakes is to prepare the photo to the official 35×45 mm template online and upload the ready file.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- What is the photo size for a Latvian visa and passport?
- The single standard size is 35×45 mm, in colour. The face must occupy 70-80% of the frame height. According to the Latvian MFA, for the passport and eID the 50×70 mm format is allowed for children under 5; for adults the standard is 35×45 mm.
- What background is required for the photo?
- For the passport and eID a white background is officially required. For a Schengen visa - a light plain background (white or light grey) with no shadows. A dark or coloured background is the main reason for refusals.
- Can I wear glasses in the photo?
- There is no outright ban, but the eyes must be clearly visible, with no glare and no tinted lenses. To avoid a refusal, it is better to remove the glasses.
- Where should Ukrainians submit documents for a visa to Latvia?
- The consular section of the Latvian Embassy in Kyiv does not currently accept documents for Schengen visas and does not work with VFS Global in Ukraine. You can apply through Latvian missions in your country of lawful residence or through the representation of another Schengen country. It is worth checking the status with the consulate (+380 44 490 70 37).