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News: document photo requirements by country

What changed in passport, visa and residence photo rules — every update dated and sourced.

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July 2026

96 articles
NewsEU

EU Allows Temporary Suspension of Biometrics Collection at Borders Due to Summer Queues

In response to aviation industry complaints about multi-hour queues, the European Commission confirmed that national border agencies have the right to temporarily suspend the collection of biometric data (fingerprints and facial photos) for the new Entry/Exit System (EES). This rule will apply during peak loads in the summer season until early September 2026. The changes affect travelers from non-EU countries, including Ukrainians traveling visa-free. At the same time, Ukrainians with temporary protection status are completely exempt from EES registration.

4 min readEuropean Commission (via Anadolu Agency)
Newse-VisaPhilippines

Philippines Visa Photo 2026: 35x45 Size and Clothing Requirements

A detailed overview of the official photo requirements for obtaining a Philippine visa in 2026. Learn about the correct size (35x45 mm), background requirements, and specific rules regarding clothing and glasses to help you avoid a visa rejection.

3 min read35 × 45 mmPhilippine e-Visa Portal
NewsVisaSouth Africa

South Africa Visa and eVisa Photo 2026: 35x45 mm Size, Background, and Upload Requirements

A detailed overview of the official South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) photo requirements for paper visas via VFS Global and electronic visas (eVisa). Covers technical parameters for digital photos, background and lighting requirements, and common applicant mistakes.

3 min read35 × 45 mmDepartment of Home Affairs (DHA)
NewsVisaBulgaria

Bulgaria Visa and Residence Permit Photo Requirements (2026)

Bulgaria, as a full member of the Schengen area, applies strict ICAO standards to photos for visas and residence permits. Learn about the current requirements for size, background, and image quality to avoid rejection of your documents.

3 min read35 × 45 mmМіністерство закордонних справ Республіки Болгарія
NewsVisaHong Kong

Hong Kong Visa and Passport Photo 2026: Non-Standard 40x50 mm Size and Digital Upload Requirements

The Hong Kong Immigration Department sets strict requirements for visa and passport photos, which differ from standard European norms. Instead of the usual 35x45 mm format, applicants must provide a 40x50 mm photo. Clear technical parameters apply for online submission: JPEG format, file size up to 5 MB, and a resolution of at least 1200x1600 pixels. Failure to comply with these rules is one of the most common reasons for delays in document processing.

3 min read40 × 50 mmІмміграційний департамент Гонконгу
Newse-VisaOman

Oman eVisa Photo 2026: 40x60 mm Size and Rules

The official Royal Oman Police portal has strict requirements for digital photos for the electronic visa (eVisa). Applicants must upload a non-standard 40x60 mm photo in JPEG format, up to 512 KB in size. The background must be pure white, and wearing glasses is prohibited. Failure to comply with these rules is the most common cause of delays or rejections of the visa application.

3 min read40 × 60 mmRoyal Oman Police eVisa
Newse-VisaMorocco

Morocco eVisa Photo Requirements 2026: Official Size, Background, and Rules

A complete guide to the 2026 digital photo requirements for the Morocco eVisa. Learn the exact dimensions (35x45 mm), background color rules, file size limits, and common mistakes to avoid when uploading your biometric photo to the Acces Maroc portal.

3 min read35 × 45 mmMorocco eVisa Official Portal (Acces Maroc)
NewsVisaCyprus

Cyprus Visa and Pink Slip Photo 2026: 35x45 mm Size and Background Requirements

A detailed overview of the photo requirements for obtaining a Cyprus national visa and temporary residence permit (Pink Slip) in 2026. It covers technical parameters (35x45 mm size, 70-80% face coverage), rules regarding the background, glasses, and headwear, as well as the procedure for submitting biometric data at the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD).

4 min read35 × 45 mmCyprus Register
Newse-VisaAlbania

Albania e-Visa Photo 2026: Non-Standard 47x36 mm Size and Portal Requirements

The Albanian government portal e-visa.al has strict technical requirements for applicant photos. Unlike the standard Schengen format, an Albanian e-Visa requires a 47x36 mm photo. Digitally, this corresponds to 555x425 pixels. Failure to comply with these proportions or background requirements may result in a delay or rejection of the visa application.

3 min read36 × 47 mmОфіційний портал e-Visa Албанії
NewsVisaTaiwan

Taiwan Visa and eVisa Photo 2026: BOCA Requirements (35x45 mm & 531x413 px)

The Bureau of Consular Affairs of Taiwan (BOCA) has updated and detailed the photo requirements for obtaining visas and electronic visas (eVisa). For paper submission, a standard size of 35x45 mm is required, while for online upload, a digital file in JPG/JPEG format with a minimum resolution of 413x531 pixels must be provided. The photo must be taken against a pure white background within the last 6 months, with a neutral facial expression and without thick-framed glasses.

4 min read35 × 45 mmBureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA)
NewsItaly

Italy Visa, Permesso di Soggiorno & Passport Photo 2026: Requirements (Fototessera 35x45 mm)

A detailed overview of the official requirements for photos (fototessera) to obtain an Italian visa, residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), and passport in 2026. Dimensions, background requirements, facial expressions, and the most common applicant mistakes.

3 min read35 × 45 mmМіністерство закордонних справ Італії (Esteri.it)
NewsSingapore

Singapore Visa and Passport Photo 2026: ICA Requirements, Size (35x45 mm / 400x514 px) and Upload Rules

A detailed overview of the current Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) requirements for visa, passport, and other document photos in 2026. Learn about exact sizes (35x45 mm and 400x514 px), acceptable file formats, background, lighting, and glasses rules, as well as a step-by-step guide for successfully uploading your photo online without the risk of rejection.

4 min read400 × 514 pxImmigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
NewsNew Zealand

New Zealand Visa and NZeTA Photo 2026: Size, Background, and App Selfie Requirements

Immigration New Zealand has strict photo requirements for visa applications and the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). In 2026, it is important to consider specific background requirements (which must not be pure white), file sizes depending on the submission method, and clear rules for selfies, which are permitted exclusively in the NZeTA mobile app.

4 min readImmigration New Zealand
NewsVisaPortugal

Portugal Visa and Residence Permit (AIMA) Photo 2026: Requirements and Size

Applying for a Portuguese visa or residence permit through AIMA requires strict adherence to photo standards. In 2026, the European 35x45 mm format (tipo passe) remains the baseline. The face must occupy 70-80% of the frame, the background must be light (white or light gray), and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. For a visa, 1-2 photos are usually required, while for an AIMA appointment, you should bring 2 printed photos, especially if applying at the Odivelas or Aveiro branches.

4 min read35 × 45 mmAIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo)
Newse-VisaMalaysia

Photo Requirements for Malaysia eVisa (eVisa/VDR)

Overview of current digital photo requirements for Malaysia e-Visa (eVisa) and Visa With Reference (VDR) applications, including the 35x50 mm size and background rules.

2 min read35 × 50 mmVisafoto (Malaysia eVisa Requirements)
NewsIndonesia

Electronic Visa (e-VoA) Photo for Indonesia 2026: Size and Background Requirements

Applying for an electronic visa on arrival (e-VoA) to Indonesia requires strict adherence to biometric standards for the digital photo. In 2026, the system automatically rejects files that do not meet the minimum resolution of 400x600 pixels, exceed 2 MB in size, or are not taken on a white background. This article compiles the current technical requirements and common mistakes that Ukrainians should avoid when submitting an application.

3 min read400 × 600 pxОфіційний портал e-Visa Індонезії
NewsEUUkraine

EU proposes extending temporary protection to 2028 with restrictions for men

On June 26, 2026, the European Commission officially proposed extending the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians for another year — until March 4, 2028. At the same time, an important exception is proposed: newly arrived military-liable individuals who do not have legal permission to leave Ukraine will no longer receive this status automatically. Those Ukrainians, including men, who have already received temporary protection earlier will retain their status. The proposal still needs final approval by the Council of the EU.

3 min readМіністерство соціальної політики України
NewsVisaMexico

Mexico Visa Photo Requirements 2026: Official Size (35x45 mm), Background, and Rules

Applying for a Mexican visa requires strict adherence to photo guidelines. While 35x45 mm is the standard international size often used, the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) also specifies dimensions between 32x26 mm and 39x31 mm depending on the consulate. Photos must be recent, in color, with a white background, and applicants must not wear glasses or smile.

3 min read35 × 45 mmSecretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE)
NewsAustralia

Australia Visa and Passport Photo 2026: Size, Background, and Digital Upload Requirements

Australia has strict photo requirements for visa and passport applications. In 2026, there is a strict ban on wearing glasses in photos (even prescription glasses), and clear technical file parameters are set for online submission via ImmiAccount. Failure to comply with these rules is the most common reason for delays in application processing.

3 min readAustralian Passport Office
Newse-VisaBrazil

Brazil eVisa Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Background & Upload Rules

A detailed guide to the 2026 photo requirements for the Brazil eVisa, including exact dimensions, file size, background color, and common mistakes to avoid during the VFS Global upload process.

3 min read35 × 45 mmVFS Global Brazil eVisa Portal
Newse-VisaSaudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia eVisa Photo Requirements 2026: 200x200 px and White Background

The government of Saudi Arabia has established strict technical requirements for digital photos for the electronic visa (eVisa) application. To avoid rejection or technical errors during the application process, applicants must upload a photo measuring exactly 200x200 pixels, with a file size between 5 and 100 KB, taken against a plain white background without shadows. The face must occupy 70-80% of the frame, and the facial expression must be neutral.

3 min read200 × 200 pxVisit Saudi (Офіційний портал)
NewsUnited Kingdom

UK ETA Photo Requirements 2026: Face Photo, Passport Scan, and App Rules

The UK is strictly enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as of February 2026. Applicants must use the official UK ETA app or website to submit a physical passport scan and a compliant face photo. Strict biometric standards apply, including specific file sizes, dimensions, and the requirement to scan the passport's NFC chip.

4 min readUK Government (GOV.UK)
NewsGermany

Germany: The Bezahlkarte Payment Card for Benefit Recipients — What It Means for Ukrainians in 2026

Germany has introduced the Bezahlkarte payment card for recipients of benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG). In 2026 it applies in all states except Berlin, with a cash limit mostly of €50 per month. It does not yet affect Ukrainians with temporary protection — they receive Bürgergeld. But a bill on changing the legal regime (Rechtskreiswechsel) may move those who arrived after 1 April 2025 to AsylbLG and, accordingly, to the Bezahlkarte. The switch was initially planned for 1 July 2026, but as of June 2026 the law has not yet been adopted and is stuck in the Bundesrat, so this date remains uncertain.

5 min readMediendienst Integration — Wo gilt was bei der Bezahlkarte?

June 2026

90 articles
Guide

Glasses in Document Photos in 2026: Are They Allowed?

The global trend is unambiguous: it is best to take your glasses off for document photos. The US banned them entirely in passport photos from 1 November 2016 (the only exception being a documented medical reason). Where glasses are still allowed, the ICAO standard requires clear lenses with no glare or tint, and frames may not cover the eyes.

4 min readU.S. Department of State — Passport Photos (travel.state.gov)

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