Philippines Visa Photo 2026: 35x45 Size and Clothing Requirements
In short. In 2026, a Philippines visa photo must be 35x45 mm on a white background; glasses and sleeveless attire are strictly prohibited.
- The photo size must be 35x45 mm (or 2x2 inches).
- The background must be solid white.
- Wearing glasses in the photo is strictly prohibited.
- Sleeveless attire (bare shoulders) is a reason for photo rejection.
- The photo must be taken no later than 6 months before applying.
In 2026, strict photo rules apply when applying for an electronic visa (e-Visa) or a traditional visa to the Philippines. The most important requirement, which often causes application rejections, is the absolute ban on photos with glasses and sleeveless attire.
What Changed and Main Requirements
The Philippine e-Visa system and consulates require uploading a digital photo or providing a paper photo that meets ICAO standards. The main parameters for 2026 are:
| Parameter | 2026 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 35x45 mm (51x51 mm is also accepted) |
| Background | Solid white, no shadows |
| Glasses | Strictly prohibited (even prescription glasses) |
| Clothing | Sleeveless attire is prohibited (shoulders must be covered) |
| Age of photo | Taken no later than 6 months before submission |
| Format for e-Visa | Color digital scan (JPG/PNG) |
Who This Applies To
These rules are uniform for all types of Philippine visas. The electronic visa (e-Visa) is currently available to citizens of several countries (e.g., India, France, the Netherlands, Japan). As of 2026, citizens of Ukraine must apply for a traditional sticker visa through a Philippine embassy or consulate. However, the photo requirements (35x45 mm, white background, covered shoulders) remain absolutely identical for both digital uploads and paper submissions.
What to Do Now
- Wear a shirt or blouse that completely covers your shoulders (no tank tops or sleeveless dresses).
- Remove your glasses, even if you wear them constantly for medical reasons.
- Take the photo against a solid white background with a neutral facial expression.
- For e-Visa: save the photo in high-quality JPG or PNG format. For the consulate: print a 35x45 mm photo.
Common Mistakes
- Bare shoulders: Philippine immigration rules explicitly prohibit "sleeveless attire". A photo in a tank top will guarantee a rejection.
- Glasses: Any glasses, including clear prescription glasses, are prohibited.
- Incorrect background: The background must be perfectly white, without patterns, shadows, or foreign objects.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Related guides
Official sources
Questions
- Can I wear glasses in a Philippines visa photo?
- No, Philippine rules strictly prohibit any glasses in visa photos.
- What clothing is not allowed for the photo?
- It is prohibited to take a photo in sleeveless attire (tank tops, dresses with bare shoulders). Shoulders must be covered.
- What photo size is required for a Philippine visa?
- The standard size is 35x45 mm (1.77 x 1.37 inches), although some consulates also accept the 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) format.