UK visa photo for Ukrainians in 2026: requirements, eVisa instead of BRP

To apply for a UK visa (including under the Ukrainian schemes) you need a photo of your face that meets the standards of HM Passport Office and UKVI. You upload some of the images online yourself, but the final biometric photo is taken at the visa centre when you provide your biometrics.

Photo requirements

Additional rules: the photo must be in colour, without filters or effects, not blurry, and free of "red eye". Glasses are best avoided; if you cannot do without them — only clear ones (not sunglasses or tinted), without reflections and so that the frame does not cover the eyes. Headwear is prohibited, except for religious or medical reasons. The photo must be taken in the last month.

Where to apply

You usually upload the digital photo during the online application. However, for most visas you need to attend a visa centre (UKVCAS / Visa Application Centre) in person, where a "live" biometric photo of the face is taken. For applicants aged 5 and over, fingerprints are also taken; children under 5 only have a photo taken, but an appointment booking is still required. Under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, holders of a BRP that expired no earlier than 24 months ago can reuse their biometrics. From 8 April 2026 you can apply for an extension 90 days before your permission ends.

Note separately: physical BRP cards have been replaced by the eVisa — a digital record of your status. New BRPs have not been issued since 31 October 2024, and an expired card is valid for at most 24 months after the expiry date or until 31 December 2026 (whichever comes first). At the same time, an expired BRP is not accepted for travel to the UK from 2 June 2025 — an eVisa is required for entry.

Why photos are rejected

• Shadow, reflections or uneven lighting on the face or background.
• A dark, coloured or patterned background.
• A smile, an open mouth or an unnatural expression.
• Glasses with reflections, a frame covering the eyes.
• Blur, "red eye", filters or an edited image.
• A file too large or too small, an incorrect format or an outdated photo.

How to prepare your photo

Take a front-on photo of yourself against a plain light wall in diffuse daylight, without headwear and without glasses. Ask someone to take the shot — this reduces the risk of rejection. Check that the eyes are clearly visible, the shoulders are level, and the expression is calm. Before uploading, make sure the file is in JPEG format, no smaller than 600×750 px and weighs between 50 KB and 6 MB.