UK visa photo requirements and BRP card
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses one shared photo specification across all major visa categories: 45 × 35 mm, plain light background, head 29 to 34 mm chin to crown. This pillar covers the shared photo standard and links to a dedicated page for each of the 6 most common visa categories.
Quick answer
45 × 35 mm, plain light grey, head 29-34 mm
A UK visa photo is 45 × 35 mm portrait orientation with the head measuring 29 to 34 mm chin to crown on a plain light grey or cream, even illumination. Neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months. Last reviewed .
The UK visa photo specification
| Size | 45 × 35 mm portrait orientation [1] |
|---|---|
| Head height | 29 to 34 mm chin to crown [1] |
| Background | plain light grey or cream, even illumination [1] |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears typically visible [2] |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile allowed) [1] |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016, medical exemptions documented). See full rules → |
| Head covering | Religious or medical head coverings allowed when facial features remain fully visible |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital upload | JPEG, minimum 600 × 800 pixels, maximum 240 KB |
Sources
- [1] GOV.UK Get a passport photo — official UK passport photo specification, also used by UKVI for visa applications. gov.uk passport photo rules ↗
- [2] ICAO Doc 9303 Machine Readable Travel Documents, Part 9 — portrait quality, head position and biometric framing adopted by HMPO. ICAO 9303 ↗
Verified . We monitor GOV.UK passport guidance and Home Office immigration rules for changes; visa fees and processing times for each category are sourced from each GOV.UK visa page (see sub-pages for direct links).
Choose your UK visa category
The photo specification is identical across these categories. The application route — fee, processing time and supporting evidence — is category-specific.
UK visa categories at a glance
| Visa | Fee | Processing | Biometrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | £127 for short-stay | 3 weeks standard | Yes — appointment at a Visa Application Centre (TLScontact in most countries, VFS Global elsewhere) |
| Skilled Worker visa | £719 to £1,500 for the visa itself, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) and certified document fees | 3 weeks standard outside the UK | Yes — at a VAC for new applicants |
| Student visa | £524 from outside the UK | 3 weeks standard | Yes — at a VAC for new applicants |
| Spouse / Family visa | £1,938 for application from outside the UK | 12 weeks standard | Yes — at a VAC |
| UK Ancestry visa | £637 visa fee plus £1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 5 years | 3 weeks standard at most VACs | Yes — at a VAC |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | £298 visa fee plus £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2 years | 3 weeks standard | Yes — at a VAC |
What is a Biometric Residence Permit?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is the physical credit-card-sized document issued to most non-British UK visa holders. It shows the photo captured at your VAC appointment, your personal details and your visa conditions. The same photo that goes onto the visa application flows onto the BRP and stays there for the duration of the visa (typically 2-5 years).
The practical implication: take the photo seriously. A poor-quality biometric capture at the appointment creates a poor-quality BRP card that you will carry for years and use for everything from opening a bank account to renting accommodation. Plan to look the way you want to look on the card for the full duration.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a UK visa photo?
The UK visa photo is 45 × 35 mm — the same size as a UK passport photo. The head measures 29 to 34 mm chin to crown chin to crown. The same specification is used for visa applications, Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and UK passport renewals.
Do I need to bring a printed photo to the UK visa appointment?
No. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) captures the biometric photo at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. You upload a digital photo with the online application; you do not bring a printed copy to the VAC.
What is a BRP card and how is the photo used?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is the physical card issued to most non-EU UK visa holders. It shows the same photo captured at the VAC appointment. The photo stays on the card for the visa duration (typically 2-5 years), so the capture quality at the appointment matters for years.
Can I smile in a UK visa photo?
No. UKVI requires a neutral expression with mouth closed. The UK photo standard is one of the strictest in the world — even a soft smile is rejected. Look straight at the camera with a relaxed face.
Can I wear glasses in a UK visa photo?
Glasses are not allowed in UK passport or visa photos since 2016, except for documented medical reasons. The UKVI biometric capture station prompts the applicant to remove glasses before the shot.
What if my GOV.UK photo upload is rejected?
GOV.UK runs an automated check on the uploaded photo. Common rejection causes: head not centred, eyes not at the right height, background not uniform, file too large (max 240 KB), wrong aspect ratio (must be 35:45 portrait or 600 × 800 pixels minimum). Reshoot under natural light against a plain wall and try again.
Related cross-country guides
Prepare your UK visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the UKVI 45 × 35 mm format, light background and biometric framing automatically.