UK Visa & ETA Photo Requirements
The UK ETA (new since 2024) takes a biometric selfie in-app — no separate photo needed. Traditional UK visas require 35×45mm. Here is exactly what each track needs.
The UK ETA app takes a biometric selfie directly during the application. No printed photo or file upload required. Just good lighting and a plain background.
Required for nationalities not exempt from UK visas. Different size from US passport (2×2 inch) — must be specifically 35×45mm with white background.
UK ETA — In-App Biometric Selfie Guide
Available for free on iOS and Android. Search 'UK ETA' in the App Store or Google Play. The app is published by the UK Home Office.
Hold your passport bio page under the camera to scan the chip. The app reads your biometric data directly.
The app will guide you through capturing your face. Requirements: good front-facing light, plain light background, no glasses, neutral expression, head straight. The app checks liveness (it may ask you to blink or turn your head).
The ETA costs £10. After payment, approval is typically within a few hours, sometimes instantly. You receive a confirmation email — save it, but the ETA is linked digitally to your passport.
UK Standard Visitor Visa — Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Printed Photo |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm |
| Background | White or off-white |
| File format | Printed photo paper |
| File size | N/A |
| Expression | Neutral |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
| Quantity | 2 identical copies |
Warning
Make Your UK Visa Photo Online
35×45mm · White background · 600×750px digital download included · Accepted for UK visa applications
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
UK Visa Photo FAQ
Do I need a photo for the UK ETA?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) does not require you to upload a separate photo. Instead, the UK ETA app takes a biometric selfie directly during the application process using your smartphone camera. You scan your passport, then the app takes a live facial photo. No printed photo or separate upload is needed. However, the app has specific requirements for the selfie environment — good lighting, neutral expression, no glasses.
What is the UK ETA and who needs it?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a new pre-travel permission introduced in 2024. US citizens (and citizens of many other visa-exempt countries) must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK for tourism, business, or transit stays under 6 months. It is not a visa — it is linked electronically to your passport. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply through the UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android).
What size photo is needed for a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
For a UK Standard Visitor Visa (required for nationalities that are not visa-exempt), the photo must be 35×45mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches) — the same as the EU passport standard. The background must be plain white or off-white (cream is acceptable). The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Two identical printed photos are typically required for paper application forms. Digital applications use an online photo upload.
What are the UK visa digital photo requirements?
For UK visa online applications, the digital photo must be: JPEG format, at least 600×750 pixels (width×height), maximum file size 6MB, white or off-white background, full colour, taken within the last 6 months, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, no headwear (except religious). The UK government's online visa application portal will guide you through uploading the photo during the application process.
Can I wear glasses in a UK visa photo?
No — glasses are not permitted in UK visa photos or in the UK ETA biometric selfie. This applies to prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted glasses. Glasses were banned from UK travel document photos to improve biometric accuracy. This is the same rule as for US passport photos.
What background is required for a UK visa photo?
UK visa photos require a plain white or off-white (cream) background. Unlike the strict pure white required by countries like South Korea, the UK accepts slightly off-white backgrounds. The background must be uniform — no patterns, textures, or gradients. There must be no shadows on the background or on your face. The UK ETA app selfie requires a plain light background during the in-app photo capture.
How is the UK ETA different from a UK visa?
The UK ETA is for visa-exempt nationalities (like US citizens) and is a lightweight pre-travel permission. It is applied for via the UK ETA app, requires only a passport scan and a biometric selfie, costs £10, and is approved usually within hours. A UK visa is a separate document for nationalities that require advance permission to enter the UK. Both allow travel to the UK, but through different application systems with different requirements.
Can I use a US passport photo for a UK visa application?
No — US passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm), while UK visa photos must be 35×45mm. The formats are different enough that a US passport photo cannot be submitted for a UK visa paper application. For UK online visa applications, you upload a digital photo (minimum 600×750px) — which does not need to be the same size as a printed photo, but must meet UK specifications for background, expression, and quality.