Israel Visa Photo: Suitable Photos for a Successful Application [And a Hassle-Free Visa Photo Tool]

Get your perfect biometric photo (compliance guaranteed)

1M+
approved
ID photos
200%
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Israel Visa Photo: Suitable Photos for a Successful Application [And a Hassle-Free Visa Photo Tool]
1M+
approved
ID photos
200%
Guarantee of
acceptance

How does it work?

Get the perfect biometric photo in 3 minutes or less.

Check out just how simple it is!

Snap or upload a photo

Snap or upload a photo

That's the only thing you need to do. Snap or upload a photo - we'll take care of the rest.

AI prepares the photo

AI prepares the photo

Artificial Intelligence will check your photo, crop it to the right size and remove the background.

Expert verification

Expert verification

Our Photo Expert will make additional verification to check if your photo meets the official requirements.

Digital or print photos

Digital or print photos

You can download a digital version and order a printout which we will send within 2-4 days. Delivery is free!

Why?

Take a biometric photo conveniently without leaving home

You save time and money

Convenience

Don't waste time, effort or money. You can take your passport photo without leaving home.

Professional service

Over 1 million people have used our services within the past 11 years. Our Photo Experts are available 24/7.

Money-back guarantee

We guarantee the authorities will accept your photo(s) or we will refund double your purchase cost!

Satisfaction guarantee

Take as many photo shots as you want - you pay only when you are satisfied.

How to take a photo?

Taking a photo for your ID has never been so easy.

Follow these simple instruction to take the perfect ID photo.

1

Body-camera distance

The distance between the face and the camera should be about 40 cm. Ideally the photo should be taken by the other person.

2

Posture: Straight ahead

Place your face in front of the lens. Hold the camera at eye level and keep neutral face expression.

3

Lighting

Stand facing the light source, for example an exposed window. The background will be cut out, don't worry about it.

Photo Specification for an Israeli Visa

Israel Visa Photo: Suitable Photos for a Successful Application
Size
Width: 50 mm
Height: 50 mm
Resolution
300 dpi
Is it suitable for online submission?
Yes
Image definition parameters
Head height: 37 mm
Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 6 mm
Is it printable?
Yes
Background Color
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More about Israel Visa Photo - Requirements

For people that enter Israel, a valid visa is an essential requirement. This, however, does not apply to everyone, as, for instance, European countries do not need a Visa to enter Israel. For others, visa application is an inevitable process. One of the most important demands for an Israel Visa is a Visa photograph that needs to be taken following Israel Visa guidance. Without a correct visa photograph, a visa will be rejected.

Photo specification for an Israeli Visa

For a visa application to be approved, a photo must follow strict specifications which differ depending on the country. It is essential to remember that in any case a passport photo may not be used for a visa application. Israel Visa photo specifications include:

  • Size: width: 50mm, height: 50mm (5x5 cm)
  • Resolution: 300dpi
  • Background colour: white
  • 2 copies of the photo required
  • Photo must be in full colour
  • Photo must be recent

How to take an Israel Visa photo?

A picture can be taken either at a photo studio, photo booth, or using online photo tools. For a picture to be accepted, visa applicants must follow a few instructions. These are: applicants must face the camera directly, maintain a neutral face (smiling and frowning not permitted), keep their eyes open for the duration of the picture, and make sure lighting is even, so no shadows are created during the picture. Applicants must also ensure they stand/sit straight, and not on a side. This is vital, as a full face must be shown. These are all essential requirements that need to be fulfilled for a photo to be accepted. If a photo is not accepted, visa application won’t be completed correctly, and therefore, it would be instantly rejected. 

What to wear for an Israel Visa Photo

A common question asked about a Visa photograph is the clothing. Although there are no special requirements relating to the clothes of the applicant, there are few no-no’s that individuals must be aware of. Firstly, a full face must be visible in a visa photograph, hence, nothing can be worn that creates a shadow on an applicant's face. It is advised to wear casual, day-to-day clothing. Uniforms are not permitted for a visa photo, with the only exception of religious - daily wear. It is also recommended to not wear reflective, white, or very colourful clothing that may reflect the flash of the camera. Headwear is not permitted unless a person has a medical condition or religious belief that does not allow a person to take headwear off. In a situation like this face must be visible from ear to ear, and from chin to forehead. Eyeglasses are also not allowed, due to camera flashes, the only exception is if you wear them daily. In this case glasses, frames must not cover the eyes.

Where can I take an Israeli Visa Photograph?

There are multiple ways of taking a Visa photograph, normally people use professional studios, photo booths, or online services for their photos to be taken. Photo studios are effective, due to their studio settings, props, and adaptation to fit the purpose of a document. What’s also good about a photo studio is that a photographer allows re-takes, giving guidance and correcting a person in case anything is wrong. A disadvantage is that people need to actually visit a photographer, and wait for the pictures to be printed out -this can be time-consuming. 

Photo booths work similarly to photo studios, but they are done in a small space (booth) setting. A benefit is that pictures come out instantly, therefore no time is wasted on waiting. And they are normally very cheap. Yet they are automatic, and retakes are only permitted when a person pays for the photo to be taken again.

Lastly, online websites/apps. It is now more common to take document pictures, such as visa pictures online or via app. The benefits of using an app are that in the case of applying online, a person gets the pictures straight away and free. Another benefit is that cropping and editing tools are available for any image corrections - such as background changing or removing of a shadow. App also gives a person instructions - if something is wrong with the image, it will come up as a notification saying what’s wrong. It also allows a person to retake their photograph and apply changes. Disadvantages are that in case of hard copy applications, printout has to be paid for and wait for the image are 3-5 working days.

Children, Infants, and Newborn Babies Photo Requirements for Israel Visa

If a picture is for a baby traveller, photo requirements are very similar to an adult visa photograph. Baby’s eyes must remain open for the duration of the photo, they cannot smile/frown, or wear headwear, and the background also has to be white. The only difference is that baby pictures can be taken anywhere. If a baby is lying down, or in a car seat - a white blanket or bed sheet has to be placed behind their head. In a situation when a parent holds the baby for the picture, hands must be well hidden, and the baby has to look directly into the camera. A white background is normally edited in such a case. 

Children are also not permitted to hold any toys and objects that may appear in the final image. For girls, headbands are also not allowed. Additionally, for a baby Visa it is essential to take a few copies of the picture, so the most accurate one (that follows all the rules) is chosen. Moreover, baby Visas are not as strict as it is understandable that a newborn cannot take a picture professionally yet.

Photographs Validity

In regards to photo validity, VIsa pictures cannot exceed the time of more than six months. This is applicable to almost all pictures for official documents. However, Israel requires the most current photographs for their Visas. This is important, as many people change, so a visa must reflect the most up-to-date look. For instance, if someone had a beard all their life, but decided to shave it off and never grow it again, then a visa will require a picture without the beard. 

Most Common Mistakes when taking an Israel Visa photo

Most common mistakes when taking a Visa photo are normally the ones that are very easy to alter. One of the most common mistakes is smiling while getting a picture taken! As mentioned before, smiling is not allowed in an official document, hence face must remain neutral. Another common mistake is a wrong formatting and photo size. Pictures that are in the wrong format are likely to reject visa application, even if other documents were provided correctly. Attaching selfies is definitely not allowed for any type of official document, especially a Visa or a passport. Visa photos must follow official guidance or visa will not be examined. Old photographs, which were taken a long time ago, are also not valid. Visa documents demand up-to-date photographs that are a reflection of an applicant current appearance. Old photos will mean instant rejection. 

Israel Visa Photo App

With more modern technology in place, people are now able to do almost everything online. Not only medicine has improved, but also other sectors such as IT or infrastructure. Hence, photography and other interlinked services also largely developed. In a situation where an individual can’t leave the house or simply doesn’t want to waste time to go for a visa picture to be taken, they can use (now available) other alternatives. Currently, almost three billion of people globally use a smartphone. This, therefore, creates a new market for firms who may wish to put their services into a phone app. Hence, it is now possible for people to take their visa (or other formal documents) photos at home using an app! 

The app works similarly to a photo-booth (as mentioned before) so it’s easy and quick for individuals to take a photo. This app is available not only in AppStore but also Google Store. The download is also easy, a person only needs to access AppStore or Google Play type in a visa photo, download the app, and start reading the instructions & taking a photograph. What’s good about using the app is that for an online application you get your picture straight away, with the correct sizing. Moreover, editing is permitted, hence background, shadows, and any other things that do not follow Visa photo guidance can be changed.

Last update: 6/1/23

About the document

A visa is an official document that permits legal international travel to a specific country for a fixed amount of time. Visa is normally attached to an individual's passport - most commonly by stamps (which are normally stamped on blank pages of the passport). There are different types of visas, which allow for different things in the country. In Israel, the types of Visas include:

  • Immigration visa
  • A/1 Temporary Resident visa
  • A/2 Student visa
  • A/3 Clergy visa
  • A/4 Visa for spouses and children
  • B/1 Work visa
  • B/2 Visitor's visa/tourist 

To obtain an Israeli Visa, a person must fill in an application form (online or hard copy) and prepare a few supporting documents. Passport must be valid for at least six months before departure, and two blank pages must be present for stamping. Proof of travel is also required before a visa application with tickets both-ways along with information provided by the bank approving that the applicant can fully fund his/her travel. Applicants who have been convicted of a crime before, will not be allowed to travel (visa will be rejected). Accommodation details, along with invitation letter or hotel reservation information, and travel health insurance documentation will also be needed. After documentation is gathered, and the application is printed (with a special reference number that is generated automatically), submission can be made with a passport to IVP centre (as per jurisdiction).

After the submission is made, the visa is generated within a minimum of five working days - depending on the approval from the Ministry of Interior of Israel. For Fastrack applications, it is sometimes generated within 48hours. A visa such as B/2 (tourist or visitor visa) is valid up to 3 months since it was issued. The time allowed for stay is, however, determined by border police. In case of visa extensions, the application must be submitted at a regional population administration office of the Ministry of the Interior.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Is there only one type of visa to Israel?

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There are many types of Visas to Israel. During the application process, it is important an applicant specify the purpose of their trip, as a Visa is chosen in accordance with the reason. Therefore, those who travel for education/study will receive a student visa, and not a tourist visa.

Can i attach old photo to my visa application?

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Due to the strict rules around Visa photos, people will not be allowed to reuse any old photographs. Specification strictly states that a new photo (refecting current appearance) must be attached when applying for a Visa. If a person attaches an old photo, Visa will be rejected.

Can I wear a headband for my visa photo?

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The answer is simple - no. No headwear can be worn for a Visa photograph, so no obstruction is made to the face. The face must be present from forehead to chin, and from ear to ear. The only exception is when a person has a medical condition or religious belief that does not permit headwear to be taken off.
An offical requirement for a Israel Visa is two copies of up-to-date picture in colour.
One of the most important things to remember about taking a Visa photograph - is that is has to be done professionally and according to the guidance provided by a country, the Visa is for. Hence, pictures cannot be taken by an individual itself. And although It can be done using an app, there must be another person present who can take a picture.
As mentioned before, an app is permitted to be used for Visa photographs. Moreover, app gives vital instructions, so if someone is unsure how to take a photo via app guidance are provided. An editing tool is also available to alter anything that does not fit in with the requirements.
App is simple to access via AppStore (for iPhone) or GooglePlay Store (for Android). App is totally free, so no fee is applicable.
Most common places for Visa photos to be taken, are photo studios, photo booths, and app/online services. Photo studios are convenient, as a photographer does the job for you, but is very time-consuming. Photo booths are simple, and pictures are instantly printed, yet retakes have to be additionally paid for, and people lose time to actually travel to the nearest booth. The app is most comfortable to be used, retakes can be done, editing is possible and guidance is given. However, for a hard copy people still have to wait for the pictures to be sent via mail. For online application pictures are instant.
In a situation where a person has a medical condition and headwear cannot be taken off, special must be followed. First of all, keep your headwear on your head. Make sure your face is 100% visible (from ear to ear, and from chin to forehead). Make sure hair is not in your face so it doesn't obstruct the image.
Although in many cases, this is not permitted. For an Israeli passport two sizings are applicable (4.5x3.5cm and 5x5cm). The second size is the same as Visa photo requirements. Hence, the answer is a yes - a passport photo with dimensions of 5x5cm will apply to Israel Visa.
Although dimensions and sizing may change depending on the country Visa is for. What's expected from the person isn't likely to be changed. Hence it is important to face the camera directly, keep a neutral face, remove all headwear, wear glasses only if it's essential (this does not apply to sunglasses).
Visa wait is much shorter than a passport wait. For a passport, applicants can wait up to six weeks. For a Visa, it can take from a minimum of five days to a maximum of two weeks.
Yes, small baby's are permitted to take their Visa pictures whilst lying down or in a car seat (with white background - blanket being present). This is because small children are not able to take a professional image as an adult would, hence more laid back rules apply.
When applying for a Visa, and individual must ensure that their Visa picture is not older than six months. This is essential, as pictures must reflect the current appearance of the applicant. Outdated images will result in the failure of the Visa application.