Italy Visa Photo Requirements [Examples & Online Tool]

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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.

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.

Posture: Straight ahead

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

Lighting

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

Visa to Italy digital photo - requirements and size

Italy Visa Photo Requirements [Examples & Online Tool]

Size

Width: 35 mm

Height: 45 mm

Resolution

600 dpi

Is it suitable for online submission?

Yes

Image definition parameters

Head height: 34 mm

Top of the Photo to Top of the Hair: 3 mm

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Italian Visa Photo - All You Need to Know

Italian visa photo requirements

Italy is famous for its breathtaking views, landform similar to a boot and pizza. It is said that all roads lead to Rome. Italy is a very valuable place, and everyone should spend some time there. Unfortunately, some people need to have a visa to come to Italy.

Italian visa photo requirements are quite specific. It cannot be a selfie or a picture taken more than 6 months ago. We have prepared all the important information for you. Also, you do not need to go to a professional photographer. Use your smartphone and this online app to save time and get a 100% guarantee your Italian visa photo will be accepted.

An Italian visa is also a Schengen visa, thanks to which the holder is allowed to travel to any country within the Schengen area for 90 days in a six month period.

Italian visa photo size requirements

If you want to get a visa to Italy easily, you have to prepare two identical photos, which are not older than six months. There is also a requirement concerning the size. It must be 35 mm of width and 45 mm of height. Your head should take 70-80% of the photo. Another requirement is a minimum of 32 mm and a maximum 36 mm of your face size on the visa photo.

The Italian visa picture must be in colour - those in black and white will be rejected. A brightly coloured background is necessary and any patterns are unaccepted. It is suggested to use light grey or a similar colour of the background. Sometimes it could be problematic to find such a background but you can use our online photo editor to edit it.

Photo specification for Schengen Italian visa

An Italian visa application photo must be taken within the last six month and show the applicant’s head, including hairstyle. Make sure it is in sharp focus and clean. It cannot be pixelated, blurred, too light, too dark or with low contrast. The skin colour should be natural. Your face must be uniformly visible. Visa photos with shadows across the face or flash reflections will be rejected.

Keep in mind that the red-eye effect causes refusal of your application. Italian visa photos cannot be creased or ink-marked. The face must be in the central part of the photo. Additionally, the photo must be taken in high resolution and printed on photo-quality paper.

The applicant should be looking straight at the camera. It is suggested to have a neutral facial expression and mouth closed. There is no acceptance to Italian visa photos with portrait style or head tilted. Nothing should hide or obscure your face. It is very important to have visible eyes, even if you wear glasses. Show both edges of your face clearly.

Italian visa passport photo colour requirements

Keep in mind that you cannot wear a hat or cap in your Italian visa photo. A covered head is accepted only if you have medical reasons or it is an element of your religious cult but it is still required to have a visible head. Glasses are permitted but pay attention to avoid flash reflections. Schengen visa photos with sunglasses, dark optical or heavy frames glasses or other covering elements will be rejected.

It is suggested to wear dark clothes to keep good contrast with the light background. You'd better avoid white, light grey and similar colours and uniforms.

What is not allowed in visa photo requirements - Italy

If you try to get a visa to Italy or any other country from the Schengen area, you have to pay attention to your visa photo specifications. It is enough to forget about one rule and your application will be refused.

Remember, your Italian visa photo cannot be:

outdated. It must be relatively new, taken in the last six months;
not centered, too close or too far away;
too lighted or darkened, uncolored or with unnatural colours, blurred, marked, creased, pixelated.

In the Italian visa picture you must:

be looking straight at the camera,
have your eyes opened and head clearly visible;
show a neutral facial expression;
stay in front of the camera.

Baby/children Italian visa photo

Sometimes when you travel with your children, you need to also have a passport or visa for your kid. If you want to get a Schengen visa for your babies, you have to prepare visa photos for them. Of course, you can visit a professional photographer to take a photo, but it could be cheaper and faster when you will use our photo tool online and your smartphone.

It will help you adjust the size and other details to make sure the Italian Schengen visa photo will be accepted. There are no special rules for children visa photos. Make sure there is only a child in the photo and remember that she or he has to have a neutral facial expression and mouth closed.

Italian visa photo near me

There are some specifications for a Schengen visa photo, but you do not need to look for a professional photographer to prepare an application for a visa to Italy. It is enough to take a photo with a smartphone or digital camera and upload it to our photo tool online. It helps you prepare a perfect visa photo without going out. Read our tips and upload a picture. The AI algorithm will check if it is correctly done. Pay only if your photos are correctly done.

Photo tool for checking Schengen visa photo to Italy

In our online photo app, you can prepare your visa photo to Italy anytime and anywhere. The checker will verify your picture and standardize it to obligatory dimensions and specifications. You can stop being worried about an acceptable background and size. Your photo for the visa application will be prepared perfectly.

Our photo tool gives you 100% guarantee that your Schengen visa photo to Italyor another country will be accepted. Keep in mind you pay only for correct photos.

Are photo requirements the same for all Schengen countries?

Yes, the visa photograph requirements and specifications are the same for every member of the Schengen Area. It is enough to travel for 90 days in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Last update: 10/2/23

About the document

Do I need to apply for a visa to Italy?

It depends on your nationality. You can travel to Italy without a visa if you are:

A national from a Schengen Country;
A national from EU, EEA or from Switzerland;
A national from another (non-EU/EEA/Schengen) country that has been exempted from Schengen Visas;
A holder of a Schengen visa/residence permit issued by another Schengen country.

A short-stay visa is an authorization issued by a Member State for the purpose of transit or stay on the territory of the Schengen States, not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period. Otherwise, you have to apply for a visa to Italy.

Italy visa for San Marino and Vatican City

If you are going to visit San Marino or Vatican City, you still need to have a visa, because you have to travel via Italy to these places. There are microstates located in Italy.

Italy for US Citizens

If you are a citizen of the United States and you are going to Italy, you do not have to get a tourist visa for stays under 90 days. It is enough if you have a passport valid for at least three months after your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. Additionally, you must have at least one blank page for stamps. Remember: you do not have to have a visa if you are going to Italy! Due to COVID-19, please check the latest information on government sites.

How to get the Schengen Italy visa?

First of all, you need to decide which type of visa you need. In other words, what is the reason you are going to visit Italy? It is important because there are different requirements for each other type of visas.

You can apply for:

An Italy Schengen visa is needed to visit your friends and family or for tourism;
An Italy Business Visa: to attend a meeting or conference, meet with clients, conduct business, visit a partner company, etc.;
An Italy Visa for sportive/cultural/religious events;
The Italy Medical Visa if you need to travel to Italy to get medical treatment in an Italian medical institution.

Secondly, you have to pick an application at the right time. You have to apply for a visa at the earliest six months before your planned trip and the latest two weeks before your planned travel. Keep in mind that Italian institutions have at least three weeks to proceed with your application. Make sure you have all the needed documents, too.

Next step is the time to book a meeting with a representative of Italy, who will verify your application. You’d better be on time and wear a bit more official clothes because this officer will make a positive or negative decision about your visa.

If all of the above steps resulted in success, it is time to pay obligatory fees. Currently, all adults have to pay €80 (about 95 dollars) for an Italy Schengen visa, whereas minors aged 6-12 pay a reduced fee of €40 (about 48 dollars). For minors under 6, the visa is free of charge.

After that, you need to wait about 2-3 weeks for the final decision. If your Italy visa application was accepted, you will be sent a sticker on your passport, which allows you to travel around the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days. If your Italy visa application is rejected, you will get a letter with a decision and possible ways to get the application accepted. In this situation, you have to prepare a new application and pay fees again.

How long can I stay in Italy with a Schengen visa?

If you are going to Italy with a Schengen visa, you can travel around the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days.

Can I extend my visa to Italy?

It is quite complicated to extend your Schengen visa to Italy. It is possible when returning to your country could be dangerous (e.g. war or natural disaster). Also, if you come to Italy later than you planned (e.g. two weeks later), you can ask about extending your stay for two weeks.

Take care about time. An Italian institution needs a minimum of one week to proceed with your application. If you apply too late, you will be deported to your country.

The third possibility is to get an Italy residence permit, which allows you to work even for five years.

Can my Italy visa be revoked?

Yes, it is possible to get a visa revoked.

There are some reasons which caused revoking a Schengen visa to Italy. Firstly, if you committed a crime, you will be deported. If you start working without a residence permit, you will return to your home country, too.

Can I stay longer without a visa to Italy?

You can only stay in Italy without a visa if you are a citizen of an EU member state, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Iceland, but you have to remember that after three months, you have to get an Italian residence permit. In every other case, you will be sent to your home country.

What to do if I want to stay in Italy longer than 90 days?

If you want to stay longer in Italy than three months, you have to apply for the Italian National visa. After your application is accepted, you can come to Italy and must apply for an Italian Residence Permit to stay legally in Italy. There are over 30 reasons, which allow staying longer in this country, for example:

for foreign nationals who want to find a job in Italy;
for foreign nationals who want to live in Italy and work as freelancers;
for foreign nationals who have been accepted into an Italian (or Vatican) high school or course;
for foreign nationals who want to come to Italy to join a family member (family reunification);
for adoption;
for investors and business.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Are Italian visa photos the same as passport photos?

Usually, it is not the same dimension. The requirement is a 3.5 cm of width and 4.5 cm of height of the visa photo.

Can I visit Italy without a visa?

Yes, there is a possibility you can, but it depends on your nationality. Nationals of the following countries and territories do not require a visa for visits up to a maximum of 90 days, for tourism, missions, business, invitations, to take part in sports events or to study:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominica, El Salvador, Emirati Arabi Uniti, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Georgia, Guatemala, Grenada, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Macao, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Northern Marianas, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Santa Lucia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, St. Vincent e Grenadine, Taiwan, Timor Est, Trinidad e Tobago, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela. As far as Taiwan is concerned, the exemption from visa obligation is applied exclusively to holders of passports with identity card number included.

Citizens of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia are exempt from visa obligation only if the passport contains biometric data.

This does not apply to citizens of Serbia holding passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (“Koordinaciona uprava”).

Is a Italian visa easy to get?

Yes, it is not too difficult if you prepare good visa photos and complete all documents.

Can I apply for an Italian visa online?

Yes, you can send an application via the Internet, but you have to go to the meeting to the embassy later.

Can I wear jewelry on my Schengen visa picture?

Yes, you can wear your earrings or necklace on a visa photo. Italy is a country which accepted these elements in the photographs.

Can I wear a head covering in my Italian visa photo?

You can wear a head covering only if it is worn for medical reasons or it is a part of your religion.

Can I smile in my Italian visa photo?

No. It is highly recommended to show your neutral expression and mouth closed. It is important to have open and visible eyes.

How can I change the background colour in my Schengen visa photo?

It is simple. You can upload the photo to our online app. It will change your background and adjust your visa photo to be accepted.

Do you need a photo for the Italy Schengen visa?

Yes, you have to prepare two identical photos, which are not older than six months. Your Italian visa photo needs to be on a light background, with a neutral expression and of high quality.

What type of photograph is required for an Italian visa?

If you are applying for a Schengen Italian visa, you need to prepare two identical photos. The required dimensions of the photo are 35 mm of width and 45 mm of height. It has to be taken in high resolution and printed on photo-quality paper. Your head should take 70-80% of the photo.

What is the best colour to wear for visa photos?

It is suggested to wear dark clothes. It is important to contrast with the white or light background.

Is white background necessary for the Schengen visa photo to Italy?

The background to the Italian Schengen visa photo must be light-coloured, preferred light-grey. It does not need to be white, but it cannot be in any patterns. You can use our photo tool to be sure that your photo will be confirmed.

How can I convert my photo for an Italian visa picture?

If you have a photo of yourself, you can use our online app to adjust and prepare it to the right dimensions and requirements. Remember, that there must be only your face without head covering and sunglasses on the photo. Upload it and get a well-adjusted visa photo. We guarantee your picture will be accepted and you pay only for a correct photo.

Do you need to show your ears in a Schengen visa photo?

In the requirements, there is no information about your ears, but general suggestions describe this, so if you want to have an accepted Schengen visa photo to Italy, you'd better pose and look straight into the camera. It is also important to have a visible head and eyes.

How do I take an Italian visa picture on my phone?

It is a great idea to take a visa photo using your smartphone. Ask somebody to take a photo of you. Do not wear any head cover unless it is worn for medical or religious reasons. Look straight into the camera and show a neutral face. After that, upload a photo to our online photo editor, which automatically adjusts your photo to the requirements. With our online app, you have a 100% guarantee that the photo will be accepted.

How do you take an Italian visa photo?

You can use your phone or digital camera to take a visa photo. Take care about the white or light-grey background. Do not wear a cap or hat unless it is worn for medical or religious reasons. Remain with a neutral expression, do not smile. Do not take selfies. Photos with sunglasses will be rejected. If you wear glasses, pay attention to avoid flash reflection and covering your face and eyes.

What is the photo size for the Schengen visa?

If you want to prepare a photo for the Schengen visa, it must have 4.5 cm of height and 3.5 cm of width. Another requirement is a minimum of 32 mm of width and a maximum of 36 mm of height for your face size on the visa photo.