AL Albania visa 47x36mm Application: Photo Guidelines (Step-by-Step)
Whether you’re planning a business trip to Tirana’s bustling streets or gearing up for a scenic road trip through the Albanian Alps, your visa application hinges on one tiny but critical detail: the photo. The Republic of Albania requires a precise 47 × 36 mm portrait that meets strict standards for background color, head positioning, lighting and print quality. A single misstep—an off-shade backdrop, an ill-defined jaw line or an image that’s too glossy—can lead to costly delays or outright rejection. In the following guidelines, we’ll walk you through every technical requirement and insider tip to ensure your Albania visa photo is perfect the first time—and lets you focus on the trip ahead.
Requirements
- Photo dimensions: 47 × 36 mm exactly, with no white borders or margins
- Head size: between 32 mm and 36 mm from chin to crown, filling approximately 70 % of the frame
- Face orientation: full-face view, centered and looking directly at the camera, no tilt or turning
- Expression: neutral or natural smile, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
- Background: uniform light-colored (white or light gray), plain and free of shadows or patterns
- Lighting and shadows: even illumination, no shadows on face or background, no red-eye or glare
- Glasses: if worn, clear lenses only, frames must not cover eyes, no tinted or dark glasses, no reflections
- Head coverings: not permitted except for religious reasons, but must not obscure forehead, eyebrows, eyes, cheeks, or chin
- Photo quality: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), sharp focus, good contrast, no creases, tears, ink marks, or spotting
- Color and print: color photograph with natural skin tones, printed on high-quality photographic paper (glossy or matte)
- Recency: taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance
- Eye level: eyes positioned between 18 mm and 24 mm from the bottom edge of the photo
- Hair and accessories: hair must not cover eyes or face, no large hats, headbands, or heavy jewelry obscuring facial features
- Number of copies: submit two identical photographs with the visa application
Step-by-Step Process
- First step: Prepare your setup and review official requirements
- Verify dimensions: the photo must be exactly 47 × 36 mm (width × height) with a tolerance of ±5 mm
- Confirm head positioning: head height from chin to crown should be 32–36 mm, centered vertically and horizontally
- Understand quality standards: color photo, printed on high-quality photographic paper, smooth finish, no creases or shadows
- Second step: Choose background, lighting, and attire
- Solid background: plain light-gray or off-white with no textures or patterns
- Even lighting: use two diffused lights at 45° angles to eliminate shadows on face and background
- Clothing guidelines: wear everyday attire in contrast to the background; avoid uniforms, hats, or tinted glasses
- Third step: Position the applicant and frame the shot
- Camera height: set lens at eye level, 5–2 meters from subject to prevent distortion
- Posture and expression: sit or stand straight, shoulders relaxed, face the camera directly, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eye visibility: eyes open, clearly visible, no hair or glasses frames obstructing eyes
- Fourth step: Capture the digital image
- Use a minimum 5 MP camera or higher for sharpness
- Shoot in RAW or highest JPEG quality to retain detail
- Take multiple shots: review for blinking, shadows, or reflections
- Fifth step: Edit, crop, and resize to 47×36 mm
- Use professional editing software: Adobe Photoshop or GIMP
- Crop precisely: maintain face centering, head size within 32–36 mm range
- Check resolution: final image should be at least 300 dpi, 600 × 459 pixels
- Sixth step: Print, inspect, and submit
- Print on photo-grade matte or glossy paper using a calibrated printer
- Inspect the final print: verify colors, dimensions with a ruler, no ink streaks or gloss spots
- Submit originals: include two identical prints, attach to application without folding or stapling
Tips and Best Practices
- Exact Dimensions: Crop precisely to 47×36 mm with professional software so you avoid automatic rejection for incorrect sizing
- Head Position & Size: Center your head with a 32–36 mm crown-to-chin height (70–80 % frame fill) so biometric scanners capture your features accurately
- Uniform Background: Use a plain, light (white/off-white) backdrop free of shadows or patterns to meet Albania’s contrast requirements and prevent manual refusal
- Neutral Expression & Visibility: Keep a closed-mouth, relaxed expression with eyes fully open and no hair covering the face to satisfy biometric guidelines and speed up approval
- Glare-Free Lighting: Employ soft, even lighting and remove eyewear reflections to ensure no shadows or hotspots obscure your facial details, reducing the chance of retakes
Conclusion
Conclusion
Adhering strictly to Albania’s 47 × 36 mm visa-photo requirements ensures a smooth application process and avoids costly rejections.
Key takeaways:
- Size & format: 47 × 36 mm, color JPEG or high-resolution print
- Background: plain light (white or off-white), no shadows or patterns
- Head positioning: full face centered, head–to–chin height approx. 70–80 % of frame
- Expression & gaze: neutral expression, eyes open and looking straight at camera
- Lighting & quality: even illumination, no red-eye, high clarity and contrast
- Accessories: no hats or non-prescription eyewear, religious head coverings allowed if face fully visible
By following these guidelines down to the millimeter, you’ll present a compliant, high-quality photo—minimizing delays and setting your visa application on a fast track to approval.
About VisaPics
VisaPics is your trusted partner for creating perfect visa and passport photos. Our AI-powered technology ensures your photos meet all official requirements for any country.
Try VisaPics Now