Step-by-Step GB UK Visa 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application Guide

Requirements

• Photo size and composition: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high; head height between 29 mm and 34 mm from chin to crown; eyes positioned 15 mm–20 mm from the bottom edge
• Head position and framing: full-face view, centred and facing the camera directly; head level (no tilt) with shoulders squared
• Facial expression: neutral expression, mouth closed, no smiling or frowning; both eyes fully open and clearly visible
• Background: plain light grey or cream background with no patterns, textures, shadows or objects
• Lighting and contrast: even, natural-looking illumination across the face; no harsh shadows, glare, reflections or red-eye
• Glasses: if worn, frames must be thin and not cover any part of the eyes; lenses must be clear (no tinted or photochromic lenses) and free of reflection
• Headwear and coverings: only permitted for religious or medical reasons; must not obscure the face or cast shadows, and the full outline of the face (from chin to forehead and both sides) must be visible
• Print quality and paper: high-resolution colour print on smooth, untextured photographic paper; no creases, marks, ink smudges or digital noise
• Colour accuracy and exposure: true-to-life skin tones without overexposure or underexposure; no filters or colour casts
• Recency of photo: taken within the last month to reflect your current appearance; photos with date stamps or digital clocks are unacceptable
• Quantity and condition: provide two identical prints; do not staple, fold, cut or write on them; leave edges clean and untrimmed
• Digital upload requirements: JPEG format, 50 KB–10 MB file size, 600 × 750 pixel resolution minimum, no compression artifacts or digital editing altering facial features
• Retouching and alterations: no digital retouching to change your natural appearance; removal of red-eye or correction of exposure is allowed but no smoothing of skin or reshaping of features

Step-by-Step Process

• Prepare your equipment and environment: choose a plain light-grey or cream background, set up even, diffused lighting (no shadows or hot spots), place camera on tripod at eye level, and use a remote trigger or self-timer to avoid blur.
• Frame the shot correctly: position subject 5 m from background, stand 2–5 m from camera, ensure eyes are roughly centered vertically, and leave sufficient headroom (top of hair ~5 mm from photo edge).
• Instruct the subject’s pose and expression: have them face the camera straight on, maintain a neutral expression (mouth closed, eyes open, no smile), remove glasses or ensure no lens reflections, and keep hair away from eyes.
• Capture high-resolution image: use a camera set to at least 12 MP, ISO 100–400, aperture f/6–f/8, shutter speed ≥1/125 s, and save in uncompressed RAW or highest-quality JPEG.
• Crop to 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) at 600 × 750 pixels: open in editing software, set canvas to 35 mm width × 45 mm height at 300 dpi, align chin ~5 mm above bottom edge, ensure head height (chin to crown) is 29–34 mm.
• Adjust color and exposure: confirm even skin tone, natural colors (no over-saturation), neutral white balance (5500–6500 K), and remove minor blemishes only (do not alter facial features).
• Export digital file per UKVI rules: save as JPEG, 24-bit color, file size between 50 KB and 10 MB, color space sRGB, no compression artifacts, filename “Lastname_Firstname.jpg.”
• Print physical photos on high-quality photo paper: glossy or semi-matte finish, true 35 × 45 mm, no border, sharp focus, uniform lighting, and use professional photo printer calibrated for color accuracy.
• Quality-check final prints: verify dimensions with ruler (±1 mm tolerance), measure head height (29–34 mm), check eye height (15–20 mm from bottom), confirm neutral background and absence of shadows or reflections.
• Label, package, and submit: write applicant’s full name and date of birth in pencil on photo backs (no ink), enclose two identical prints in a sealed envelope, upload digital image via UKVI online portal per instructions, and attach prints to your printed application form before mailing.

Tips and Best Practices

• Exact Size Calibration: use a ruler or certified photo template to confirm your image is exactly 35 × 45 mm; photos even a millimeter off will be rejected, delaying your application
• Uniform Light-Colored Background: shoot against a plain white or light grey backdrop free of shadows or textures; inconsistent backgrounds trigger automatic non-compliance flags
• Head Position & Neutral Expression: center your full face with eyes level to the camera, mouth closed and no smile; tilted heads or expressive faces can fail biometric face-detection checks
• No Glasses Glare or Obscuring Headwear: remove tinted or heavily framed glasses and ensure any religious head covering doesn’t hide your hairline or face edges; reflections or shadows often lead to instant refusal
• Professional-Quality Print on Photo Paper: print at 600 dpi on smooth, matte photo paper with accurate color reproduction; low-resolution prints or laser copies can result in blurred details and rejection

Conclusion

Conclusion

By following the Step-by-Step GB UK Visa 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm) Application Guide you can confidently prepare and submit a compliant visa photo and supporting documents, minimizing delays and maximizing your chance of approval.

Key Points

• Photo Dimensions: exactly 35×45 mm with the head height between 29–34 mm, centered and covering 70–80% of the frame
• Background & Quality: plain light grey or light cream background, high-resolution color print with no shadows or reflections
• Facial Expression & Accessories: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons, but must not obscure facial features)
• Document Checklist: valid passport, completed online form, visa fee receipt, proof of purpose (invitation letter, hotel booking, etc.) and financial means
• Application Process: gather documents, complete form, upload or attach photos per spec, pay fee, book and attend biometric appointment
• Common Pitfalls: incorrect photo size, poor print quality, distracting shadows, mismatched supporting documents—double-check everything before submission

By adhering to these specifications and steps, you ensure your UK visa photo and application meet Home Office standards, helping you avoid rejections and embark on your UK journey with confidence.