Applying for an Italy visa? One of the most important requirements is a photograph that meets the specifications of the Italian embassy. If your photograph doesn’t meet these guidelines, it could delay the visa processing or even cause your application to be rejected. We’ve created the Atlys Italy visa photo maker to simplify the visa process. This tool automatically adjusts your photo’s size and background to meet the official Italy visa requirements.Â
We’ve also listed the official Italy visa photo specifications below.
Important Note: You must submit a recent photo taken within the last 6 months. Reusing an old visa photo can result in your application being rejected.
How do you use the Atlys Italy visa photo maker tool?
Here are the steps to create and adjust your photo to meet Italy visa photo size requirements:
Take or upload your photo: Choose a clear image in JPEG or PNG format. You can also take a new selfie directly within the tool.
Click Transform: After confirming the photo, click Transform.
Download the photo: Once processed, save your ready-to-use photo to submit it with your application.
Got the right photograph? Head over to our Atlys Italy visa page to start your application!
Italy visa photo requirements
Here are the Italy visa photo specifications:
Height: 35mm
Photo format: JPEG or PNG
Background: White or light-colored
Face size: 32mm to 36mm from chin to crown
Borders: None
Recent: No more than 6 months old
Face orientation: Full face, facing forward
Quality: High resolution, clear and in focus
Facial expression: Neutral, no smiling
Print finish: Not specified for digital submission
Italy Visa Photo Size
The photo for an Italian visa must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Your face should occupy between 32 mm and 36 mm of the photo, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The photo must show your full face, centered and straight.
Italy Visa Photo File Size & Format
The photo must be in JPEG or PNG format, high resolution, and clearly show your facial features.
Italy Visa Photo Background
A plain white or light-colored background is required. The background must be uniform and free of patterns, shadows, or objects. This ensures your face stands out clearly for identification.
Face Size & Positioning
Your face must be between 32mm and 36mm above the photograph's height. It should be centered in the image and clearly distinguishable from the background.
No Borders Allowed
The photo must be borderless. Any photo with lines, frames, or borders will not be accepted.
Recent Photos
Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Outdated photos may lead to delays or the rejection of your visa application.
Orientation & Head Position
Your head must be positioned straight and directly facing the camera. Both sides of the face should be visible with a full-frontal view. No tilting or turning is allowed.
Quality
The photo must be clear, sharp, and in focus. Avoid blurry, pixelated, underexposed, or overexposed photos. Proper lighting is important to eliminate shadows and ensure facial clarity.
Facial Expression
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, or exaggerated facial expressions are not allowed.
Print Finish (for physical copies)
While not specifically required for digital uploads, printed photos should be high quality, on photo paper, and free from any damage or distortion.
Italy visa photo requirements for minors
In case of minor applications, additional guidelines apply, which are:Â
Babies under one year old do not need to have their eyes open.
A clear, front-facing photograph is required.
The child must be alone in the photo, with a neutral expression and mouth closed.
No toys or other people should be visible in the background.
The photograph must be of high quality.
Do's and Don’ts of Italy Visa Photo
To make sure your visa photo gets approved, follow these specifications outlined by the Embassy:
Do This:
Take the photo with even brightness (no shadows or overexposure).
Ensure your photo is recent (taken within the last 6 months).
Keep a neutral expression (mouth closed, no smile).
Your shoulders and hair should be fully visible.
The background must be plain white or light-colored.
If you wear headgear, it must be for religious or medical reasons and not obstruct your face.
Glasses must have clear lenses (no glare, no reflections, and eyes fully visible).
Digital photos must be original without any alterations (or filters).
Avoid This:
Avoid shadows, overexposure, or dark photos.
Do not smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows.
No pixelation or blurriness. Ensure your photo is sharp and high resolution.
No coloured contact lenses or red eyes.
Hair should not cover the face, and eyes must be fully visible.
No flipped or altered images. The photo must show your actual features as they are.
Can I edit or filter the photo before submitting?
No. The photo must be unaltered. Do not use filters, enhancements, or editing tools that change your appearance.
Does the photo need borders?
No. The photo must be borderless. Photos with any frame or edge will be rejected.
What should my facial expression be in the photo?
You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Do not smile, frown, or exaggerate.
Can I wear glasses or head coverings in my visa photo?
Glasses are allowed only if there’s no glare and the eyes are fully visible. Head coverings are permitted only for religious or medical reasons, and facial features must remain visible.
How we reviewed this tool:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
16 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt
15 Apr 2025
Written By:
Jyoti Bhatt
Edited By:
Jyoti Bhatt