France, renowned for its iconic landmarks, and exquisite cuisine, is one of the top tourist destinations. Before you explore its beauty, it’s essential to understand the France visa photo requirements for Indians.
In this article, we’ll address common reasons for rejection and answer frequently asked questions to ensure your visa photo for France meets all the necessary guidelines.
France Visa Photo Format Requirements
| Visa Type | Photo Form | Quantity | Format | File Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Tourist Visa) | Printed | 2 photos | N/A | N/A |
France Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Adhering to the France visa passport photo size and specifications is crucial for a smooth application process. Here are the key requirements:
- Photo size in mm: 35 mm wide x 45 mm high
- Photo size in cm: 3.5 cm wide x 4.5 cm high
- Photo size in inches: Approximately 1.38 inches wide x 1.77 inches high
- Age of photo: Taken within the last 6 months
- Color: Full color (not black and white)
- Background: Plain light grey or cream color; no patterns, objects, or shadows
- Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows, glare, or reflections
- Photo Quality: Use high-quality photo paper. The photo must be free of creases, marks, or damage. No filters or edits allowed.
Facial Appearance & Size of the Photo
Your face should take up 70-80% of the total photo area. Specifically:
- The distance from your chin to the top of your head (excluding hair) should be between 32 mm and 36 mm.
- Your face should be centered in the frame.
Face Orientation – Head Positioning and Alignment
- Keep your head straight and facing the camera.
- Your face must be fully visible, from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
- Both sides of your face should be clearly shown.
- Avoid tilting your head or having an off-center alignment.
Facial Expression
Maintain a neutral facial expression in your France visa photo:
- Keep your mouth closed and eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera.
- Avoid smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows.
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France Visa Photo Attire & Accessories
Your attire and accessories play a role in meeting the France visa photo specifications for Indians. Here’s what you need to know:
Attire
- Wear clothes in a color that contrasts with the light grey or cream background, like dark or bright shades.
- Choose neat, everyday attire rather than overly formal or casual clothes.
- A tie or bow tie is optional. If worn, ensure it doesn’t cover any part of your face.
- Avoid uniforms of any kind.
Accessories
The France visa photo guidelines allow certain accessories with limitations to ensure clear facial recognition:
Glasses/Spectacles
- It’s best to remove glasses for your visa photo.
- If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, choose frames that don’t cover any part of your eyes and avoid tinted lenses.
- Ensure there’s no glare or reflection on the lenses.
Health Accessories
- Hearing aids are permitted as long as they don’t obscure your facial features.
Jewelry
- Small, non-distracting jewelry is generally allowed.
- Avoid large, dangling earrings or nose rings that cover parts of your face.
Headwear
- Religious headwear like hijabs, yarmulkes, or turbans are allowed, provided they don’t cover your face.
- No other hats or head coverings are permitted.
Is Makeup Permitted in Photos for France Visa Applications?
You can wear light, natural-looking makeup in your France visa photo, as long as it adheres to the France visa photo requirements for Indians. However, avoid heavy, exaggerated makeup that alters your appearance. False eyelashes, colored contact lenses, and obvious hair dyes are not recommended. The key is to look like your everyday self.
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France Visa Photo Requirements for Children
France visa photo specifications for children are slightly more relaxed compared to those for adults:
Requirements for Newborns/Babies Under One Year of Age
- Babies under one can have their eyes closed in the photo.
- They can be photographed lying on a white sheet or sitting in a car seat, as long as the background is plain white.
- No one else should be visible in the photo frame.
Requirements for Children Under 10 Years of Age
- They should be photographed alone against a plain white background. If support is needed, it shouldn’t be visible in the photo.
- Parents can hold the child, but shouldn’t appear in the frame.
- A slight smile is acceptable for children under 10.
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Reasons for France Visa Photo Rejections
Ensure your photo sizes of France visa meets all the requirements to avoid rejection:
- Incorrect photo size or dimensions.
- Patterned, dark, or non-white background.
- Shadows or reflections on the face or background.
- Glare or red-eye from the camera flash.
- Head tilted or not facing the camera directly.
- Face obscured by hair, headwear, or large accessories.
- Heavily edited or low-quality printed photos.
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FAQs:
1. What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens traveling to France?
The standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens applying for a France visa is 35mm wide by 45mm high.
2. Can I use a photo with colored background for my France visa application?
No, visa photos for a France visa application must have a plain light-colored background, preferably white or light grey.
3. Are glasses allowed in visa photos?
Yes, glasses are allowed in visa photos, but they should not cause glare or cover your eyes. Ensure that your eyes are fully visible and the frames do not obstruct your facial features.
4. What facial expression should I have in my France visa photo?
You should have a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed and eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
5. What should I do if my visa photo is rejected?
If your visa photo is rejected, carefully review the rejection reasons and retake the photo according to the specified requirements before resubmitting your application.
6. Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos?
Yes, infant visa photos must also meet specific requirements, including a neutral background and the child’s full face being visible. Infants can be photographed lying down if necessary, but their facial features must be clearly recognizable.
7. Are there any specific requirements for the photo paper or print quality?
Your France tourist visa photo should be printed on high-quality, photograph-grade paper with a glossy or matte finish. Avoid using regular copy paper, as this can result in a grainy or low-contrast image. The print should be clear and sharp, with no blurriness, pixelation, or visible ink dots.
8. Can I submit a black and white photo for my French visa application?
No, black and white photos are not accepted for French visa applications. Your photo must be in full color, showcasing your natural skin tone and features. Monochrome or sepia-tinted images will be rejected.
9. Can I retouch or edit my French visa photo?
No, you shouldn’t retouch or edit your visa photo in any way. This includes using filters, adjusting the colors or contrast, removing blemishes, or altering your facial features. Your photo should represent your natural appearance without any enhancements. If any digital manipulation is detected, your photo may be rejected.
10. Can I take a selfie for my French visa photo?
While you can technically take your own visa photo, it’s not recommended unless you have the right equipment and setup. Selfies often result in poor lighting, angled features, and inappropriate backgrounds. It’s best to have someone else take your photo or visit a professional photo service to ensure your image meets all the France visa photo requirements for Indian citizens on the first attempt.
