Known for its crystal-clear waters, historic architecture, and stunning coastal views, Malta is a Mediterranean gem that captivates travelers.
Malta follows the same visa photo requirements as other Schengen countries, and ensuring your visa photo meets these specifications will help streamline your visa application process.
In this guide, we will walk through Malta visa photo requirements for Indians, from size specifications to background details and attire.
Suggested Read: Malta Visa for Indians
Malta Visa Photo Format Requirements
Below is a table summarizing the key requirements for both physical and digital photo submissions for a Malta visa:
| Visa Type | Photo Form | Quantity | Format | File Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Electronic | 1 photo | JPEG/PNG | Minimum 20 KB & Maximum 1 MB |
| Tourist | Physical | 2 photos | Printed Photo | N/A |
Make sure your photo complies with these Malta visa photo guidelines.
Malta Visa Photo Size, Age & Background
Photo Size in MM
The Malta visa photo size is 35mm x 45mm. This is the standard photo size for all Schengen visas, making it easy to comply with at most professional photo studios or online photo services.
Photo Size in CM
In centimeters, the Malta visa passport photo size must be 3.5cm x 4.5cm. Ensuring these exact dimensions is crucial for your photo to fit within the Schengen visa photo standards.
Photo Size in Inches
The Malta visa photo size, when converted to inches, is approximately 1.37 inches x 1.77 inches.
Photo Size in Pixels
For electronic submissions, the minimum required photo sizes of Malta visa is 600 x 800 pixels.
Age of the Photo
Your Malta visa photo must have been taken within the last six months. This ensures that the photo reflects your current appearance.
Color
The visa photo must be in full color. Black-and-white photos are not accepted for Malta visa applications. The color photo helps ensure that your natural skin tone and other identifying features are captured correctly.
Background
The background of the visa photo must be plain white or light grey. No patterns, objects, or shadows should be visible in the background. This clean background ensures that your face is the focal point and that there are no distractions that could interfere with identification.
Lighting
The lighting in your visa photo should be natural and even, with no shadows on your face or in the background. Overexposure, underexposure, or shadows can obscure your features, which may lead to your visa photo being rejected. Ensure that the lighting is frontal, illuminating your entire face evenly.
Facial Appearance/Size (Ratio of the Face to the Photo)
Your face must occupy 70-80% of the photo’s total area. This ensures that your facial features are easily visible and identifiable. Typically, the distance from your chin to the top of your head should be between 31mm and 36mm. The face should be centered in the frame, making it the primary focus of the photo.
Face Orientation (Head Positioning and Alignment)
When taking your Malta visa photo, your head must be positioned straight and centered. This means your face should be facing directly forward, with both ears visible. Tilting or turning your head is not permitted. Proper head orientation is essential to ensure that your facial features are correctly captured.
Expression (Neutral, No Smiling)
You must maintain a neutral expression in your Malta visa photo. Smiling, frowning, or making any other facial expressions is not allowed. Your mouth should be closed, and your eyes should be fully open, looking directly into the camera lens. A neutral expression ensures that your photo is consistent with other Schengen visa photo standards.
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Malta Visa Photo Attire & Accessories
Attire
The clothing you wear should be simple and formal to meet the Malta visa photo requirements for Indians. It is best to avoid bright colors, busy patterns, or logos, as they can be distracting. Dark-colored clothing provides a good contrast against the white background, ensuring that your face remains the main focus. Uniforms are not permitted, except for religious or medical reasons.
Accessories
Glasses/Spectacles
It is recommended to remove glasses when taking your Malta visa photo. Glasses often cause reflections or glare that can obscure your eyes. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure that the lenses are clear, free from tints, and do not cause reflections. Sunglasses or tinted lenses are not permitted.
Health Accessories
Medical accessories, such as hearing aids, are allowed, provided they do not obstruct your facial features. Make sure that the devices are minimal and do not affect the clarity of your photo.
Jewelry
Minimal jewelry is acceptable, but large or reflective accessories should be avoided. Simple earrings or small necklaces are allowed as long as they do not cast shadows or obscure your face. Avoid any jewelry that can distract from your appearance or cause light reflection.
Headwear
Headwear is only allowed for religious or medical reasons. If you wear a headscarf or other religious headgear, ensure that your entire face, from your chin to your forehead, is fully visible. Decorative headgear, such as hats or caps, is not permitted according to Malta visa photo quality standards for Indians.
Makeup
Makeup is allowed in visa photos, but it should be minimal and natural. Avoid heavy foundation, bright lipstick, or false eyelashes, as these can distort the natural appearance of your face. The goal is to ensure that your facial features are clearly visible and not obscured by makeup.
Suggested Read: How to Check Malta Visa Status Online for Indian
Malta Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 1 Year
For infants under 1 year, Malta visa photo requirements are slightly relaxed:
- Babies are not required to have their eyes open.
- Parents can provide support by holding the child or using a seat, as long as the hand or object is not visible in the photo.
- The background should be plain white or light grey.
Malta Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 10 Years
Children under 10 years are expected to follow adult photo guidelines, with minor allowances:
- The child should look directly at the camera with both eyes open.
- A neutral expression is preferred, though slight head tilts or mild expressions may be acceptable.
- Parents or guardians may help position the child but should stay out of the frame.
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Reasons for Malta Visa Photo Rejections
It’s essential to follow the Malta visa photo guidelines carefully to avoid rejection. Some of the most common reasons for photo rejection include:
- Incorrect size: Photos that do not meet the required dimensions (35mm x 45mm) will be rejected.
- Improper background: A background that is not plain white or light grey, or that contains shadows or objects, will lead to rejection.
- Facial obstructions: Glasses that cause glare, large jewelry, or headgear that covers the face will cause the photo to be rejected.
- Poor lighting: Shadows, uneven lighting, or overexposed/underexposed photos may result in rejection for not meeting Malta visa photo specifications for Indians.
- Non-neutral expression: Smiling, frowning, or any expression other than neutral will result in your photo being rejected.
- Old photos: Photos taken more than six months ago may cause delays or rejection of your visa application.
Make sure to review your photo carefully to ensure it meets all of these requirements before submission.
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FAQs
What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian tourists traveling to Malta?
For Indian tourists traveling to Malta, the standard size for visa photos is 35mm x 45mm.
Can I use a photo with a colored background for my Malta visa application?
No, a plain white or light grey background is required to comply with Malta visa photo requirements for Indians.
Are glasses allowed in Malta visa photos?
Glasses are generally not allowed unless medically necessary. If you wear glasses, ensure the lenses are clear and free from glare or reflections.
What facial expression should I have in my Malta visa photo?
You must maintain a neutral expression with no smiling. Your mouth should remain closed, and your eyes should be open, looking directly at the camera.
What should I do if my Malta visa photo is rejected?
If your photo is rejected, you will need to submit a new photo that adheres to all the specified guidelines for Malta visa photos.
Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos?
No, Malta visa photo requirements for Indian tourists don’t have any specific rules for infants. Their face must remain fully visible without obstruction.
