Norway Visa Photo Requirements for Indians 2026

Applying for a Norway visa involves meeting specific Norway visa photo requirements for Indians to ensure the application is accepted without delays. Norway’s guidelines for visa photos include specifications for size, background, attire, and quality. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you submit a compliant visa photo for a smooth application process.

Norway Visa Photo Format Requirements for Indians

Below is a table that outlines the photo requirements for Norway visa applications, covering both physical and digital submissions:

Visa Type	Photo Form	Quantity	Format	File Size
Tourist	Printed Photo	2 Photos	Color, 35×45 mm	Not applicable for print
Tourist (Digital Submission)	Digital	1 Photo	JPEG, 35×45 mm	Under 300 KB

Norway Visa Photo Size, Age & Background

Photo Size in MM, CM, Inch, and Pixels

• In Millimeters: 35 mm x 45 mm
• In Centimeters: 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm
• In Inches: Approximately 1.4 inches x 1.8 inches
• In Pixels: For digital submissions, a resolution of 826 x 1062 pixels at 600 dpi is ideal for clear quality.

These dimensions are consistent across all Norway visa types, ensuring that the photo accurately captures and represents the applicant’s features.

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Age of the Photo

The photo should be no older than six months to reflect your current appearance. This guideline helps maintain accurate identification and is standard for all visa photo submissions.

Color

The photo must be in color and should not contain filters or editing that alter the applicant’s natural appearance. Black-and-white photos are not accepted for Norway visa applications.

Background

A plain, light gray background is preferred for Norway visa photos, though a plain white background is also acceptable. It’s essential to avoid any patterns, shadows, or objects in the background. Key points to remember:

• The background must be uniformly lit, free of any shadows.
• Avoid dark or brightly colored backgrounds, as they are not allowed.
• Make sure the background is smooth and does not contain any objects or furniture that might distract from the applicant’s face.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for a clear and accurate photo:

• The photo should be well-lit, with no dark shadows on the face or background.
• Natural lighting is ideal, but if using artificial lights, ensure there’s no glare or overexposure.
• Avoid using a flash directly on the face to prevent red-eye or other distortions.

Facial Appearance and Size

The applicant’s face should fill 70-80% of the photo, which equates to approximately 25 mm to 35 mm from the top of the head to the chin. This ensures that the facial features are the focal point of the image and are easily identifiable.

Face Orientation

For the Norway visa photo, your head should be centered and facing directly forward:

• Keep your shoulders squared to the camera, with the head aligned straight.
• Both the top of the head and the chin should be visible within the frame, filling the central part of the image.

Expression

A neutral expression is required to meet the Norway visa photo specifications for Indians. Here’s what this entails:

• No smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Your mouth should remain closed.
• Look directly at the camera, with both eyes open and visible.
• The expression should be neutral to allow for clear identification.

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Norway Visa Photo Attire & Accessories

Attire

Dress in everyday clothing rather than uniforms, as uniforms can interfere with background clarity. Avoid clothing colors that match the background, such as light grey, to ensure clear contrast. Religious attire is allowed as long as it doesn’t cover the face.

Accessories

Glasses

Avoid wearing glasses unless they are medically required. If worn, the glasses should not cast any glare or shadow and must allow your eyes to be clearly visible. Sunglasses or tinted lenses are not permitted.

Jewelry

Small, non-intrusive jewelry is generally allowed, but avoid large or reflective pieces that could cover any part of your face. Ensure that any accessories you wear do not obscure your facial features.

Hearing Aids & Medical Accessories

Hearing aids and similar devices are allowed if normally worn. They should not interfere with facial visibility.

Headwear

Headwear, such as hats or caps, is not allowed unless for religious or medical reasons. If you must wear a head covering for these purposes, it must not obscure any part of your face from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin.

Makeup for Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Tourists

Opt for natural, light makeup to avoid significantly altering your appearance. Heavy makeup that changes the shape or color of your features may result in photo rejection. Keep your hair pulled back or styled so that it doesn’t cover your eyes, ensuring that your full face is clearly visible.

These guidelines help ensure a clear, accurate representation of your identity in the photo, adhering to Norway’s specific requirements for visa applications. Following these details will minimize the chances of your photo being rejected during the visa process.

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Norway Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 1 Year

For infants under one year, Norway has specific photo guidelines:

• Eyes: Both eyes should be open and looking straight ahead, although some leniency is allowed if this is difficult to achieve.
• Visible Support: If you need to support the child, ensure your hands are not visible. Place the baby on a plain, light gray or white background.
• Head and Body Position: Ensure the child’s face is fully visible. The head must be centered and free of tilt.
• Additional Props: Toys, pacifiers, and other items are not allowed in the photo​.

Norway Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 10 Years

For children under ten, the requirements are similar to those for adults but with minor adjustments:

• Expression: A neutral expression is preferred. The child must look directly at the camera, with no exaggerated expressions
• Head Position: The child should face the camera directly. Parents can guide them to sit upright, centered, and with their face visible.
• Background: As with adults, the background should be plain and light-colored, ideally light gray or white. The photo should not contain shadows or other distractions​.

Reasons for Norway Visa Photo Rejections

Understanding the common reasons for visa photo rejections can help applicants avoid unnecessary delays. Photos are rejected if they fail to meet the Norway visa photo guidelines outlined by the consulate. Here are some frequent issues that lead to photo rejections:

1. Incorrect Background Color or Shadows: A plain, light gray or white background is required. Photos with colored, patterned, or shadowed backgrounds are not accepted.
2. Non-Neutral Expression: Norway visa photos must feature a neutral facial expression, with no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. A closed-mouth expression with a direct gaze into the camera is essential.
3. Improper Size or Head Position: The photo must measure 35mm x 45mm, with the applicant’s head occupying 70-80% of the frame. If the head is tilted or not centered, it will not be accepted.
4. Glasses or Obstructive Accessories: Glasses are allowed only if medically necessary, and they must not cause glare or shadows on the eyes. Sunglasses, tinted lenses, and other accessories that cover or obscure the eyes are not permitted.
5. Poor Quality or Lighting Issues: Photos that are blurry, pixelated, overexposed, or underexposed do not meet the quality standards for Norway visa applications.
6. Improper Attire: Uniforms and clothes that blend into the background (e.g., white tops on a white background) are discouraged.

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FAQs

What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens applying for a Norway visa?

The standard size for Norway visa photos is 35 mm x 45 mm. This size applies to all visa types and helps ensure that the applicant’s face is clearly visible and identifiable.

Can I use a photo with a colored background for my Norway visa application?

No, a colored background is not permitted for Norway visa photos. The background must be plain, light gray or white, free from patterns, shadows, or any distractions. A consistent, neutral background ensures focus on the applicant’s face​.

Are glasses allowed in Norway visa photos?

Glasses are generally discouraged unless medically necessary. If you must wear them, ensure there is no glare, reflection, or obstruction to the eyes. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted, as they obscure the eyes, which is essential for identification​.

What facial expression should I have in my Norway visa photo?

A neutral expression is required for Norway visa photos. Smiling, frowning, or any expressions that alter the natural look of the face are not allowed. Your mouth should be closed, and you should look directly at the camera with both eyes open for clear visibility.

Yes, there are special considerations for infant photos:

• For babies under one year, it’s acceptable if their eyes are partially open and they can lie on a plain light gray or white sheet.
• It’s important to avoid visible support like hands
• There should be no shadows or objects in the background.
• The guidelines specify that the baby’s head should be centered but leniency is given for positioning difficulties.

These requirements are slightly more relaxed for infants but still adhere to Norway’s general photo standards.

What should I do if my Norway visa photo is rejected?

If your photo is rejected, you’ll need to retake it and ensure that it meets all the Norway visa photo requirements for Indians. Double-check the requirements for size, background, expression, and quality. Consulting a professional photo service familiar with visa photo requirements can help minimize the risk of rejection.