Switzerland Visa Photo Size & Specifications – Complete Guide for Indians

For a Switzerland visa, Indians must submit one recent passport-sized photo, no older than 6 months and 35 X 40 mm in width. The photo cannot be a copy or scanned picture. It must be in color with a plain background. 

Adhering to the Switzerland visa photo requirements for Indians is an essential step to getting your visa approved and holidaying in the Swiss Alps. Keep reading to know more!

Image Source

Specification	Switzerland Visa Photo Requirements
Width	35-40 mm in width.
Photo Age	Not older than 6 months.
Colour & Print	Colour photo, printed on normal photographic paper (not a scan or copy).
Background	Light / plain background (white or off-white).
Face Orientation	Full face, front view, eyes open, mouth closed, no tilt.
Head Coverage	No hats/caps unless for religious reasons; glasses allowed if they do not obscure eyes.

Photo Size

Adhering to the precise Switzerland visa photo size and specifications is essential to avoid application delays. Keep these key points in mind:

Measurement Type	Switzerland Visa Photo Requirement
Photo Size in MM	35 mm width × 40 mm height
Photo Size in CM	3.5 cm width × 4.0 cm height
Photo Size in Inches	1.37 in width × 1.57 in height
Photo Size in Pixels	Minimum 600 pixels width × 680 pixels height

Photo Color & Recentness

• Age of Photo: Taken within the last 6 months
• Color: Full color (no black and white)

Your photo must be recent, taken against a plain light gray backdrop without shadows or patterns. Ensure even lighting across your face, avoiding glare, reflections, or red-eye.

Photo Background & Lighting

• Background: Plain light gray, no patterns, shadows, or objects
• Lighting: Uniform, no shadows, reflections, or glare

Face Visibility & Expressions

Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo’s total area, with your head centered in the frame. Aim for a face height between 32-36 mm from chin to crown. Avoid photos where your face appears too large or small in proportion to the frame.

Face Orientation 

Keep your head straight and centered, facing the camera directly. Your face should be fully visible from chin to crown, with both sides clearly shown. Avoid tilting your head or having an off-center alignment, as this can lead to visa rejections.

Facial Expression

Maintain a neutral, natural expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera. Avoid smiling, frowning, squinting, or any exaggerated expressions that could distort your features.

Suggested Read: Switzerland Visa Appeal for Indians

Attire & Accessories

Your choice of attire and accessories can significantly impact your Switzerland visa photo. Here are the key guidelines to follow:

Attire

• Wear contrasting clothes against the light gray background
• Choose neat, everyday attire (avoid overly formal or casual wear)
• Ties and bow ties are optional but shouldn’t distract from your face
• Avoid uniforms

Accessories

Accessories can often interfere with biometric facial recognition, leading to visa rejections. Pay close attention to these rules:

Glasses/Spectacles

• Avoid wearing glasses if possible
• If medically necessary, lenses must be clear without glare or tint
• Frames shouldn’t cover or obscure your eyes

Health Accessories

• Hearing aids are permitted if they don’t obscure your face

Jewelry

• Keep jewelry minimal to avoid shadows or distractions
• Avoid large, dangling earrings or excessive facial piercings

Headwear

• No hats or head coverings unless for religious reasons
• Religious headwear like hijabs or turbans must not cover the face

Makeup 

Keep your makeup natural and minimal. Avoid false eyelashes, heavy eyeliner, bright lipsticks, or any products that significantly alter your natural features. 

If you typically wear makeup, aim for a neutral, everyday look. Wigs and unnatural hair colors that drastically change your appearance are not recommended.

Suggested Read: How To Check Switzerland Visa Status In India

Switzerland Visa Photo Requirements for Children

Switzerland visa photo guidelines have slightly more relaxed rules for infants and young children:

1. Eyes may be closed, but the face must be clearly visible
2. Babies can be photographed lying on a white sheet or held by a parent
3. No visible chairs, arms, or other support should show in the photo
4. Slight head tilts are acceptable for babies and young children
5. Babies under 5 can have a small smile or relaxed expression

Suggested Read: Switzerland Visa Extension for Indian

Common Reasons for Switzerland Visa Photo Rejections

Here are some common mistakes related to Switzerland visit visa photo requirements:

1. Incorrect photo size or dimensions
2. Off-white, colored, or patterned backgrounds
3. Shadows, reflections, or uneven lighting on the face or background
4. Tilted or turned head, face not fully visible
5. Obscured facial features due to glasses, hair, or head coverings
6. Damaged or low-quality printed photos
7. Exaggerated facial expressions or closed eyes
8. Distracting attire, accessories, or makeup
9. Outdated photos not taken within the last 6 months
10. Digitally altered or filtered images

Suggested Read: Reasons for Switzerland Visa Rejection

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FAQs:

1. What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens traveling to Switzerland?

The standard Switzerland visa photo size must be 35 mm x 40 mm (width x height). 

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

No, colored backgrounds are not acceptable. A photo required for Switzerland visa must have a plain light gray background without any patterns, shadows, or objects.

3. Are glasses allowed in visa photos?

If possible, remove your glasses for the photo. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure the lenses are clear (no tint) and there’s no glare obscuring your eyes. The frames shouldn’t cover any part of your eyes.

4. What facial expression should I have in my visa photo?

Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open, looking directly at the camera. Avoid smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions.

5. What should I do if my photo is rejected?

If your Switzerland visa photo is rejected, carefully review Switzerland’s visa photo requirements for Indians and retake the photo, ensuring it meets all the specified requirements.