Guidelines for Producing High Quality Photographs for U.S. Travel Documents - for Visa Online Applications


NOTE: This version includes digital image requirements for the new online visa application, DS-1648.

Technologicalcamera advances have changed the way passport and visa photos may be taken and the way that the U.S. Department of State processes the photos. This website is designed to help photographers ensure that:

  • Customers are accurately represented and
  • Photos are free of common defects that cause delays

These Guidelines for Producing High Quality Photographs for U.S. Travel Documents are divided in the links below. The Guide presents the latest recommendations for passport and visa photographs. Please take the time to become familiar with the information provided. With your help producing good quality photos for U.S. passports and U.S. visas, the Department of State can process the applications efficiently.

NOTE: These digital photo requirements do NOT apply to the electronic Diversity Visa (DV) lottery application at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/. The photo specifications for DV lottery online entry can be found on pages two and three of the instructions located at http://www.travel.state.gov/pdf/2009DVInstructions.pdf.