US visa (DS-160) photo: size and rules
The printed US visa (DS-160) photo is 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in). The digital photo is 600 to 1200 px per side, square, up to 240 KB, as JPEG.
- Head 25.4 to 34.9 mm
- Eye line 28.6 to 34.9 mm
Photo specification
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Head, crown to chin | 25.4 to 34.9 mm (1 to 1 3/8 in) |
| Eye line, up from the bottom | 28.6 to 34.9 mm (1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in) |
| Photos required | 1 |
| Image size | 600 to 1200 px per side, square |
|---|---|
| File size | up to 240 KB. The source counts 1 KB as 1,000 bytes. |
| Formats | JPEG |
| Head, crown to chin | 50% to 69% of the image height |
| Eye line, up from the bottom | 56% to 69% of the image height |
We check sizes and positions; the issuing authority decides acceptance. Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules change. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before you apply.
Background and editing
The source asks for a white or off-white background. The rules do not allow digital changes to the photo, so the background has to be right when the photo is taken. Retake it against a plain wall instead of editing the background. PortraitPass keeps background replacement off by default for this document.
Rules from the source
- Digital image: JPEG, square, 600 to 1200 pixels per side, 240 kB or less.
- Do not digitally enhance or alter the photo to change your appearance.
- Head from top of hair to chin: 50% to 69% of image height.
- Eye line: 56% to 69% of image height, measured from the bottom.
- Photo taken within the last 6 months, showing your current appearance.
- Eyeglasses are no longer allowed in new visa photos, except rare medical cases.
Expression, lighting and how recent the photo is cannot be measured from a picture, so check them yourself.
Can you make it at home?
Yes. Upload a digital photo with the DS-160. If the upload fails, bring one printed 2x2 in photo with the confirmation page.
PortraitPass frames the photo against the head and eye lines above and exports a single photo or a print sheet, with the measurements shown so you can check them yourself.
Sources
- Photo Requirements (travel.state.gov, visas)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
- Photo Composition Template (travel.state.gov)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
- DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions (travel.state.gov)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
Found a wrong or outdated number? Open an issue with the source link.
Common questions
What size is a US visa (DS-160) photo?
The printed photo is 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in). The digital upload is 600 to 1200 px per side, square, as JPEG.
Can I take a US visa (DS-160) photo at home?
Yes. The source accepts a photo you prepare yourself.
What background does a US visa (DS-160) photo need?
The source asks for a white or off-white background.
How many KB can a US visa (DS-160) photo be?
The file size limit is up to 240 KB. The source counts 1 KB as 1,000 bytes.
Where do the US visa (DS-160) numbers come from?
From the issuing authority’s own pages: Photo Requirements (travel.state.gov, visas), Photo Composition Template (travel.state.gov) and DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions (travel.state.gov). Last checked 28 Sep 2026.
Guides for this photo
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