Before you apply for any type of visa in 2021, you need to find out the photo requirements for an Italy visa. This seemingly insignificant aspect, in practice, can create a lot of problems, because if you submit a photo that does not meet the standards of the diplomatic mission, the consular officer will simply return the documents, and there may not be much time left before the trip.
Required photos for visa
Photos are a necessary element in the package of documents that is provided to the consulate of a particular country when requesting an entry visa.
An Italian visa will be no exception. A photograph is needed to form your personal file in a representative office of another state.
Photo requirements may differ for visas from different countries, so before you look for a photographer and take photos, it is better to find out what criteria the finished photos must meet.
It is not a fact that photographs taken on an American visa will be suitable for obtaining an Italian visa.
What should a photo be like for a visa to Italy in 2021?
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Primary requirements
• each applicant must provide a color photograph, without corners, with a full image of the face; • the photograph must have been taken within the last six months; • the photograph must be in color, on a white background, without frames or retouching.
Photo dimensions
• photo size - 30 mm x 40 mm or 35 mm x 45 mm, the face is located in the center; • the image of the face should occupy approximately 70 - 80 percent of the entire photograph.
Photo requirements
The applicant's face in the photograph must be shown in full, from the front, without a headdress, sunglasses or dark glasses (except when they are necessary for medical reasons).
Fuzzy, too dark, too light, too contrast, too faded photographs, as well as photographs with images altered or processed using electronic image editors are not accepted. It is preferable for the ears to be open.
Dear applicants, please follow these instructions carefully. If the photographs provided do not meet the requirements, the visa application will be considered incomplete.
Preparing high-quality photos for a visa to Italy is a key point in preparing official documents for visiting this country. A positive response at the visa center largely depends on how professionally and correctly the photographs are taken.
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The photo requirements for a visa to Italy are very strict, and the slightest mistakes or non-compliance with international standards can cause refusal at the embassy
. What kind of photo is needed for a visa to Italy, the size of the photograph, quantity and quality - we describe all these points in detail in this article.
• each applicant must provide a color photograph, without corners, with a full image of the face; • the photograph must have been taken within the last six months; • the photograph must be in color, on a white background, without frames or retouching.
List of photo requirements for an Italian visa
Now let’s move on to these very requirements that are relevant in the current year, 2021:
- 1 color photograph is required (although some visa centers require 2).
- White background, size 3x4 or 3.5x4.5.
- No corners or ovals.
- You need to take a photo no earlier than a month before the date of submission of the package of documents;
- 80% of the entire photograph should be taken up by the face.
- The paper is matte, the photo must be clear (not scanned).
- Photos must be provided for both adults and children over 0 years old, even if they are included in the parents’ passport.
- The photo must be a full front view and the applicant's gaze must be directed directly at the camera.
- Decorations that distract attention should be removed.
- It is preferable for the ears to be open.
- The photograph must be taken without glasses, colored lenses or headgear.
Here is a file with the basic photo requirements for visa application. Print it out just in case and take it with you to the photographer.
How to take a good visa photo
When a visa to Italy is issued (photo), the requirements are aimed only at facilitating the work of embassy and customs officials.
If you want to take not only a photo that suits all conditions, but also a harmonious one, use these tips:
- Choose clothes in calm tones, but avoid colors that will blend into the background.
- It is not recommended to wear dresses and jumpers with bare shoulders.
- Girls should limit themselves to discreet makeup and a simple hairstyle.
The most important rule is that you should look the same in the photo as you do in everyday life. This will facilitate the process of passing passport control not only in Italy, but in any country in the world.
About the author of the article
Lidia Ivanova I am the editor-in-chief of the Sashka Bukashki website. More than 15 years of experience working with legal information.
Photo quality
If the country for which the visa is being issued is Italy, the 2019 photo requirements mean that the photo must be as recent as possible. It is advisable to take a photo no earlier than a month before submitting documents.
Photo paper can only be matte; embossing and gloss are not allowed. The image should have sufficient contrast and clarity, without folds, stains or any other contamination.
Often photo salons offer to retouch photos , because many people want to have beautiful pictures in their documents. If you take such a photo for an Italian visa, the 2019 requirements may become a stumbling block for you.
Photos with any processing, even minor ones, are not accepted at the embassy.
Lighting and background
The photo must be taken on a white, light gray or light blue background, without any foreign objects in the frame. These photo requirements for an Italy visa are basic and echo the rules of all embassies around the world.
It is important that the face is sufficiently illuminated, and that the photo does not contain too dark or overexposed areas that do not allow one to clearly determine the applicant’s appearance.
Head position and facial expression
Facial expression is also very important in the photo, especially considering that the visa center will look at it, and it will be used to decide whether to give you a visa or not.
Main criteria:
- The photo must be taken clearly from the front; tilting and turning the head is not allowed.
- The applicant must look strictly into the camera lens.
- Eyes should not be closed or squinted, long hair should not get into the eyes and interfere with gaze recognition.
- The face should not express strong emotions, the mouth should be closed.
- Both shoulders must be in the frame; a half-turned photo will not be accepted.
By following all the criteria and tips, you can take an excellent photo, which will give you a better chance of getting a visa.
Artistic requirements
When planning to take photographs, you should prepare properly. Since the Italian embassy puts forward specific requirements for what a person should look like.
Appearance in the photo
It is necessary to take pictures with a neutral facial expression. It is advisable that the ears are not hidden under the hair.
Lighting and background
The face should be well lit. At the same time, experience shows that natural light creates the desired atmosphere, without excluding the use of artificial lamps. Take a photo for an Italian visa on a white background.
Accessories and foreign objects in the photo
A photograph is required on a visa for personal identification. Therefore, exclude any accessories or foreign objects that make it difficult.
It is better to film without a headdress. But if the applicant is a follower of a religious movement that prohibits bare head covering, an exception is made to the general rule.
It is also better to take pictures without glasses. But if a person wears them for medical reasons, then wearing such a device is allowed. Only on the condition that the glasses are enclosed in a thin, but not massive frame that covers the floor of the face. Also, the lenses should not be tinted.
Where can I take a photo
You can take photos for a visa in specialized photo studios, in a photo booth when submitting documents directly at the Italian visa center, or even at home.
The main condition is that the final photo meets the requirements of the consulate. When going for a photo shoot in a photo studio, you should first study the reviews on the Internet in order to be guaranteed and on time to receive pictures that meet your request.
When taking photographs at home, it is important to pay attention to preparing the location for photography, and then properly process the resulting images.
How to prepare for a visit to a photographer
It’s wrong to come to a photographer “what you have and how you have it.” Since the photo is taken against a white background, it is better to dress in dark clothes so as not to blend into the background. Avoid flashy colors and shades . It's good if your clothes are in harmony with the color of your hair and eyes.
You should not wear revealing clothes with a very deep neckline; it will not look very appropriate in a full-length portrait. Agree that looking naked in a photograph in documents is, to put it mildly, strange.
You can also do a little work on your face before going to the photographer, because retouching is usually not done on documentary photos. Get rid of shine on your face, because the flash will only enhance it.
A mattifying foundation, under-eye circle corrector and translucent powder will be very useful, even if your skin does not tend to have a greasy shine. Agree, it’s better to play it safe than to shine in the photo like a billiard ball. Just don't overdo it to look natural.
A close-up shot of a face will show all the imperfections.
Do not use lipstick in too bright or dark shades; natural shades will look better. Lips are the only place where glitter would be appropriate in a photo. Hair should be styled, avoiding high hairstyles, backcombing, or thick bangs that cover the eyes.
Prepare carefully for your trip to the photo studio, remember your appearance, as well as the requirements for the photographs themselves.
How much does a photo cost for an Italian visa?
Typically, the price of photography for an Italian visa largely depends on the equipment, location and qualifications of the photographer. In a shoe shop on the outskirts of the city, you can probably take a photo for 100 rubles, and with the condition of receiving it the next day. Basically, the price varies from 250 to 700 rubles.
How to prepare for a visit to a photographer
It is recommended not to wear clothes that are too bright or light-colored for your visa photo. Since the photograph will be taken against a white background, it will look inharmonious.
It’s worth taking a reasonable look at your face and working on problem areas. For example, oily shine from a photo flash will be even more pronounced, so you need to get rid of it. Women are not advised to overuse makeup: it is better to give preference to natural shades. This applies to lipstick, eye shadow, and eyeliner.
The form has been printed: what next?
When you answer all the questions, save the finished sample, print it, paste in a photo that meets ICAO requirements, and sign in three places:
- in paragraph 37;
- in the line with information that consular fees are not refundable in case of refusal;
- at the end of the fourth page.
If you checked multiple entry in paragraph 24, your Italian visa application form must contain one more signature: in the field on the third page, where you need to confirm your awareness that for the first stay and subsequent visits to the countries of the Schengen area, appropriate medical insurance is required.
