Sometimes one photo works for both a passport and a visa application. It depends on the country: some use identical specs, others have different requirements.
When they are the same
- US passport and US visa photos are both 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- Most European Schengen visa photos match the ICAO 35×45 mm passport standard
- UK Standard Visitor visa uses the same 35×45 mm as the UK passport
- Australian visa and passport photos are both 35×45 mm
When they differ
- China: passport is 33×48 mm, but Chinese visa may require a different size depending on the embassy
- India: passports applied for abroad use 35×45 mm prints, while visas and OCI cards use 51×51 mm (2×2 inches)
- Japan: passport is 35×45 mm, but certain visa categories may require different dimensions
- Some countries require a specific background colour for visas that differs from the passport requirement
Other documents
- Driver's licence: varies by country and state/province
- National ID card: often matches the passport specification
- Student ID or work permit: often more relaxed requirements
- Residency permit: usually matches the host country passport spec
Differences to watch for
- Size: some visa photos are a different dimension than the passport
- Background colour: some visa applications require blue or coloured backgrounds
- Number of photos: visa applications often require 2–4 identical prints
- Recency: some visa applications require photos taken within 3 months rather than 6
The safe approach
If in doubt, check the requirements of the embassy or consulate you are applying to. CropPass makes photos at the exact dimensions for every country it covers, so if your passport and visa need different sizes, you can make both from the same photo.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my passport photo for a visa application?
Often, yes. Many countries use the same photo specifications for passports and visas, including the US, UK, Australia and the Schengen countries. Check with the embassy or consulate anyway, as some visa types have different requirements.
Do I need separate photos for each visa?
If you are applying for visas to multiple countries, you may need separate sets of photos if the specifications differ. Even when the specs match, most applications need their own prints: you cannot reuse the same physical photo.