Official Photo Specifications
The Russian consulate has strict requirements for visa photos. Submitting a photo that doesn't meet these specifications is one of the most common reasons for application delays or rejection.
Size and Dimensions
- Size: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm (35 mm × 45 mm)
- Head height: 32–36 mm from chin to crown
- Face position: Centered, looking directly at the camera
- Face coverage: 70–80% of the frame
Background and Lighting
- Background: Plain white or light gray (no patterns, shadows, or objects)
- Lighting: Even, no harsh shadows on face or background
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
Technical Requirements
- Color: Full color (not black and white)
- Paper: Matte or glossy photo paper
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Glasses: Allowed only if worn daily; no tinted lenses, no glare
- Head coverings: Only for religious reasons
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong size: US passport photos (2×2 inches) are NOT acceptable. Russian visa photos must be 3.5×4.5 cm.
- Shadows on background: Stand at least 1 meter from the wall to avoid shadows.
- Cropped incorrectly: Too much space above the head or face too small in the frame.
- Old photo: Using a photo from a previous visa application that's more than 6 months old.
- Selfie or phone photo: Always use a professional photo service or a proper photo booth.
Where to Get Your Photo
Most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens in the US), post offices, and professional photo studios can take visa photos. Specify that you need 3.5×4.5 cm format with white background — not the standard US passport size.
Online services like iVisa Photo or Passport Photo Online can also help you crop and format your photo correctly before printing.
Digital Photo for E-Visa
If you're applying for a Russian e-visa, you'll need a digital photo in JPEG format, 300–450 pixels wide, file size between 10KB and 60KB. The same composition rules apply — white background, neutral expression, no glasses glare.
