When renewing your Switzerland passport or applying for a visa, you need to meet the very specific requirements for the photos.
Photo Specs
- Size: 45mm x 35mm
- Color: Must be on color.
- Head size and position: Head should measure 29mm to 34mm and centered.
- Recency: Taken within in the last 6 months.
- Background: Solid white or off white. No patterns.
- Smile: None. Neutral expression only. Mouth closed.
- Eyes: Fully visible, open and facing camera.
- Glasses: Only if eyes are visible.
- Headgear: Religious or medical reasons only.
- Dimensions and size (pixels): None specified.
- Attire, clothing, dress code: No uniforms or white colored clothing.
- Beard: Optional.
- Quantity needed in application: 2.
Switzerland Passport Photo Size Requirements Guide
Switzerland Passport Photo and Visa Photo Requirements, Rules, Guidelines, and specifications
Quick Facts serve to give a general overview on the required details needed when taking a passport or visa photo. As you can see, this is no selfie or picture you’d share with your photos on Twitter. Instead, strict guidelines are put forth to assure the Swiss and other governments can properly identify you. On top of those facts already stated, here are a few more vibrantly outlined specifications to adhere:
- No photos done in black and white or showing any type of filter will be accepted. The color must represent your true, natural skin tone.
- Avoid uneven lighting. This is the most common detail leading to rejection of any photo. If the photo is too dark or too light, casts shadows on your face or shows a reflection from a flash on the background, it won’t be accepted.
- Each photo submitted must be an identical copy and not photocopied, printed on glossy, high quality paper.
- Background color is important. It can’t be any color other than white and have no pattern or image.
- Sizing is critical. 35mm by 45mm means those exact measurements only. No smaller. No bigger.
- Eyes must be open and clearly visible in the photo. Avoid red eye by not aiming flash directly into the eyeball. If this occurs, retake the picture as ANY digital alterations are prohibited.
- Glasses can be worn only if they do not block the eyes. Tinted lenses, glare or sunglasses are not allowed.
- Nothing should be worn on the head or in your hair unless it’s for religious or medical reasons only. Even so, your full face has to be visible.
- Keep clothing darker in color so you are contrasted with the background.
Rules and requirements for babies, infants, and newborns Passport and Visa photos
Planning to take the entire family with you? Each child and infant will require their own personal passport or visa regardless of age. The above regulations are still applicable to kids and infants, especially the technical ones. We understand taking photos of your kids in a certain position may require multiple shots to get it right but have no fear, it can be done. Here are a few guidelines and tips to assure proper images:
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If you hold your child, make sure your hands or arms are not in the picture.
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You can choose to either lay a child down or sit them in a car seat. Use a plain white sheet for the background no matter which you choose.
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Toys or other foreign objects cannot be photographed.
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A child under the age of 11 requires a head measurement of 23mm to 34mm.
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Eyes must be open, mouth closed and head centered in photo. This could take quite a few tries to get right but keep trying.
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Double check lighting and make sure the child’s face is fully visible with even lighting.
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