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US visa photo size — digital and print specs

Quick answer

Two formats. Digital: 600 × 600 px square JPEG under 240 KB (for the DS-160 upload). Print: 2 × 2 inches at 300 ppi (for in-person embassy interviews or sticker prints).

Take your visa photo

The camera coaches you live on:

  • Head tilt & angle
  • Lighting & shadows
  • Head size in frame
  • Background plainness
  • Blur / sharpness

Most issues get caught in the viewfinder, before you tap shutter.

We never alter facial features — only crop, resize, and clean the background.

Want a friend to take it? Tap the flip-camera icon once inside to switch to the rear camera.

Pick a photo above to enable the check.

Official requirements

  • Digital: 600 × 600 px, square, JPEG, ≤ 240 KB — DS-160 spec
  • Print: 2 × 2 inches at 300 ppi (= 600 × 600 px at print resolution)
  • Color photo, not greyscale
  • Head 50–69% of the photo height in both digital and print
  • Same composition rules: plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses

Common rejection reasons

  • Printing the digital file at the wrong size (e.g. 4 × 6 inch wallet)
  • Print resolution under 300 ppi — head looks soft on paper
  • Digital file under 600 × 600 — DS-160 won't accept it
  • Mixed aspect ratio — photo isn't square
  • Print is cropped because the source was non-square

Frequently asked

Which size does my embassy want — digital or print?

Almost all U.S. visa applications start with DS-160, which requires the digital 600 × 600 px JPEG upload. Some posts also ask for a 2 × 2 inch printed copy at the in-person interview. Our tool delivers both from one upload so you have either format on hand.

Do I need both digital and print?

You always need digital (for DS-160). Whether you also need a print copy depends on your post — check the local U.S. embassy or consulate page. When in doubt, bring both to the interview.

What is 2 × 2 inches at 300 ppi in pixels?

2 inches × 300 pixels-per-inch = 600 pixels. So the print is 600 × 600 px at print resolution — the same dimension as the digital file. The difference is print metadata (PPI), not actual pixel count.

Can I just resize my passport photo to 600 × 600?

Only if the original was already correctly framed (head at 50–69% height) and on a white background. Otherwise resizing will fail the compliance check. Most users find it faster to retake with the live camera guide.

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