Visa · United Kingdom
UK Visa Photo Size
A UK visa photo must be a JPG/JPEG file, at least 600 pixels wide and at least 750 pixels tall, between 50 KB and 6 MB and on a plain, light-coloured background. This is the rule published by UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK), last checked by Maru on 10 October 2026. Maru resizes and checks your photo to match, in your browser.
RequirementUK Visa Photo Size
Drop a photo here, or take one.
JPG, PNG, WebP or HEIC · stays on this device
6 rules to meet
- Dimensionsat least 600 × at least 750 px
- OrientationVertical
- File size50 KB–6 MB
- FormatJPG
- BackgroundPlain, light-coloured
- ColourColour photo
Processed on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
02 — Requirement
The rule, from the source
| Rule | Official value and source |
|---|---|
| Width | at least 600 px “at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall” GOV.UK: How to take a photo for a visa application |
| Height | at least 750 px “at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall” GOV.UK: How to take a photo for a visa application |
| Orientation | Vertical “vertically orientated” GOV.UK: How to take a photo for a visa application |
| File size | 50 KB–6 MB “at least 50KB and no more than 6MB” GOV.UK: How to take a photo for a visa application |
| Format | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) “a jpg or jpeg file” GOV.UK: How to take a photo for a visa application |
| Background | Plain, light-coloured “taken against a plain light-coloured background” GOV.UK: How to take a photo for a visa application |
| Colour | Colour photo “in colour” GOV.UK: How to take a photo for a visa application |
03 — How to
Get it right the first time
- 01Take a photo facing the camera against a plain, light wall, or choose one you already have.
- 02Drop it into the tool above. Nothing is uploaded; it stays on your device.
- 03Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guide.
- 04Press Fix & check. Maru resizes and compresses it, then grades every rule.
- 05Download the file and upload it to your application.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- The photo is smaller than 600 pixels wide or 750 pixels tall.
- The file is under 50 KB or over 6 MB.
- The photo is not vertical, or it has been mirrored or flipped (front cameras often do this).
- The background is not plain and light-coloured.
- The photo was edited with filters or other software. GOV.UK says it must not be altered.
Depending on where you apply, you may also give biometrics at a visa application centre. Follow the instructions for your route on GOV.UK.
04 — Questions
UK Visa Photo Size: questions
What size is a UK visa photo?
A UK visa photo must be a JPG or JPEG at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50 KB and 6 MB, according to GOV.UK.
Is the UK visa photo limit 6 MB or 10 MB?
For visa applications GOV.UK says 6 MB. The 10 MB limit you may see online is the UK passport rule, not the visa rule.
Does my UK visa photo have to be vertical?
Yes. GOV.UK says it must be vertically orientated, and it must not be mirrored or flipped.
What background do I need?
A plain, light-coloured background.
Can I take it with my phone?
Yes, as long as the result meets the rules above. Maru never mirrors your photo, and checks orientation for you.
Does Maru upload my photo?
No. It never leaves your device.
05 — Related
Other requirements
Not listed? Use your own rules →