Every week at K-BLACK, we meet quite a few people who submitted self-taken or old photos and had them sent back. The mistakes are usually tiny: a slightly grey background, a head that's too large, a photo that's a little dark. This is the 12-point checklist we use every day to get ID, passport and visa photos compliant the first time.
1. The exact size required by the receiving authority
Domestic applications usually use 3×4 or 4×6 cm. Vietnamese passports use 4×6 cm. Visa photos vary by country: USA 5×5 cm (2×2 inch), Japan – South Korea – Schengen – Taiwan 3,5×4,5 cm, Canada 35×45 mm, China 3,3×4,8 cm.
2. A plain white background (unless the authority requires otherwise)
Passport photos and most visa photos need a flat white background with no patterns. Grey or blue backgrounds are easily rejected. Use a blue background only when the authority asks for it – if unsure, check before your shoot.
3. Head proportion in the frame
The head is measured from the chin to the top of the hair. For example: in a 3,5×4,5 cm photo (Schengen, Korea, Taiwan) the head is about 3,2–3,6 cm; in a 5×5 cm US visa photo the head is 2,5–3,5 cm; in a Chinese visa photo the head is 2,8–3,3 cm. A head that is too small or too close to the top edge is easily rejected.
4. Look straight ahead, head upright, face centred
No tilting the head, no leaning to one side, shoulders level.
5. A natural expression, mouth closed
Passport photos require a naturally closed mouth, no toothy smile, eyes clearly open.
6. Neat hair, not covering the face
Hair must not cover the eyes, eyebrows or face. Vietnamese passport photos require hair that covers neither the face nor the ears.
7. Glasses: best removed
No tinted glasses or sunglasses. US visas do not allow glasses. Where glasses are allowed, the lenses must be clear and glare-free, with frames that don't cover the eyes.
8. Smart clothing in a colour different from the background
Wear a collared top; avoid spaghetti straps and tank tops. White tops are not usually banned but easily blend into a white background – a dark top defines the shoulders and looks more professional.
9. Minimal jewellery, light makeup
Avoid statement earrings and chunky necklaces; keep makeup light and true to how you really look.
10. Even light, no shadows
The face well lit, neither too dark nor blown out, with no shadows on the face or background.
11. A recent photo that matches how you look now
Most visa applications require a photo taken within the last 6 months that matches your current appearance (hairstyle, facial hair, weight).
12. Online submissions: sharp, with the right file specifications
The photo must not be blurry or pixelated, and must meet the dimensions and file size required by the submission portal. Cropping a 4×6 photo down to 3×4 means re-aligning the head proportion, not just making it smaller.
Note: rules may change over time and vary by authority. Check the latest guidance from the agency, embassy or application centre before you submit.
Shoot at K-BLACK: no worries about compliance
K-BLACK shoots ID, passport and visa photos for each country – correctly proportioned, colour-corrected, printed, with compliant files sent for online submission. Ready on the spot, no booking needed.
📍 M3-06 Manhattan Glory, Vinhomes Grand Park, Thu Duc · 🕗 8:30–17:30
