You can take a compliant US DS-160 Photo at home with a phone and a plain wall. Here's what to get right.
What the requirements are
The photo needs a white or off-white background with no shadows. 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm). It must be a JPEG under 240 KB or less. Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open, facing the camera directly.
How to set up lighting and background
- Stand an arm's length from a plain, light-coloured wall.
- Face a window for soft, even light, avoiding hard shadows on your face or the wall.
- Remove glasses and headwear unless required for religious or medical reasons.
Step by step
- Set up in front of the plain background with even light.
- Position your head and shoulders in the centre of the frame, leaving space above your head.
- Take the photo with a steady hand or have someone else take it.
- Check the result: sharp, well-lit, and centred.
- Upload it and let the tool check it against the official requirements.
Common mistakes that cause rejection
- Shadows on the face or background.
- A tilted or turned head.
- Glasses or headwear that obscure the face.
- A background that isn't plain or light enough.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take this photo with my phone?
Yes. A phone camera is fine as long as the photo is sharp, well-lit, and meets the size and background requirements.
How recent does the photo need to be?
Usually within the last 6 months, and it should reflect your current appearance.
About GetMyVisaPhoto
Written and fact-checked by the GetMyVisaPhoto Content Team. We research each destination's official photo requirements and publish plain-language guides so you can prepare a compliant visa photo from your own phone. Any figure we cite comes from the official portal listed per section.
