UK visa photo: the rules

Official source: www.gov.uk, checked on 4 November 2026.

You’ll also need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph), usually by going to a visa application centre run by an external company. You’ll find out when you start the application if you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead.

You’ll be able to book an appointment to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre as part of your application.

Children under 5 must go to the appointment to have a photograph taken. They do not need to give their fingerprints.

Some people can prove their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. You’ll be told if you can use the app when you start your application.

In most cases, you will not need to attend an in-person appointment if you use the app to verify your identity.

Official source: www.gov.uk, checked on 4 November 2026.

If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

have your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information) taken

Official source: www.gov.uk, checked on 4 November 2026.

You can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to complete the identity verification stage of your application.

your biometric passport from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland

your biometric British national (overseas) (BNO), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or European Economic Area (EEA) passport if you’re applying for the BNO visa

The screen will flash as it scans your face. Hold your phone’s camera in front of your face until the scanning is complete.

Take a photo of yourself

be in even lighting, against a plain, light-coloured background

include your head, shoulders and upper body (you can extend your arms or ask someone to take the photo for you)

If you choose to confirm your identity another way, you’ll need to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

Official source: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk, checked on 4 November 2026.

People who are applying from overseas must, in most circumstances, attend a biometric enrolment centre to enrol their biometric information unless an exemption or exception applies or have used the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

Official source: www.gov.uk, checked on 4 November 2026.

This guidance does not cover biometric information taken for the purpose of issuing a UK Passport or for entry clearance applications made overseas where fingerprint biometrics are required before the person travels to the UK.

the person must be in the UK

The facial image captured by the App will be displayed on the person’s eVisa which they can view and share by using the view and prove your immigration status service.