France Visa Photo Size for Indians

If you want a smooth visa approval for France, there are a few requirements you need to fulfil. Among the numerous formalities, such as document verifications, the France visa photo size is the most crucial.

In fact, according to the news of The Economics Times, France has rejected the highest number of Indian visas in 2024 (approximately 31,314).  This is why you need to thoroughly follow the official size specifications guidelines more precisely to avoid visa rejection.

Continue reading this blog to understand the correct France visa photo requirements for Indians in advance to submit proper photographs.

What are the France Visa Photo Size and Format Specifications for Indians?

Indian applicants have to submit their French visa application along with a photo at the VFS Global visa application centre. Here are the crucial requirements for a passport-size photo for France visa applications that you have to follow.

1. The standard French visa photo size is 35mm x 40 mm in width, or approximately 1.38 inches wide x 1.574 inches high.

2. Your photo must have a height of 32 mm to 36 mm.

3. The visa photo should be passport-sized. 

4. Your photo should have no borders within the frame.

5. The distance from your chin to the top of your head has to be 32 mm to 36 mm.

6. The age of your passport-size photo must be recent and not more than 6 months old.

7. The visa photos must be coloured with sharp focus and a clear view of your face. 

8. The photo must consist of a close-up of your head and the top of your shoulders in a way that your face covers 70 to 80 % of your photograph.

9. Your photo’s file size must not exceed 120 kb and must be in JPEG or JPG format for digital submissions.

10. The background of your photo should be plain white or off-white without any patterns.

France Visa Photo Specifications for Quality, Attire and Accessories

As a Schengen state, France follows the standard Schengen visa regulations. However, the France Schengen visa photo requirements go beyond the size and format. You must also meet strict rules regarding facial expression, head posture, attire and accessories.

Follow the guidelines below to ensure your photo complies fully with France’s Schengen visa standards.

France visa Picture Size Quality

The most important photo specification for a French visa is its quality. Hence, the quality factors you must pay attention to are:

1. Your photo must have proper brightness and contrast.

2. Show your natural skin tone without using any filter.

3. Photographs should be taken with a high-quality digital camera.

4. The digital copies of the photo should be printed on quality paper.

5. The visa photo must have even lighting with no shadows or reflections.

6. Hair should not cover any part of your face.

Guidelines for the Appearance of Applicants

Attire and accessories play a crucial role in meeting the French Schengen visa photo requirements for Indians. Therefore, the things you need to keep in mind are:

1. Wear clothes in contrast to the light background of your French visa photo, for example, dark-coloured clothes.

2. Avoid any kind of uniform or having distracting patterns on your clothes.

3. Hearing aids are permitted if they don’t hide any of your facial features.

4. Avoid wearing heavy or flashy jewellery, but you can wear small, non-distracting pieces.

5. Do not wear any kind of fancy accessories, such as a hat, contact lenses, scarves, sunglasses or glasses with heavy frames.

6. You can wear glasses if it's part of your daily appearance.  

7. Head coverings are only available for religious purposes.

France Visa Photo Specifications for Expression

You must maintain a neutral facial expression in your submitted French visa photo, which means:

1. Keep eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera

2. Do not overly smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows while taking the photo.

3. Ensure your mouth is fully closed in the photographs.

4. Avoid tilting your head to show both sides of your face properly.

5. Even for religious purposes, ensure your facial features from the bottom of your chin to your forehead are clearly visible.

6. Make sure there are no shadows or bright lights in your picture that can hide your facial expression.

What are the France Visa Photo Requirements for Children?

France visa photo specifications for children are not as strict as those for adults. So, if you are filing a visa application for your child, here are the photo requirements you need to fulfil.

1. You are allowed to keep the eyes of babies closed if they are up to 1 year of age.

2. Children under 10 years old should be photographed alone without their parents.

3. The France visa photo size and format requirements for children from the age of 6 would be the same as those for adults.

4. There should be no toys, hands, or supporting objects visible in the photo.

5. Infants can be photographed while lying on a white sheet or sitting in a car seat, as long as their face is clearly visible.

While completing the formalities of your French visa application, you can not overlook the international travel insurance. Just like adult visa applicants, children are also eligible for an international travel insurance policy for Bajaj General Insurance. We offer you affordable premiums to safeguard yourself and your children against medical emergencies during your trip to France.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in France Visa Photo Specifications

Under the following circumstances, your visa application for France can be rejected:

1. When you submit black and white photos instead of colour ones.

2. If your visa is more than 6 months old and does not match your current appearance.

3. You do not follow the specifications of the visa photo size for France.

4. Your submitted digital photographs are damaged or torn.

5. The photo is in a PNG format instead of JPG or JPEG.

6. The applicant did not maintain a neutral facial expression while clicking the photo.

7. You submitted a photo taken by a low-quality mobile camera.

8. For minor applicants, if the parents’ hands or bodies are visible while holding a child for the visa photo.

9. In women, applicants wear heavy or dramatic makeup that totally alters their appearance.

Why is International Travel Insurance Necessary for France Visa Applicants?

As you now know, the France visa photo size requirements for your visa application process can be hassle-free. However, for Schengen countries, such as France, there is another mandatory document that French visa applicants can’t ignore -an international travel insurance.

In fact, to get a visa approval in France, your travel insurance must also have at least €30,000 medical coverage for emergencies or repatriation. Therefore, find out the benefits you can get from reliable travel insurance providers in India, like Bajaj General Insurance:

1. You will get compensation for loss or theft of your baggage and passport in France.

2. Provide mandatory medical coverage for Schengen visa requirements.

3. Covers the cost of medical expenses for any illness, disease or injury that occurs while travelling abroad or evacuation to India.

4. It arranges emergency cash for the policyholder up to a specified limit if their luggage or money is stolen or burglarised.

5. Offers coverage for expenses caused by the missing of a connecting flight to Malaysia.

6. If the insured unintentionally causes any physical injury or property damage to a third party, the insurance will offer compensation.

7. Compensate for financial expenses if you need to cancel your trip or return mid-way due to a medical or family emergency.

Final Words

Understanding France visa photo size requirements and submitting it correctly is just a small part of your visa application process. You should equally be concerned about your financial security as you step into this land of fashion.

This is when the international travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance becomes your saviour. You can easily buy our France insurance online before embarking on your trip, to not only meet the mandatory Schengen visa requirements but also get compensation from unforeseen risks, such as baggage or passport theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my France visa photo at home?

Yes, you can take your France visa photo at home and get it printed if you own a digital camera. However, you must strictly follow all specifications, including the size, background and attire rules. To avoid any rejection, it is recommended to take the help of professionals.

How many photos are required for a French visa application?

In most cases, for a standard Schengen France visa, you generally need 2 identical, recent passport-style photos.

What to do if my French visa photo gets rejected?

If your French visa photo gets rejected, you should immediately get a new photo. Ensure your new photos are recent and taken in a light background where your facial expressions are neutral. You must also follow size specifications. Moreover, while submitting the revised application, address the rejection reason by submitting corrected photos.

Can I visit any other Schengen state with a French visa?

Yes, with a visa issued by France, you can visit any other country in the Schengen area for short stays, typically up to 90 days to 180 days. However, you can only visit these areas through France, which means France has to be your main destination.

Is it possible to get travel insurance after applying for a French visa?

Yes, you can get travel insurance after applying for a French visa. But since it's a mandatory requirement for Schengen areas like France, you may need it during your visa interview or document verification. This is why you should always get your travel insurance documents ready beforehand to avoid any delay or rejection during the visa application process.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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