Quick answer
What size is a Schengen visa photo for Australians?
A Schengen or long-stay visa needs a biometric photo about 35–40 mm wide and 45 mm high on a white background, with a neutral expression. Australians visit the Schengen area visa-free for 90 days in any 180, and the European Commission says ETIAS is not yet operating. Check your consulate's checklist for photo age.
Australian passport holders can visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is not yet operating, so there is nothing to apply for before a short trip. You need a Schengen visa photo if you are staying longer on a national visa, or if you live in Australia on a passport that needs a Schengen visa: a biometric photo about 35–40 mm wide and 45 mm high on a white background.
Schengen visa photo requirements
| Print size | 35–40 mm wide, 45 mm high |
|---|---|
| Type | Biometric passport photo, front view |
| Background | White |
| Photo age | Recent: check the consulate's checklist, which may ask for 3 or 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
ETIAS is not running yet
The European Commission says ETIAS is "currently not in operation" and no applications are being collected. When it starts, it will cost €20, and the EU has said it will give several months' notice. Websites already selling ETIAS approvals are not official.
Entry/Exit System: your face is captured at the border
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026. On your first entry, border officers register your passport details, fingerprints and a facial image, and passport stamping has ended. You do not need to supply a photo in advance.
Long-stay (national D) visas
Study, work and other stays over 90 days need a national visa from the specific country, and each country sets its own checklist. For example, Germany's Consulate-General in Sydney asks for a 35 × 45 mm biometric photo, front view, on a white background. Check the checklist of the embassy or consulate that serves your state.
How to get your Schengen (EU) visa photo right
- Check what your trip needs. Read the guide above to see whether your Schengen (EU) trip needs a visa or travel authorisation, and whether that application asks for a photo.
- Take a new photo. Take a recent photo facing the camera in even light, on a white background, ideally with someone else holding the camera. Compare it with the sample photos on this page.
- Crop it to the Schengen (EU) size. Crop without stretching or editing, to match the requirements table. Photo size: 35–40 × 45 mm; Digital / submission: Printed biometric photo.
- Apply through the official channel. Upload or attach the photo as the official website, app, embassy or visa centre asks. Its current checklist takes priority over this guide.
Sample photos
Samples show pose, lighting and background. Crop your own photo to the Schengen (EU) visa size.
Schengen (EU) visa photo FAQ
Not yet. ETIAS is not operating. Australians can visit the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
A biometric photo 35–40 mm wide and 45 mm high, on a white background. Some consulates specify exactly 35 × 45 mm.
No. Your facial image is captured at the border the first time you enter.
Official sources
- European Commission: ETIAS
- European Union: ETIAS official website
- European Union: Entry/Exit System
- German Missions in Australia: Long-term visas
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.