Are you in the middle of applying for an ETA to visit the United Kingdom and are not sure about the particular requirements of uploading your photograph? When applying for the ETA, it’s essential to pay close attention to the photo requirements, as an incorrect or unclear photo can lead to delays or rejection of the application. 

If you’re having trouble resizing your image to meet the required specifications, don’t worry! At Atlys, we have helped hundreds of applicants get their UK ETAs on time. Here is a guide on the specific photo requirements:

UK ETA photo requirements

Here is a quick summary of the UK ETA passport-size photo specifications:

• Height: 600x750 px

• File Size: at least 50KB and no more than 10MB

• Photo format: JPEG

• Background: Plain light-coloured

• Face Size: 80% of the photograph

• Borders: No

• Recent: Photographed within the last before the application

• Face orientation: Full face, facing forward

• Quality: clear and in focus

• Facial expression: Neutral, no smiling

Passport photo requirements:

• You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed.

• Your photo must have been taken in the last month.

• Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.

Here’s the in-depth explanation for the photo requirements:

Digital photos

Your photo must be:

• In a JPEG format

• at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall

• at least 50KB and no more than 10MB

UK ETA Photo Background

The digital photo must:

• contain no other objects or people

• be taken against a plain light-coloured background

• be in clear contrast to the background

• not have ‘red eye’

Face Size & Positioning

If you’re using a photo taken on your own device, include your head, shoulders and upper body. Do not crop your photo - it will be done for you.

In your photo, you must:

• be facing forward and looking straight at the camera

• have a plain expression and your mouth closed

• have your eyes open and visible

• not have hair in front of your eyes

• not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)

• not have anything covering your face

• not have any shadows on your face or behind you

Do not wear glasses in your photo unless you have to. If you must wear glasses, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and you must ensure your eyes are not covered by the frames, glare, reflections, or shadows.

No Borders Allowed

Borders are not permitted in UK visa photos. Make sure the image is cropped correctly without any edge lines or margins.

Recent Photos

The photo must have been taken within the last month before submitting your visa application. This helps ensure your image is a current and accurate representation.

Orientation & Head Position

Face the camera directly with your head level—do not tilt or turn it. The image must show your full face from the front, with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Avoid smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated facial expressions.

Quality

Your photo must be sharp, clear, and evenly lit. Ensure there are no shadows, glare, or lighting issues such as overexposure or underexposure. The image should not appear pixelated or blurry.

Facial Expression

Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes open. Smiling, showing teeth, or squinting is not permitted. Your eyes must be clearly visible and free from red-eye.

Clarity

The photo must be free of red-eye, glare, and blur. High image clarity is essential to ensure it meets biometric standards.

Glasses

Wearing glasses is not recommended. If you must wear them, ensure there is no glare, reflection, or shadow on the lenses, and your eyes remain clearly visible. Tinted lenses or thick frames that obscure the eyes are not permitted.

Headgear

Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons. They must be plain, free of patterns, and positioned so they do not cover or cast shadows on any part of the face.

UK ETA photo requirements for babies and children

• Children must be on their own in the picture. Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.

• Children under 6 do not have to look directly at the camera or have a plain expression.

• Children under one do not have to have their eyes open. You can support their head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.

• Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet. Take the photo from above.

How to get a digital photo

You can get a digital photo either:

• from a photo booth or shop before applying for your passport

• by taking one using your own device during your passport application

Note: Photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than a photo taken using your own device. Get a photo with a code from a photo booth or shop. Before starting your application, get a digital passport photo from a photo booth or shop. Choose the option to get a code with your photos. You’ll be asked to enter the photo code during your passport application, and your digital photo will be added to your application.