Poland Visa Photo requirements for International Students

Photo requirements

Please remember that the same photo will be used in the student ID. The student is required to provide the same copy of the photo on paper to the admission office upon arrival.

Your profile picture should be:

• in color
• minimum dimensions: 600 x 800 pixels
• taken in the last 6 months, reflecting the current look
• captured on a plain white background
• should cover the whole face facing the camera
• the person in the photo should keep their eyes open
• face makes up 70% - 80% of the total photo
•  it is permissible to wear a hat that does not cover the face for religious or medical reasons

Your profile picture cannot be:

• Greater than 2MiB
• Together with another person
• Taken during a party
• With the animal
• Older than 6 months
• With a painted face
• Wearing sunglasses, a cap or other unidentifiable objects

Examples of correct photos:

Bad examples:

Poland Passport Photo and Visa Photo Requirements, Rules, Guidelines, and specifications

As you can see, there are quite a few details which apply to a passport or visa photo. Wish it were simpler but the government wants uniformity for better identification. The above facts are an overview of what to expect. There are still quite a few bits to process and understand before taking any pictures:

• If you are not good with math, remember 3.5cm is 35mm. Don’t let them confuse you.
• From the bottom of your head to the top of your forehead should measure between 30mm and 36mm. This is about 70-80% of the overall image.
• Avoid looking away, tilting your head or taking a picture portrait style. Your face should be squared with the camera and eyes looking directly at the lens.
• Eyes need to be completely visible. Eyeglasses are allowed only if the lenses are not tinted or glared, rims are thin and it doesn’t cast a shadow on the face. Most of the time, it’s better to simply not wear glasses.
• Unlike other countries, Poland requires 3 photos for their passport application.
• Hats and other headwear are not permitted unless for religious or medical purposes. Even so, the face still needs to be fully visible.
• Uniforms are usually not permitted unless the clothing is for religious reasons and worn daily.
• Lighting. It gets everyone. The light must be even across the face, reflect a true likeness of skin tone and not be too dark or bright. These small mistakes often lead to rejection of application and more wait time.
• Photos must be printed on high quality glossy paper.

Rules and requirements for babies, infants, and newborns Passport and Visa photos

If taking the entire family with you on vacation is the plan, each person must have their own passport or visa which include individualized photos. Submitting a family portrait is unacceptable. Children are to be photographed separately and following the same guidelines as above. There are a few tips and specifications to capturing infants which can assist in a better image:

• Be sure there are no other people in the picture with the infant. This includes parents and their hands (if holding the baby).
• Toys, blankets, bonnets or other objects are not permitted in the photo.
• It’s preferred to take the picture with the baby laying down. Place a light colored sheet or cloth behind the baby to give the ideal background color and hide any patterns. This can also be used when placing the child in a car seat.
• Be aware, the photo must show the child’s eyes open, mouth closed and facing the camera. It may take a few shots before the one desired is taken.