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Free US Visa Photo Maker for DS-160

2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), plain white or off-white. Upload a photo and get a compliant digital file and a 4×6 print sheet in seconds.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • No watermark
  • Your files never leave your device

Drop a photo of your face

Loading the tool…

United States Visa (DS-160) photo requirements at a glance

Photo size2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head height50–69% of the image height (25–35 mm)
Eye position56–69% of the image height from the bottom
BackgroundPlain white or off-white
Digital fileSquare, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, JPEG, max 240 KB
GlassesNot allowed
ExpressionNeutral, both eyes open, facing the camera
Official sourcetravel.state.gov (last checked by us 2026-10-01)

How to make your United States visa (ds-160) photo at home

  1. Take the photo. Stand about 1.2 m (4 ft) from a plain wall, facing a window or another soft, even light. Ask someone else to take it at eye level with the phone's main (rear) camera — selfies taken at arm's length distort the face. Keep your shoulders in the frame and leave space above your head.
  2. Upload it above. Choose 🇺🇸 United States – Visa (DS-160). The tool finds your face and eyes, straightens a tilted head, and crops to 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) with your head at 25–35 mm.
  3. Check the background. The background is replaced with plain white or off-white. Look closely at the edges of your hair; if anything looks cut out, use a photo taken against a plainer wall.
  4. Read the warnings. We flag closed eyes, a turned head, uneven lighting, possible glasses and low resolution. Fix anything flagged by retaking the photo — editing a face is not allowed.
  5. Download. Use the digital file for online applications (we automatically keep it under 240 KB), or the 4×6 in print sheet for a printed photo. Print the sheet at a pharmacy or photo kiosk at 100% scale with no borders, then cut along the guides.

Common reasons United States visa (ds-160) photos get rejected

  • Head too small or too large in the frame — the head must measure 25–35 mm from chin to the top of the head.
  • Shadows on the face or behind the head, usually from a single overhead light or a camera flash.
  • Glare on glasses, or glasses where they aren't allowed (not allowed).
  • Hair covering the eyes or the edges of the face, and hats or head coverings worn for non-religious, non-medical reasons.
  • Filters, beauty modes or "portrait" blur applied by the phone. Turn these off before taking the photo.
  • Photos older than six months, or ones that no longer look like you.

Things to know before you apply

  • Upload the digital file with your DS-160 form.
  • Taken within the last 6 months.
Disclaimer: photo rules change and individual officers make the final decision. This tool follows the published size rules but cannot guarantee your photo will be accepted. Always check the official United States requirements before you submit.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a United States visa (ds-160) photo?

2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure 25–35 mm from the chin to the top of the head.

Where should my eyes be in a United States visa (ds-160) photo?

56–69% of the image height from the bottom. The tool positions your eye line inside this range and shows guide lines so you can check.

What background colour does a United States visa (ds-160) photo need?

Plain white or off-white. This tool replaces your background automatically, so you can take the photo at home.

Can I wear glasses in a United States visa (ds-160) photo?

Not allowed. Even where glasses are allowed, there must be no glare and the eyes must be clearly visible.

Can I smile in my United States visa (ds-160) photo?

Neutral, both eyes open, facing the camera. A big smile or open mouth is a common reason for rejection.

What file size does the United States visa (ds-160) digital photo need?

Square, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, JPEG, max 240 KB. The tool automatically picks the best JPEG quality that fits the limit.

Is my photo uploaded to your server?

No. Face detection, background replacement and cropping all run inside your browser. Your photo never leaves your device, and nothing is stored after you close the page.

How do I print the photo?

Download the 4×6 inch print sheet and print it at any pharmacy, supermarket photo kiosk or online photo lab as a standard 4×6 (10×15 cm) print. Make sure scaling is set to 100% (no "fit" or borders), then cut along the light guide lines.

Is this tool really free?

Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no paid "download" step. The site is supported by ads shown outside the tool.

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