Netherlands Visa Photo Size

The Netherlands visa photo is one of the most crucial components of a visa for the Netherlands. The photo establishes and confirms your identity as a foreigner travelling to the Netherlands.

Hence, all government standards and regulations with respect to the Netherlands visa photo requirements for Indian citizens must be followed diligently.

Any deviation in the photo requirements may lead to delay or rejection of the visa. Here are some of the photo specifications that must be adhered to:

One must comply with the photo guidelines mentioned below to ensure acceptance of their Netherlands visa:

Netherlands Visa Photo Size & Specifications

Since the Netherlands is a Schengen country, one must apply for a Schengen visa. As per government regulations, Schengen visa photos must be of a specific size, i.e. 35mm x 45mm. One must be careful not to submit a size bigger or smaller, as it can lead to rejection of the visa application.

The head of the person must be fully visible and at the centre of the frame. The width of the face, excluding the ears, must be between 16mm and 20mm. The length of the face also must meet the required specifications, which are as follows:

For 11 years and above: 26 mm to 30mm (chin to crown)

Under 11 years: 19 mm to 30 mm (chin to crown)

Photo Quality

Submitting high-quality photographs for the Netherlands visa is essential as it is a mandatory requirement by the government. Some of the quality requirements are as follows:

• The photo must be in colour.

• The image must appear sharp with sufficient contrast and details.

• It must not be damaged.

• It must not be a reproduction or copy.

• Print the photo on high-quality, smooth photo paper.

• The resolution of the photograph must be a minimum of 400 dpi.

• It must not be more than six months old.

Netherlands Visa Photo Head Coverings

Applicants must avoid wearing any type of covering over their heads that may alter their face or partially hide it. However, in exceptional cases, an applicant is allowed to wear religious headgear such as a hijab or a turban. However, it must not cover the face.

Netherlands Visa Photo Facial Expressions

When posing for a photo for a Netherlands visa for Indians, one must maintain a neutral facial expression. One must not frown or smile when looking at the camera. Similarly, the mouth must be closed and the teeth should not be visible.

Photo Special Effects

Your Netherlands visa photo must not contain any special effects such as shadows, reflections or red eyes. The lighting must be even and the photograph must not be over-exposed or under-exposed. The accessories must not cause any reflection on the face.

Netherlands Visa Photo Position

For the visa photo, an applicant must take the specific position mentioned in the rules.

• The head and shoulders must be straight.

• The applicant’s eyes must be aligned horizontally.

• The head must face forward.

Netherlands Visa Photo Background Colour

The background for the visa photograph must be white colour. No other colour or patterned background is allowed. Submitting a photo with any other background colour will not be accepted.

Glasses in Visa Photo

One must not wear sunglasses, glare glasses, etc., during a visa photo. Only glasses worn for medical reasons are allowed and must meet certain conditions. The glasses must be transparent so that the eyes are fully visible. There should not be any sort of reflection from the glasses or shadow that may alter the photo.

Netherland Visa Photo Clothings

Applicants must wear simple clothes for a Netherlands visa photo. One must avoid wearing very bright colours and stick to neutral tones. It is recommended to avoid matching colours with the background. Therefore, one must not wear a white colour shirt as it will merge with the white background.

Accessories for Visa Photo

Though accessories such as earrings are allowed for Netherlands visa photo, it is better to avoid them. Earrings, nose pins, etc., may cause reflection or obstruct the face, which is not acceptable for a visa photo.

Medical Equipment in Visa Photox

If an applicant is suffering from any illness and requires support from medical equipment such as feeding or oxygen tubes, hearing aids, etc., he may keep them on during the visa photo.

You can get a clearer specification of the Netherlands visa photo sample here.

Even children and toddlers require visas to travel to the Netherlands. Hence, their visa application must also contain photographs. Here are the specific guidelines for their photo:

• If the child cannot stand, they may sit on a white sheet.

• The parents may support the child in sitting. However, support, such as the parent's hand or other object, must not be visible in the photo.

• You can help the child pay attention and look at the camera.

• The child’s mouth should not be open, and the teeth should not be visible.

• No objects must hide the child’s face.

• The baby’s eyes must be open. Therefore, you may take a photo after the baby has completed his nap.

• For very young babies, you may lay them on a white bedsheet and take a photo.

• You have submitted a photo that is more than a month old.

• Your photo was not in colour but in black and white.

• Your teeth are visible in the photo, or you are smiling.

• The size of the photo did not match the specified dimensions.

• The photo is not printed on the right paper.

• There is a glossy finish on the photo.

• Your head is tilted, or your shoulders are not straight.

• The background of the photograph is patterned or is not white in colour.

• If the photo is edited.

• The photo is not taken under sufficient lighting.

• There are shadows in your photo.

• Your eyes are not fully visible.

• You are not looking straight into the camera.

• The child’s photo has an object in it, such as a toy.

• Your clothes are merging with the background colour.

To conclude, one must carefully read the Netherlands visa photo requirements and ensure that all the points are strictly adhered to. One must ensure that they wear the right clothes and appear in a correct manner before the camera to avoid any rejection.

Following the above-mentioned guidelines not only helps you to get the right photo for your visa but also ensures that your Netherlands visa for Indians is processed smoothly.

The Netherlands is a beautiful country with plenty of hidden gems for tourists to explore and enjoy. While you gear up to obtain the Netherlands visa for Indians, you must also have a travel insurance plan, as it is a mandatory requirement in the Netherlands.

Since travel insurance is a crucial component of your trip, it is wise to choose a reliable and renowned provider such as Tata AIG. Securing insurance from a trustworthy provider gives you peace of mind while on a vacation.

Tata AIG’s plans feature COVID-19 coverage, instant policy issuance, coverage in dollars and much more. You can receive benefits such as accident and sickness expenses, trip cancellation, automatic extensions, coverage for baggage loss, delays, etc.

Thus, you get all-around protection on your foreign trip.

It is wise to compare travel insurance price so you get the best deal. Tata AIG offers travel insurance starting at ₹40.82 per day which fits most budgets.

Do all Indians need a Schengen visa for the Netherlands?

Yes, Indians travelling to the Netherlands need to apply for a Schengen visa as India is not a part of the Schengen member state. Only those nations who are members of the Schengen States are exempt from visas.

Can I wear a wig during a visa photo?

Yes, you are allowed to wear a wig during your visa photo. However, you must ensure that it does not obstruct the eyes or cover the face.