Photo Requirements for a Turkish Visa| Turkey e-visa

Last updated: January 2025

The photo will be required when applying for a visa to Turkey using the e-Visa system and when applying for a sticker visa through a consulate. In either case, a passport-sized photo shall be required, meeting very specific criteria. Therefore, the photo is an important element of your application, and discrepancies in size or background or any other format might delay the visa application process.

Importance of Visa Photo Requirements for Turkey

The photo on the visa application gives a base for your identification while entering Turkey. Acuteness, in this respect, means observance of all the specifications so laid down by the authorities undertaking the processing of your visa application so that the photo is clear, accurate, and usable for security purposes. Any photo not meeting these guidelines raises the potential for delays in visa processing or out-and-out rejection.

Key Specifications of the Turkey Visa Photo

Following are the basic requirements of a photograph that you will have to attach during your application for a Turkish visa. These are necessary whether you are applying online for an e-Visa or physically at a consulate for a sticker visa.

Category	Requirements
Photo Size	Standard size is 5 cm x 6 cm (approximately 2 inches x 2.4 inches) in portrait orientation.
Photo Background	The background must be plain white or light-colored, with no objects, shadows, or patterns. Brightly colored backgrounds are not allowed.
Face and Head Position	Face should be centered, fully visible from top to chin. Neutral expression with both eyes open, no smiling or teeth showing. Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons, as long as the face is clearly visible.
Photo Quality	The image should be clear, with even lighting and no shadows. It must be a color photo of high resolution, without blurring or pixelation.
Recent Photo	The photo must have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
Spectacles and Accessories	Non-reflective, non-tinted glasses are allowed, but there should be no glare. No dark glasses or sunglasses. Headbands, hats, and large accessories covering the face are not allowed, except for religious head coverings.
Digital Photos for E-Visa	The photo should be in JPEG or PNG format, with a file size no more than 10 MB and a resolution of at least 600 DPI. No digital alterations or filters are permitted.

How to Take a Compliant Turkey Visa Photo

Meeting the requirements of a visa photo for Turkey largely pertains to the successfulness of your application. A few tips to make sure that your photo is taken within the necessary guidelines:

Professional Photo Studio: If you need a high-quality photo, then get your photo taken by a professional photographer or visa photo service that has significant experience in passport and visa photos. They will ensure the photo is exactly what is required.
Home Setup: While taking the photo at home, you need to have a plain white wall as the background, have good lighting, and a good camera or smartphone. Ensure no shadow falls on your face or the background.
Maintain a Neutral Expression: With both eyes open looking into the camera, do not smile or frown.
Avoid Flash or Filters: Except for natural light, avoid using the camera flash to avoid reflections, red eyes, or harsh shadows. The light should be equitably balanced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Turkey Visa Photos

Following is a list of some common mistakes that one should avoid while submitting a visa photo for Turkey:

Wrong Size: The photo should be in 5 cm x 6 cm size. The photo attested should not be smaller or larger than the prescribed size.
Dark Background: It should be in a white or light-colored background.
Unnatural Expressions: One should not smile, frown, or show anything other than a neutral expression.
Glasses with Glare: Use glass that does not reflect light or give glare that may mask your eyes.
Shadows or Poor Lighting: Make sure there are no shadows, especially on your face, in your photo.
Over-Editing: Try not to over-edit your photo digitally or add too much filtering or manipulation; it may be rejected.

Submission of Your Turkey Visa Photo: E-Visa and Sticker Visa

Depending on your visa application type, the submission of your photo will vary in the following ways:

E-Visa Photo Submission

Upload the photo online while filling out the e-Visa application. The photo should indicate the size and format that are required; besides, it should be clear and without changes.

Ensure the photo file is in the correct format and does not exceed the maximum file size limit of 10 MB.

Sticker Visa (Consular Visa) Photo Submission

In the case of a sticker visa, you will have to attach two physical copies of the visa photo at the time of application submission to the Turkish embassy or consulate in person. Both of the photos should be of high-quality photo paper and meet all the requirements about size and format as mentioned in the above points.

What If the Photo Does Not Meet the Requirements?

If your photo for a Turkey visa doesn't meet the specifications, there is a very great likelihood that your visa application may be delayed or possibly rejected. Consulates and embassies are strict about these guidelines, and submitting a photo that doesn't comply with the rules will probably see them request a new photo, thus making the process longer. E-Visa applicants run the risk of having their photos rejected online and needing to start all over again.

Turkish Visa Photo Requirements for Toddlers

In the case of a toddler or an infant, the application for a Turkish visa requires passport photographs that are needed according to specific requirements:

Recent Photograph: The photograph should be recent, taken within six months.
Neutral Background: The background must be plain, preferably white.
Gaze: The straight gaze of the child into the camera
Neutral Expression: No smiling or grimacing.
Head and Shoulders: The photo should be a view of head and shoulders of the child
Size: Passport size (2" x 2" = 5x5 cm)
Quality: The photo should be clear and well-lit with no shadows or glare.

Additional information when applying for toddlers and infants:

– Sleeping: This is acceptable if the child is sleeping soundly, provided the face is clearly visible.

– Parent or carer: Children unable to support themselves can be photographed while being supported by a parent/carer. The face of the parent/carer should not be visible.

Tips for Child Visa Photos for Turkey

Here are some instructions to follow when taking toddler or infant photos:

When photographing a toddler in a seated position, fill the seat or the ground with a white background so that the child will be seated. If holding the baby, be sure to hide your hands. Try also to avoid putting in baby toys, if possible. The format of the picture should clearly show a full-face shot of the baby, open eyes, closed mouth, and a straight face. Ensure the light is spread out in the face of the baby and at the back.

How to Have a Successfully Approved Visa Application for Turkey

A correct visa photo is part of the entire process that goes into a visa application to Turkey. Whether it is a tourist e-Visa, an application for a business visa, or the applying of a sticker visa through a consulate, one will be guaranteed a hassle-free Visa application procedure if one adheres to all the requirements outlined in this guidebook.

You may also get a professional photographer to take your visa photo or, if you want to take the photo yourself, follow the guidelines very carefully so that it is not delayed or rejected. Meeting these requirements will help ensure that your Turkey visa application is processed without any complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot attach a passport or driver's license photo for a Turkish visa application; you need to attach a recent photograph taken according to the specific requirements.

Yes, you can wear glasses while taking your Turkish Visa photo if you usually use them. However, remember that your eyes must be clearly visible.

You can wear a hat or head covering if your religious or cultural background requires one; however, your face needs to show up clearly.

It is always advisable to seek services from a professional photographer when you are taking your photo for acceptance of the Turkish visa, ensuring all requirements are met. You can, however, take the photo yourself if you have the right equipment and the skills.

If your Turkish visa photo does not fit any of the criteria, then it will be rejected and you will be required to submit another one that fits such requirements. You may also need to reapply for your visa with your photo attached.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites or the official e-Visa portal before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules might change.

Photo Requirements for a Turkish Visa