Schengen Photo Specialists in the Tampa Bay Area – no stress, less than 15 minutes…
Foreign citizens traveling throughout Europe use what is called a Schengen Visa to move from one
country to the next. The requirements for a Schengen Visa photo are very specific and if not done
properly, can delay obtaining your travel documents.
- Two identical photos. Not older than six months.
- Photo size: 35x45mm.
- In color. No black and white
- The head should take 70-80% of the photo.
- Light-colored background. Light grey is suggested. No patterns.
- The applicant should be looking straight at the camera.
- Neutral facial expression. No smile and mouth closed
- Avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.
The Schengen area is a zone where 29 European countries have abolished passport controls at their
shared borders, allowing for free movement between these countries. Free Movement:Citizens of Schengen countries can travel and stay without border controls within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Schengen Agreement and Convention: The Schengen area is based on the Schengen Agreement (1985) and the Schengen Convention (1990), which established the principles of borderless travel within Europe.
Schengen Area Countries: The Schengen area comprises 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).
Visa Policy: The Schengen area has a common visa policy, requiring most non-EU citizens to obtain a Schengen visa for short-stay tourism, business, or family visits.
External Border Controls: While internal border controls are abolished, Schengen countries work together to secure external borders and ensure stricter border controls at the entry points into the Schengen area.
EU and Schengen Area Relation: While most EU countries are part of the Schengen area, Ireland and Cyprus are not. Additionally, the four countries that are part of the Schengen area but not part of the EU are Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Countries in the Schengen Area (as of 2025):
- EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
- Non-EU Member States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.
Important Considerations for Travelers:
Entry/Exit Rules: Be aware of the rules regarding entry and exit requirements, including the 90-day limit within a 180-day period for short-stay tourism, business, or family visits.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen area.
Schengen Visa: Non-EU nationals should check visa requirements for their country and the specific purpose of their visit to determine if a Schengen visa is needed.
Schengen visa photos must meet specific requirements, including size, head position, background, and more.
Size
- Photos must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high
- Head should take up 70–80% of the photo
Background
- Use a light, plain background, ideally light grey, with no patterns
- Avoid wearing clothes that match the background
Head position
- Face the camera directly with a neutral expression
- Avoid sideways, downward, or upward head positions
Lighting
- Avoid over- or underexposure
- Avoid shadows on the face or background
- Use diffuse sources of light, such as umbrella lights
Other requirements
- Photos must be in color
- Photos must be no more than 6 months old
- Photos must be printed on high quality paper, and at high resolution
- Photos must be clear, sharp, and in focus
- Photos must have natural skin tones
- Photos must not have ink marks, creases, or scratches
You must submit two identical photos.
Thomas Bruce Studio in St. Petersburg can provide Schengen Visa photos in less than 15 minutes.
Located in 2227 49th St. N., St. Petersburg, they will provide you with two Schengen Visa photos
guaranteed to spec. Parking and entrance are in the back of the building. Call to make your appointment!
