“Russian Visa and Russian Passport Photo Requirements”
If you apply for a Russian visa or a new Russian passport through Russian Agency, you have three options for photos:
- The first option is to email us your photo. Please have someone take a picture of you and email the original file without editing or compression and we will convert it to a passport size photo for you. We will print out as many copies as are needed for no additional fee. This is a complimentary service for all our clients. While taking your photo please follow the requirements of the Russian Federation, which are listed below. Also note, we cannot accept scans of printed pictures because the quality will not be high enough. You may take your photo with any smart phone.
- The second option is to go to a place that takes U.S. passport size photos and mail us the printed photos. There is a size difference between the American passport photo and the Russian passport/visa photo. Please do not trim the photo yourself, we will do that for you.
- The third option is come into one of our offices and we will take your photo free of charge.
HERE ARE THE OFFICIAL RUSSIAN VISA AND PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION:
Photo Quality:
- The photo should be taken no earlier than 6 months before you apply.
- The size should be 35mm (horizontal) by 45mm (vertical).
- The person should take up 70 to 80% of the photo. Don’t stand too far back or too close.
- The photo should be in focus, not blurry or grainy.
- The photo should be free of any signs of wear, such as ink or creases.
- The person should look directly at the camera.
- The photo should show the person’s natural skin tone.
- The photo should have appropriate brightness and contrast.
The lighting and positioning:
- All the colors in the photo should be neutral (no filters).
- Eyes should be open and hair shouldn’t cover any part of the face.
- The head of the person shouldn’t be angled or slanted to the side, the person should be facing forward directly to the camera.
- The background should be plain and white.
- The person should be evenly lit without any shadows or bright spots. Make sure there is no red-eye effect.
Glasses and head coverings:
- If you wear glasses your eyes should be clearly visible through the glasses.
- Colored/tinted lens are not all allowed.
- The glasses’ lenses should not reflect light.
- The frame of your glasses shouldn’t block your eyes in any way. It is recommended not to wear glasses with thick frames. Thin frames are preferred.
- Head coverings are allowed only for religious purposes. If you wear a head covering all the parts of the face from the chin to the top part of the forehead should be clearly visible.
Facial expressions and framing
- Only the one person should be visible in the photo.
- The photo should be free of any other objects or people.
- The expression on the face should be neutral.
- The mouth should be closed.
Please CALL our TOLL FREE numbers in the U.S. (888) 9-RUSSIA or (888) 978-7742 if you have questions. We are here to help!
Quick links:
How to renew a Russian Passport in the U.S completely by mail
How to obtain a Russian Visa in the U.S. in the easiest and quickest way
