Thailand has beckoned millions of tourists year after year with its delectable cuisine, bustling cities, majestic Buddhist monasteries, lively nightlife, dense national parks, and breathtaking beaches. This tropical paradise in Southeast Asia caters to all kinds of people. So, whether you are a thrill seeker, nature lover, spiritual traveler, or foodie, there is no dearth of places to enjoy your type of holiday.

You need a Thailand visa to travel to this gorgeous country. It is important to follow the right process and submit the correct documents, as even one tiny mistake can lead to visa rejection. Among all the visa-supporting documents, you must also submit your photographs meeting the country’s specific requirements. Let’s look at the Thailand visa photo requirements to ensure your visa application is completed on time.

Guidelines and Specifications for Thailand Visa Photos

Following are the Thailand visa photo guidelines that you must know:

1. Three identical photos are needed for the application form.
2. It must be taken within the last six months.
3. It must be against a solid white background without any prints or patterns.
4. The photo must be in color, as black and white photos are not accepted.
5. Your head and shoulder must cover 70-80% of the photo, and your face must be in the center, looking straight ahead.
6. Your eyes must be open and look straight into the camera.
7. Prescription glasses are allowed but make sure they don’t block the vision of the eyes. Also, the lenses must be glare-free, and they must not be tinted.
8. You must maintain a neutral expression with no smile or teeth showing.
9. Only religious or medical headgear is allowed. Your face and your ears must be fully visible.
10. Photos with accessories covering your hair or facial features are unacceptable. So, refrain from wearing sunglasses, hats, head coverings (unless for religious or medical purposes), or big and chunky jewelry.
11. The minimum resolution required is 1200 dpi.
12. Avoid wearing light-colored clothing in the photo.
13. There are no guidelines regarding facial hair like a beard.
14. Avoid any glare in the background caused by a flash or other lighting.
15. No digital alterations to facial features or photos are allowed.
16. Lighting is an essential factor when clicking visa photos. Overexposed or underexposed pictures are unacceptable, and there must be no shadows on the face or background.

Size of the Thailand visa photos

As per official guidelines, the Thailand visa photo size must be 3.5 x4.5 cm (3.5 width and 4.5 height). For Thailand visa-on-arrival purposes, the photo size must be 4×6 cm.

Note:The exact measurements for passport and visa photos are non-negotiable and must be strictly adhered to; hence ensure the sizing is according to the photo requirements.

Thailand visa photo requirements for minors

If you are a minor applying for a Thai visa, you should stand straight with your shoulders towards the front. Avoid smiling and do not close your eyes. Refrain from wearing any accessories that can cover your face or features.

Thailand visa photo requirements for newborns/infants/babies

Kids traveling with their parents to Thailand also need to have a visa. Getting a baby to pose correctly for the photo may be challenging, but it is compulsory. The photo requirements for a baby or infant are like adults. However, listed below are a few exceptions to the same.

1. The background of the baby’s photo must be in a white or off-white color. You can place them on a car seat or the floor with a white cloth behind them while clicking the photo.
2. The baby must face the camera, eyes must be open, and mouth closed. The baby’s head should take up 70-80% of the picture, like an adult’s.
3. Any toys, pacifiers, bottles, etc., must not be in the photo.
4. The baby’s head must be in the center, and the whole face should be clearly visible in the photo.
5. Parents are not allowed to be in the photo. Their arms and hands must not be visible when holding the baby.

Mistakes to avoid while taking Thailand visa photos

1. Head gears are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, so avoid wearing hats, caps, masks, etc.
2. Do not wear clothing with visible text or logos.
3. Do not smile or frown in the photo; keep your expression neutral.
4. Keep your eyes open, and your teeth should not be visible.
5. No shadows or glare should fall on the face or in the background.

Things to keep in mind while taking photos for a Thailand visa

1. Get your photo taken by a professional photographer, as the studios will know all the correct requirements for Thailand visa photos.
2. Ensure that you are well dressed in formal clothing.
3. Take the photo in a neutral background with plenty of light.
4. Look right into the camera and have a neutral expression. Your eyes and facial features must be visible, and no hair should fall on your face.
5. Refrain from tilting your head.
6. If you get a photo clicked at home, use a high-quality camera with good resolution.

FAQs

1. How recent must the visa photos be?
Your photos must be clicked within six months of submitting your visa application and match your current appearance.

2. What is the standard size of the Thailand visa photos?
The standard and acceptable size of a Thailand visa photo is 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm.

3. Can I submit black and white visa photos instead of color?
No, black and white photos are not acceptable. Hence, make sure you submit only color photographs.

4. I have prescription glasses. Can I wear them for the visa photo?
Glasses are acceptable, provided they do not block the eyes’ vision. However, please note that the frames must not be thick, and there should be no tint or glare on the lenses.

5. Should I follow a particular dress code while taking the visa photo?
There is no specific dress code, but avoid wearing light-colored clothing or clothes having logos or visible text.

6. Can I smile for the photo?
No, you must maintain a neutral expression, and your teeth must not be visible.

7. How big should my head be in the photo?
Your head should take up 70-80% of the photo and must be centered.

8. Can I click a photo against any solid-color background?
No, the background must be solid white only, without any prints or patterns.

9. Can a headgear be worn for the visa photos?
Headgear is allowed only for medical and religious purposes, and your face and ears must be entirely visible even after wearing the headgear.

10. Can I click pictures at home with a digital camera?
Yes, you can, but ensure the photos are clear and adhere to all the above specifications. However, clicking the photos at a professional studio is always recommended.

11. What type of paper can I use to print the photos?
Photos must be printed on photo-quality paper; they can be either matte or glossy photo paper.

12. I have red eyes in the photo. Can I remove it?
You are not allowed to enhance or alter your photos digitally, but you can adjust the settings of the camera in such a way that the photo comes out clear.

13. Can I submit digitally scanned photos for visa from my other ID proofs, like my driver’s license?
Digitally scanned photos from any official documents or ID proofs are not accepted.

14. Am I allowed to wear my uniform for the photo?
Uniforms or any other attire like uniforms must not be worn in photos unless it is a daily religious dress. It is recommended to wear regular clothing that you wear every day.

15. Can I wear sunglasses for my visa photo?
Sunglasses or nonprescription tinted glasses are not allowed unless for medical reasons. If you have one, you need to submit a medical certificate.

16. I recently grew a beard and a mustache. Do I need to click new photos for the visa?
Usually, a beard and mustache don’t constitute a massive change in your appearance. You need to take new photos only if there is a significant change in your appearance.

17. I must apply for a visa for my newborn. Can I appear in the photo?
No, your baby must be the only person in the photo. If you are holding the baby in your arms, your arms or hands must not be visible.

18. Is it ok if my baby is sleeping while taking the Thailand visa photo?
No, your baby’s eyes must be open and look straight toward the camera.

Conclusion
Thailand offers so much diversity and seamlessly balances its cultural and modern attractions. Researching the Thailand visa rules applicable to your country well in advance allows you to make all preparations beforehand. While every step in your visa process is crucial, ensuring that you know all the rules about photo submission enables you to process the visa application without any issues. So, what are you waiting for? Add this incredible country to your bucket list and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in the Land of Smiles.