May 29, 2026 · Transit Visas
Airport Transit Visa Photo Requirements 2026 – Schengen, UK, and US
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required by some nationalities even when transiting through an international airport without leaving the terminal. This guide explains which photo specifications apply to the Schengen Airport Transit Visa, the UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV), and the US Transit (C) Visa — and what you need to know before applying.
Check ATV requirements before booking travel
ATV requirements change based on nationality, bilateral agreements, and the specific transit country. Always verify with the embassy of your transit country well in advance of your journey. Do not assume transit is visa-free — check first.
Transit Visa Photo Sizes at a Glance
| Transit Visa | Authority | Photo size | Background | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen ATV | Schengen embassy | 35×45mm | White | Same as Schengen visa — 2 photos typically required |
| UK DATV (Direct Airside) | UKVI / Home Office | 45×35mm | Cream/off-white | HMPO portrait format — within past month |
| US Transit (C visa) | US Embassy / DOS | 51×51mm | White | Same as US passport photo format |
What Is an Airport Transit Visa?
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is a short-stay visa that allows the holder to pass through the international transit zone of an airport in the issuing country. It does not grant the right to enter the country itself — the holder remains in the international area of the airport until their connecting flight departs.
Whether you need an ATV depends on your nationality and the specific transit country. Many nationalities can transit Schengen airports without a visa. However, nationals from certain countries must hold a Schengen ATV even if they never leave the airside transit zone.
ATVs are applied for at an embassy or consulate before travel — they cannot be issued at the airport on the day of travel.
Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) – Photo Requirements
The Schengen ATV uses the same photo specifications as a standard Schengen short-stay visa (Type C). These follow the ICAO biometric standard.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall (portrait, ICAO)
- Background: Plain white, no shadows, no patterns
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes fully open
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Recency: Taken within 6 months
- Colour: Full colour
- Quantity: Typically two identical printed photos per application
You must apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country through whose airport you are transiting. If you are transiting through multiple Schengen airports, apply at the embassy of the first Schengen country you transit through.
Nationalities That May Require a Schengen ATV
The following nationalities are among those that have historically been required to hold a Schengen ATV when transiting Schengen airports. This list is indicative only — ATV requirements are set by EU Regulation and can change. Always verify with the specific Schengen country embassy.
This list reflects publicly available information as of May 2026. It is not exhaustive. Verify with the embassy of your transit country before making travel plans.
UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – Photo Requirements
The UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is required by nationals of certain countries transiting UK airports without passing through UK border control. It is issued by the UK Home Office (UKVI) and uses HMPO passport photo standards.
- Size: 45mm wide × 35mm tall (landscape portrait, HMPO standard)
- Background: Plain cream or off-white (not pure white)
- Face height: 29mm to 34mm within the photo
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open and facing forward
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Recency: Taken within the past month (stricter than most)
DATV applications are submitted online via the UKVI portal. You may be required to upload a digital photo rather than submit a printed photograph. The DATV does not allow you to enter the UK — you remain in the international airside area of the airport. Apply well in advance; the UK DATV application requires supporting documents including proof of your onward journey.
US Transit Visa (C Visa) – Photo Requirements
The US Transit Visa (also known as a C visa or C-1 visa) is required by travellers who pass through a US airport en route to a third country and are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). The photo requirement follows the standard US passport photo format set by the Department of State.
- Size: 51mm × 51mm (2×2 inches, square format)
- Background: Plain white
- Face height: 25mm to 35mm (1 to 1.375 inches) from chin to crown
- Expression: Neutral, eyes open, looking directly at the camera
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Recency: Taken within 6 months
US Transit Visa applications are made at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad. The application typically requires a DS-160 form, a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of transit, proof of onward travel, and the transit visa fee. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries do not require a C visa for transit but must hold a valid ESTA.
Apply at the embassy — not at the airport
Airport Transit Visas cannot be issued at the airport on the day of travel. You must apply at the embassy or consulate of the transit country in your home country before your journey. Allow sufficient processing time — some embassies recommend applying at least 4–6 weeks in advance. If your ATV application is refused or you travel without the required ATV, you will be denied boarding by the airline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo is needed for a Schengen Airport Transit Visa?
A Schengen Airport Transit Visa requires the same photo as a standard Schengen visa: 35mm wide × 45mm tall, ICAO biometric standard, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses. Typically two identical printed photos are required.
Do I need a transit visa if I am just passing through a Schengen airport?
It depends on your nationality. Nationals of certain countries — including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and some others — require an Airport Transit Visa even if they do not leave the international transit area. Always check the current list with the embassy of the Schengen country you are transiting through.
What is the photo requirement for a UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)?
The UK Direct Airside Transit Visa follows HMPO photo standards: 45mm wide × 35mm tall (landscape portrait). Background must be plain cream or off-white. Neutral expression, no glasses, taken within the past month.
What photo size is required for a US Transit Visa (C visa)?
A US Transit Visa uses the standard US passport photo format: 51mm × 51mm (2×2 inches), plain white background, face height between 25mm and 35mm from chin to crown. Full colour, no glasses.
Can I apply for an Airport Transit Visa at the airport?
No. Airport Transit Visas must be applied for in advance at the embassy or consulate of the transit country in your home country. You cannot obtain an ATV at the airport on the day of travel. Allow adequate processing time before your journey.
Do transit visa photo requirements change between countries?
Yes. Schengen ATV uses 35×45mm ICAO, the UK DATV uses 45×35mm HMPO portrait format, and the US C visa uses 51×51mm. Background requirements also differ. Always check the specific embassy requirements for the country you are transiting through.
Always verify current ATV requirements with the official embassy or consulate of your transit country. Requirements change based on nationality and bilateral agreements. This guide reflects publicly available information as of May 2026.
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