Russian Visa Photo Requirements — Complete Guide 2026

Country guide · 🇷🇺 Russia · Last verified: February 2026

Russian visa photos use a 35×45 mm format with a plain white background — standard for most countries. The important context in 2026: Russian visa availability for US and EU nationals is severely restricted due to geopolitical tensions since 2022. This guide covers who can currently get a Russian visa, what the photo specs are, and how e-Visa digital photos work.

Quick facts


Size	35×45 mm
Background	Plain white
Head height	30–36 mm (chin to crown)
Face coverage	70–80%
Photos required	2 printed (paper applications)
Recency	Within 6 months
Glasses	Allowed with conditions
Source	kdmid.ru (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Current visa situation — 2026 context

Russia suspended the e-Visa system for most Western countries in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. As of early 2026:

US citizens: Russian visa processing is suspended for most categories. US-Russia consular relations are severely limited. Contact the Russian Embassy in Washington DC or check kdmid.ru for current status.
EU citizens: Similar restrictions apply. Some EU nationalities may have limited options through third-country Russian consulates.
Most other nationalities: Russian visas are available. Some countries (China, India, Turkey, CIS countries) have simplified or visa-free arrangements.

Check the current status at your country's Russian embassy website — the situation changes frequently.

Photo specifications (when visas are available)

Size and dimensions

Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall
Head height: 30–36 mm from chin to crown
Face coverage: 70–80% of photo height
Face centred horizontally

Background

Plain white. Uniform, shadow-free. No patterns, textures, or objects.

Expression and appearance

Expression: neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
Eyes: both open, looking directly at camera. No red-eye.
Head position: straight, no tilt or rotation
Glasses: allowed if eyes are fully visible, no glare, no tinted lenses. However, removing glasses is recommended to avoid any risk.
Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons. Full face visible.
Clothing: everyday attire. No uniforms.

Quality

Colour only
Sharp, no blur
Professional photo paper for printed submissions
No digital retouching or alterations

Russian e-Visa (when available)

Russia's e-Visa system was operational for 53+ countries before 2022. When active, digital photo requirements:

Format: JPEG
Background: white or off-white
File size: typically under 500 KB
Same face requirements

The e-Visa system status changes — verify at electronic.visa.gov.ru for current availability by nationality.

Russian internal passport (паспорт) — different specs

The Russian internal passport (гражданский паспорт) uses a different format: 35×45 mm with the same white background, but applications go through Gosuslugi (gosuslugi.ru) for Russian citizens. This is separate from the international passport and visa process.

Frequently asked questions

Can US citizens get a Russian visa in 2026?

Currently severely restricted. US-Russia consular services have been significantly reduced since 2022. Check the current status at the Russian Embassy in Washington DC or ru.usembassy.gov for the latest guidance.

What size is a Russian visa photo?

35×45 mm. Head height 30–36 mm from chin to crown. Plain white background.

Can I wear glasses in a Russian visa photo?

Technically allowed if eyes are fully visible with no glare. Removing glasses is recommended to avoid any risk of rejection.

Is a Russian visa photo the same size as a US passport photo?

No. Russia uses 35×45 mm. The US uses 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). Specify 35×45 mm when getting photos.