Russia visa photo rules in plain words
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs unified e-visa instructions (evisa.kdmid.ru) and the consular form (visa.kdmid.ru, 3.5x4.5 cm) both use the 35x45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 in) format. The digital version is 413x531 pixels at 300 DPI as a JPG. The background should be plain and light-coloured with no shadows; white is the safest choice.
- Head size: 31.5-36 mm chin to crown, which matches the face filling 70-80% of the photo (the mm values are derived).
- Glasses: allowed if there is no glare; tinted lenses are not allowed.
- Head covering: religious only, with the face fully visible.
- Copies: 1.
No official pixel or KB limits are published for the e-visa, so the file only needs the 35x45 aspect ratio and a face that fills 70-80% of the frame.
How to take the photo at home with a phone
Stand in front of a plain white or very light wall and let window light fall on your face. Hold the phone at eye height, look straight into the lens and keep a neutral expression. Keep the face large in the frame so that it can fill 70-80% of the final picture.
- Avoid tinted lenses and check clear lenses for glare.
- Leave no shadow behind the head.
- Do not use filters or beauty modes.
IDPhotoly processes the image in your browser without uploading it, crops it to 35x45 mm and checks the face proportion.
Common reasons for rejection
- Wrong aspect ratio. The e-visa photo needs the 35x45 proportion.
- Face too small. The face should fill 70-80% of the photo.
- Tinted lenses. They are not allowed.
- Shadows on the background. A plain light background without shadows is expected.
- Printed photo not matching the form. A paper visa needs a 3.5x4.5 cm photo glued to the printed form.
Uploading or printing
For the e-visa, upload the 413x531 px JPEG. For a paper consular visa, print 1 copy at 3.5x4.5 cm at 300 DPI and glue it to the printed form.
Payment is one-time, and you receive a full refund if an authority rejects the photo.
Tips for a clean result
Decide first whether you are applying for the e-visa or for a paper consular visa, since the final file is used differently. For the e-visa you only upload the JPEG, so the framing matters more than the print quality. For the paper form, a sharp print on proper photo paper helps the consulate verify your face, and the photo must be glued to the form rather than clipped or stapled.
- Look straight at the lens and keep a neutral expression.
- Keep your shoulders level and your head upright.
- Do not resize the file after the compliance check.