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Sri Lanka Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Sri Lanka visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division. In this guide, you can confirm the exact 35×45 mm size, 413×531 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Sri Lanka visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Sri Lanka requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a light blue background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 35×45 mm (413×531 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official Sri Lanka visa photo rules
- Sri Lanka requires a 35×45 mm colour photo on a light blue background, corresponding to 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
- Heavy digital retouching (skin smoothing, jaw reshaping, eye enlargement) is rejected by the biometric pass even when the studio applies it by default.
- Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division accepts photos taken within the last 6 months that accurately reflect your current appearance, including recent facial hair, glasses frames or hairstyle changes.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in Sri Lanka visa photos
- Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 35×45 mm used by Sri Lanka, and studios often print the wrong size unless the exact dimensions are stated in millimetres.
- Wearing a top that blends into the background at the shoulders — very common in Asian studio shots that use flat lighting.
- Uploading a photo whose background reads as close to but not exactly light blue once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- Submitting a photo older than 6 months even if you look the same — Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Sri Lanka
The visa photo in Sri Lanka is 35×45 mm, while the passport photo is 35×45 mm. The size is the same for both documents, but you should still verify the specific submission rules for the passport application. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Sri Lanka passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
India (51×51 mm)United Kingdom (35×45 mm)Australia (35×45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka nationals apply through Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division at the nearest passport office. Most centres now use live biometric capture in addition to any printed photo submitted with the paper form. Booking an appointment online first is standard practice and rarely optional.
Is a light blue background required in Sri Lanka passport photos?
Yes. Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Passport & Consular Division requires a light blue background at the 35×45 mm print size. Substituting another colour or an off-light blue tone triggers rejection at the biometric pre-check even when the framing and lighting are otherwise correct.
What is the official visa photo size for Sri Lanka?
The official Sri Lanka visa photo size is 35×45 mm, which equals 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Sri Lanka visa photo?
Sri Lanka visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.