Make Your Sri Lanka Visa Photo Online in 3 Steps
Upload a clear photo of your face. Our editor crops it to the Sri Lanka visa photo size of 35 × 45 mm, sets a plain white background, and exports a JPG file for your ETA application. It also builds a print-ready A4 sheet for embassy forms. Preview the result first. The download costs $6.99.
- Upload your photo. Face the camera in even daylight. A phone photo works.
- Let the editor do the work. It crops to 35 × 45 mm, sizes your head to 70–80% of the photo height, and replaces the background with white.
- Download and apply. Upload the 413 × 531 px JPG to the ETA portal, or print the A4 sheet for a paper application.
Sri Lanka Visa Photo Size at a Glance
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size (millimetres) | 35 × 45 mm |
| Size (centimetres) | 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Size (inches) | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Pixels | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI |
| File format (online) | JPG (JPEG) |
| Head height | 70–80% of photo height (about 32–36 mm) |
| Background | Plain white, no shadows or patterns |
| Colour | Full colour, no filters or retouching |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses | Remove them. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never allowed. |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
Which Sri Lanka Visa Applications Need This Photo?
Most visitors apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. Others apply at a Sri Lankan embassy or at the airport on arrival. All three routes use the same 35 × 45 mm passport-style photo.
- ETA (online): Upload a JPG with a white background, a neutral expression, and no glasses. The portal checks image quality, so a poor photo slows processing.
- Embassy or consulate: Submit a printed photo on professional photo paper from a photo lab.
- Visa on arrival: Carry a recent printed copy that meets the same rules.
Rules and upload limits can change. Check the official Department of Immigration and Emigration portal before you submit.
Sri Lanka Visa Photo Requirements (2026)
Head Position and Framing
- Face the camera directly and keep your head straight.
- Center your face and show the top of your shoulders.
- Keep both ears visible and the chin and crown inside the frame.
Face and Expression
- Keep both eyes open and look straight into the lens.
- Close your mouth and keep a relaxed, neutral expression. Do not smile.
- Pull hair away from your face.
- Prevent red-eye with good lighting rather than digital correction.
Background, Lighting, and Quality
- Use a pure white background with no gradients, objects, or shadows.
- Light your face evenly from the front. Avoid hot spots and harsh shadows.
- Submit a sharp, full-colour photo. Black-and-white images fail.
- Skip beauty filters and colour correction.
Clothing and Accessories
- Wear clothing that contrasts with the white background. Avoid white tops.
- Avoid uniforms and clothing that resembles official attire.
- Remove glasses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are strictly prohibited.
- Wear head coverings only for religious reasons, and keep your full face visible.
- Skip heavy jewellery that casts shadows.
Visa Photo vs Passport Photo: What Is the Difference?
For Sri Lanka, the size and framing rules match. Both use 35 × 45 mm, a white background, and a neutral face. The difference is the delivery method. Your passport application may use a registered studio, while the ETA needs a digital JPG you upload yourself. Our tool covers both needs. You get one digital file for online forms and one printable A4 sheet for paper forms.
Keep a spare copy of your approved photo. You can reuse it for other travel forms within the six-month window, which saves time and money.
How to Take a Visa Photo at Home That Passes
- Stand near a window. Face the daylight so it lights your face evenly.
- Stand one step from a plain wall. This distance reduces background shadows.
- Hold the camera at eye level. Ask a friend to shoot from about one metre away. Selfies distort your face.
- Relax and look into the lens. Keep your shoulders level and your mouth closed.
- Upload the sharpest shot at full resolution.
Why Visa Photos Get Rejected
- The background was coloured or patterned.
- The photo was older than six months.
- You wore sunglasses or tinted glasses.
- Someone applied filters or retouching.
- Shadows fell on your face or the background.
- Your head was too small or too large in the frame.
- The online file was not a JPG, or its resolution was too low.
- You smiled or tilted your head.
Sri Lanka Visa Photo FAQ
What size is a Sri Lanka visa photo?
The size is 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm, or 1.38 × 1.77 inches). The digital version is 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI.
What photo do I need for the Sri Lanka ETA?
Upload a recent, full-colour, passport-style JPG with a white background, a neutral expression, and no glasses. Check the ETA portal for the current upload limits.
What background colour does a Sri Lanka visa photo need?
Use a plain white background. White is the safest choice and removes any doubt. Our editor sets it for you.
Can I wear glasses in a Sri Lanka visa photo?
Remove them. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are never allowed.
How recent must my visa photo be?
Take the photo within six months of your application or travel date. Older photos are rejected.
Does my child need a separate visa photo?
Yes. Every traveller, including newborns, needs an individual application and photo. The child must be alone in the frame, with no hands, toys, or car seats visible. Open eyes are preferred.
Can I use my Sri Lanka passport photo for the visa?
Yes, if it is recent and meets the rules. Both use the same 35 × 45 mm format.
How much does the visa photo tool cost?
The download costs $6.99. Preview your result before you pay.