How should a Romania visa photo look?
Romania uses the 35×45 mm Schengen format with head height around 31.5-36 mm and a plain white or off-white backdrop. For the simple electronic passport, the facial image and fingerprints are captured digitally on site at the passport office. Romania became a full Schengen member on 31 March 2024 (air, land, sea).
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by Direcția Generală de Pașapoarte (MAI). For abroad or fallback prints the photo must be within six months of the capture date. Glasses are discouraged.
Workflow after the shoot
For abroad or fallback work, open the frame in PhotoID Studio and pick the România preset; the app aligns the face, cleans the backdrop to pure white and exports 35×45 mm at 300 DPI.
Capture setup and direction
For abroad/fallback work, seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of a white backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8, a softbox at 45° with a reflector opposite. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression"; glasses are discouraged.
Where the passport office sends people back
• A backdrop other than white / off-white. • A frame older than six months from the capture date. • Glasses glare; frame cutting across the eyes. • A smile, visible teeth, an open mouth. • Hair covering the eyes. • Head too small; the ICAO ratio is missed. • A print outside the 35×45 mm spec.
Schengen accession reshapes the pipeline
Romania's 2024 full Schengen accession reshaped both domestic and abroad submission flows. The PhotoID Studio România preset locks the 35×45 mm white frame and switching to a Schengen visa from the same shot is one click.
Frequently asked questions
Do I bring a studio print for the Romanian passport?
No. For the simple electronic passport, facial image and fingerprints are captured digitally on site at the passport office.
When did Romania become a full Schengen member?
On 31 March 2024 Romania joined Schengen in full (air, land and sea borders).
What backdrop tone is required?
White or very light off-white is accepted; blue and coloured backdrops are rejected.
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