2×2 Inch Photos for International Applications from Italy

When is a 2×2 inch photo required?

The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo format is primarily used for international applications processed from Italy:

• US Visas (tourist, business, study, work)
• ESTA Applications for US travel
• Canadian Visas and immigration applications
• Green Card Applications (US permanent residence)
• International Passport Applications (non-Italian passports)
• Foreign Consular Services following US standards
• International Academic Programs
• Work Permits for North American countries
• Dual Citizenship Applications

Mandatory Technical Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
• Face height: 25–35 mm (from chin to top of head)
• Face-to-photo ratio: Approximately 50-69% of total height
• Position: Centered both horizontally and vertically

Image Quality Standards

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for physical printing
• Digital resolution: 600 × 600 pixels minimum
• Digital format: High-quality JPEG
• File size: Between 240 KB and 12 MB
• Color: Color required (24 bits per pixel)
• Sharpness: Perfectly in focus image

Background and Composition

• Background: Uniform white or off-white
• No elements: Completely uniform, without patterns or textures
• Lighting: Even, without visible shadows
• Contrast: Clear between subject and background

US State Department Standards

Facial Position and Expression

• Position: Direct frontal, looking at the camera
• Expression: Neutral or very light natural smile
• Eyes: Open, clearly visible, without reflections
• Mouth: Closed or very subtle smile
• Head: Straight, without tilt

Clothing and Accessories

• Clothing: Dark colors or contrasting with white background
• Neckline: Avoid very deep necklines
• Glasses: Permitted if habitually worn and without reflections
• Jewelry: Discreet, not distracting attention
• Makeup: Natural, without drastic changes

Important Restrictions

• Head coverings: Only for documented religious reasons
• Uniforms: Avoid military or service uniforms
• Hats: Not permitted except for religious reasons
• Electronic devices: Completely prohibited

Differences from Standard Italian Format

Size Comparison

• Italian format (35×45 mm): Rectangular, taller than wide
• 2×2 inch format (51×51 mm): Square, equal width and height
• Total area: 2×2 format is approximately 30% larger
• Background: White (vs light gray/white for Italian documents)

Composition Differences

• Face proportion: Smaller in 2×2 format (more space around)
• Eye position: More vertically centered in 2×2 format
• Top space: Greater in square format
• Expression: Light smile may be acceptable (vs neutral for Italian)

Where to Get Professional Photos in Italy

Specialized Studios

• International document specialists: Photographers experienced with US requirements
• Studios familiar with US standards
• Professional equipment to ensure quality
• Requirements verification service

Alternative Options

• Specialized online services for visa photos
• Mobile applications with automatic verification
• Photo booths with square format option (check availability)

Recommended Locations in Italy

• Rome: More professional studios with international experience
• Milan: Photo services with US visa experience
• Naples: Studios specialized in international documents
• Florence: Professional photographers familiar with US requirements
• Major cities: Turin, Bologna, Palermo, Bari

Indicative Costs in Italy (2024)

• Professional photo studio: €10-20
• Online service with delivery: €8-15
• Mobile app with printing: €6-12
• Automatic booth: €5-10 (check format availability)

Specific Tips by Application Type

For US Visas

• Follow exactly State Department specifications
• Avoid wide smiles (prefer neutral expression)
• Verify absence of background shadows
• Use professional quality photo paper

For Canadian Visas

• Light natural smile permitted
• Completely uniform white background
• Commercial or professional print quality
• Recent date (within last 6 months)

For Green Card Applications

• Strict compliance with USCIS requirements
• Professional photography strongly recommended
• Multiple copies for different process stages
• Digital backup for online submissions

Need perfect 2×2 inch photos for your international applications from Italy? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official requirements for quick approval.