Russian Visa Photo Requirements 2026: 3.5x4.5 cm Printed Photo, MFA Form, and Consular Checklist Cautions
Russian visa photo requirements for the MFA application form: 3.5x4.5 cm printed photo, recent-image warning, and why the local consulate or visa centre checklist still controls your final submission.
Quick answer for Russian visa photos
The Russian MFA electronic visa application form currently instructs applicants to attach a 3.5 x 4.5 cm photograph to the printed application form. The photo should be recent: the MFA instruction says it should have been taken no later than six months before the application date.
| Requirement | Russian visa photo direction |
|---|---|
| Printed size | 3.5 x 4.5 cm, equivalent to 35 x 45 mm |
| Submission mode | Attach the photo to the printed application form |
| Age | Taken within six months before the application date |
| Final authority | Follow the Russian diplomatic mission, consulate, or visa centre checklist for your location |
Use the local consulate or visa centre checklist
The MFA form gives the core printed-photo instruction, but Russian visa submission details can depend on the diplomatic mission, consular office, or visa centre handling the case. Before printing, confirm whether your location asks for one photo, additional copies, a particular background, or a specific attachment method.
Common mistakes
- Printing a 2x2 inch U.S. visa photo instead of a 35x45 mm / 3.5x4.5 cm photo.
- Uploading or sending a loose digital file when the route expects a printed form with an attached photo.
- Using an old passport photo that is older than six months.
- Letting the printer scale the 35x45 mm frame to fit the paper.
How to prepare it in Passlens
- Use a 35x45 mm document-photo workflow.
- Keep the face centered and leave enough shoulder area for a standard visa-style print.
- Export a print-ready file and print at 100% scale.
- Measure the final photo before attaching it to the application form.
- Check the local consulate or visa-centre instructions before submission.
