Your visa photo is one of the most common reasons Cambodia visa applications get rejected or delayed. A single wrong background color, a pair of glasses, or the wrong pixel size can cost you days of processing time. This guide covers every Cambodia visa photo requirement in 2026: exact dimensions for both digital and print photos, background rules, file format specifications, and the mistakes that cause rejections.
Cambodia Visa Photo Size Requirements
The photo size you need depends on whether you are applying for the e-Visa online or submitting a physical photo for a Visa on Arrival or embassy application. Both types follow the same basic rules for background, expression, and quality, but the dimensions and delivery format are different.
Digital Photo for e-Visa Applications
When you apply through the official e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.kh, you upload a digital photo file. The portal enforces strict technical requirements on the image:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum resolution | 600 x 400 pixels |
| Maximum resolution | 1200 x 1600 pixels |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) or PNG (.png) |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB |
| Aspect ratio | Approximately 3:4 (portrait orientation) |
| Color mode | Full color (24-bit RGB) |
The digital photo must show your full face from the front, with your head centered in the frame. The e-Visa portal will reject files that are too small, too large, or in the wrong format. If your file exceeds 2 MB, reduce the resolution or use JPEG compression to shrink the file size.
Print Photo for Visa on Arrival and Embassy
For Visa on Arrival (VOA) and embassy applications, you need a physical printed photo. The standard Cambodia visa photo print dimensions are:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Width | 4 cm (approximately 1.57 inches) |
| Height | 6 cm (approximately 2.36 inches) |
| Paper finish | Glossy or matte (both accepted) |
| Quantity | 1 photo for VOA, 1-2 photos for embassy |
The 4 x 6 cm size is the standard passport photo size used in Cambodia and most Southeast Asian countries. Photo booths in Cambodia and at border crossings produce photos in this size automatically. If you are getting photos taken at a shop in your home country, ask for a 4 x 6 cm or “passport-sized” photo.
For a complete step-by-step guide on applying for the e-Visa, see our Cambodia e-Visa guide. For details on the Visa on Arrival process, visit our Cambodia Visa on Arrival page.
Cambodia Visa Photo Background Rules
The background of your visa photo is one of the strictest requirements. The Cambodian immigration authorities reject photos with incorrect backgrounds more than any other error.
Required background:
- White or plain light-colored background – pure white is preferred
- No patterns, textures, or decorations
- No shadows on the background
- No other people, objects, or furniture visible
What counts as acceptable:
- A plain white wall
- A white bedsheet hung flat (no wrinkles)
- A white or light gray photo backdrop
What will cause rejection:
- Cream, beige, or off-white backgrounds
- Patterned walls or wallpaper
- Outdoor backgrounds with trees, sky, or buildings
- Shadows cast on the background by your head or body
- Backgrounds with gradients or color variations
The easiest way to get the right background is to stand in front of a white wall with proper lighting. If you are taking the photo at home, hang a white bedsheet and make sure it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
Cambodia Visa Photo Lighting and Expression
Your face must be clearly visible, evenly lit, and showing a neutral expression. The Cambodian authorities follow standard International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines for biometric photos.
Lighting requirements:
- Even, diffused lighting across the entire face
- No harsh shadows under the nose, chin, or around the eyes
- No glare or reflections on glasses (if worn)
- Natural daylight from a window works well; avoid direct sunlight
- If using artificial light, use two light sources placed at 45-degree angles on each side
Expression rules:
- Neutral expression – no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows
- Mouth closed – teeth should not be visible
- Eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- Both eyes fully visible (no hair covering the eyes)
- Face fully visible from the front (not turned to the side)
Head positioning:
- Head centered in the frame
- Head straight (not tilted forward, backward, or to either side)
- Face should occupy approximately 70-80% of the photo area
- Space between the top of your head and the edge of the photo
Glasses, Head Coverings, and Accessories
Cambodia has specific rules about what you can and cannot wear in your visa photo. These rules apply to all application methods: e-Visa, VOA, and embassy.
Glasses
Sunglasses are not allowed. This is an absolute rule – no exceptions.
For regular prescription glasses:
- Frames must not cover any part of the eyes
- Lenses must not be tinted or colored
- No glare, reflections, or light spots on the lenses
- Eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses
- The frame should not cast shadows on the face
Recommendation: Remove your glasses entirely for the photo. Even with careful positioning, lens glare is one of the top reasons for photo rejection. If you must wear glasses, ensure the lighting eliminates all reflections.
Head Coverings
Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons:
- Religious head coverings (hijab, turban, yarmulke, etc.) are permitted
- The face must be fully visible from the chin to the forehead and from ear to ear
- The head covering must not cast shadows on the face
- Medical head coverings (bandages, surgical caps) are allowed with documentation
Not allowed:
- Hats, caps, beanies, or fashion headwear
- Headbands that cover the forehead
- Hair accessories that obscure the face
Other Accessories
- Earrings: Allowed as long as they do not obscure the face
- Earbuds, headphones, or Bluetooth devices: Not allowed
- Face masks: Not allowed
- Uniforms: Not allowed (unless you are active military or clergy)
How to Take a Cambodia Visa Photo at Home
You do not need to visit a professional photographer or photo studio. A smartphone camera produces a photo that meets all Cambodia visa requirements if you follow these steps:
Step-by-step home photo guide:
- Find a white wall or hang a white bedsheet flat against a wall
- Stand 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) away from the wall to avoid casting shadows on the background
- Have someone else take the photo – selfies distort facial proportions and are not suitable for visa photos
- Hold the camera at eye level – the lens should be directly facing your face, not angled up or down
- Use natural daylight – face a window with indirect sunlight for the most even lighting
- Frame the shot – include your head, neck, and the top of your shoulders. Leave a small margin above your head
- Keep a neutral expression – relax your face, close your mouth, look directly at the camera
- Take multiple photos – shoot 10-15 photos and pick the best one
After taking the photo:
- Crop the image to show just your head, neck, and upper shoulders
- Adjust brightness and contrast if the image is too dark or too light
- Do NOT use beauty filters, skin smoothing, or any face-altering edits
- Resize the image to at least 600 x 400 pixels for e-Visa upload
- Save as JPEG format with high quality (85-95% compression)
- Check the file size is under 2 MB
For a printed photo, save the cropped image and take it to a photo shop or use a photo printing kiosk. Print at 4 x 6 cm on photo paper.
Photo Requirements Comparison: e-Visa vs VOA vs Embassy
| Requirement | e-Visa (Online) | Visa on Arrival | Embassy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo type | Digital upload (JPEG/PNG) | Physical print (4×6 cm) | Physical print (4×6 cm) |
| Background | White or light | White or light | White or light |
| Quantity | 1 digital file | 1 physical photo | 1-2 physical photos |
| Glasses | Remove recommended | Remove recommended | Remove recommended |
| Head covering | Religious/medical only | Religious/medical only | Religious/medical only |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Recency | Within last 6 months | Within last 6 months | Within last 6 months |
| Cost to prepare | Free (phone camera) | $1-3 at photo shop | $1-3 at photo shop |
All three application methods require the same quality standards. The only difference is the delivery format: a digital file for the e-Visa and a physical print for VOA and embassy applications.
For a full comparison of all Cambodia visa types and costs, see our Cambodia visa types guide.
Common Photo Mistakes That Cause Rejections
Based on common patterns seen in Cambodia visa application rejections, these are the errors to avoid:
Top 10 photo mistakes:
- Wearing sunglasses or tinted glasses – automatic rejection
- Non-white or patterned background – must be plain white or light color
- Smiling, laughing, or showing teeth – neutral expression required
- Head tilted or turned to the side – must face the camera directly
- Photo too old – must be taken within the last 6 months
- Low resolution or blurry image – digital photos must be at least 600 x 400 pixels
- Shadows on the face or background – caused by uneven lighting or standing too close to the wall
- File too large – exceeds the 2 MB upload limit for e-Visa
- Wrong file format – must be JPEG or PNG (not BMP, TIFF, or PDF)
- Face partially obscured – by hair, hands, accessories, or head covering framing
If your e-Visa application is rejected due to a photo issue, you can resubmit with a corrected photo. However, the processing time restarts, so it is faster to get the photo right the first time.
Photo Requirements for Specific Nationalities
Cambodia does not impose different photo requirements based on nationality. The same rules apply to all applicants. However, there are some nationality-specific tips worth knowing:
Indian citizens applying for the Cambodia e-Visa should ensure the digital photo is at least 600 x 400 pixels. Many Indian passport photo shops produce photos in the standard Indian passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm), which is slightly different from the Cambodian 4 x 6 cm standard. If applying for VOA, ask the photo shop for 4 x 6 cm specifically. See our Cambodia visa for Indian citizens guide for full application details.
US citizens typically use 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photos for US passport applications. The Cambodian requirement is 4 x 6 cm, which is a different size. Make sure you get the correct dimensions for a Cambodia visa. See our Cambodia visa for US citizens page.
UK citizens follow the same 4 x 6 cm standard as other nationalities. UK photo booths often have a “passport photo” option that produces the correct size. See our Cambodia visa for UK citizens guide for more details.
Business visa applicants must follow the exact same photo rules as tourist visa applicants. There is no separate photo requirement for the Type E business visa. See our Cambodia Business Visa guide for complete business visa details.
Photo Specifications Quick Reference Table
| Specification | Digital (e-Visa) | Print (VOA/Embassy) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 600×400 to 1200×1600 px | 4 x 6 cm |
| File format | JPEG or PNG | N/A (physical photo) |
| Max file size | 2 MB | N/A |
| Background | White or light color | White or light color |
| Face coverage | 70-80% of frame | 70-80% of frame |
| Expression | Neutral | Neutral |
| Glasses | Remove recommended | Remove recommended |
| Head covering | Religious/medical only | Religious/medical only |
| Photo age | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
| Color mode | Full color (RGB) | Full color print |
For information about visa fees and how to pay for your application, visit our Cambodia visa fee page.
FAQ
What size photo do I need for a Cambodia visa?
For the e-Visa, your digital photo must be at least 600 x 400 pixels with a maximum of 2 MB in JPEG or PNG format. For Visa on Arrival and embassy applications, the physical photo should be 4 cm x 6 cm (passport-sized).
Can I wear glasses in my Cambodia visa photo?
Sunglasses are strictly not allowed. Regular prescription glasses may be worn, but the lenses must not be tinted, there must be no glare or reflections, and your eyes must be fully visible. The safest option is to remove your glasses entirely to avoid rejection.
What background color is required for a Cambodia visa photo?
A white or plain light-colored background is required. Pure white is preferred. Patterned backgrounds, outdoor scenes, colored walls, and backgrounds with shadows or other people will cause the photo to be rejected.
Can I smile in my Cambodia visa photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, laughing, frowning, or raising eyebrows are not allowed. Your teeth should not be visible.
How recent must my Cambodia visa photo be?
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed significantly since your last passport or visa photo, take a new one.
What file format is accepted for the Cambodia e-Visa photo?
The e-Visa portal accepts JPEG (.jpg) and PNG (.png) files. The maximum file size is 2 MB. JPEG is recommended for smaller file sizes with good quality.
Can I take a Cambodia visa photo with my phone?
Yes. A smartphone camera can produce a photo that meets all Cambodia visa requirements. Use a white wall as the background, stand 30-50 cm away from the wall, have someone else take the photo at eye level, and crop the result to show your head, neck, and upper shoulders.
What happens if my Cambodia visa photo is rejected?
If your e-Visa photo is rejected, you can resubmit a corrected photo without paying an additional fee. However, the processing time restarts. For Visa on Arrival, an immigration officer may ask you to retake the photo, which can cause delays at the border.
Do I need a professional photographer for my Cambodia visa photo?
No. A professional photographer is not required. You can take a suitable photo at home with a smartphone, a white wall, and proper lighting. The key requirements are a white background, neutral expression, even lighting, and correct dimensions.
Are photo requirements the same for all Cambodia visa types?
Yes. The same photo requirements apply whether you are applying for a Tourist Visa (Type T), Business Visa (Type E), or any other visa category. There are no separate or additional photo rules for different visa types.
