Baby Visa Photo Tips: How to Capture Infant Biometrics at Home

The Challenge of Newborn Biometrics

Getting a compliant 2x2 inch photo of an infant or a newborn is one of the most difficult tasks for parents. Babies don't follow instructions, they don't look at cameras, and they certainly don't stay still. However, the US State Department still requires children to have their own individual biometric photos for passports and visas. While the rules are slightly more relaxed for newborns, you still need a high-quality result. In this 2026 guide, we share **baby visa photo tips** to help you get a passing photo at home without the stress.

The 'Sheet' Method for Infants

The best way to take a baby's photo is to lay them on their back on a **plain white sheet**. This acts as a compliant background and supports their head. Ensure there are no wrinkles in the sheet, as these will create shadows that lead to rejection. Take the photo from directly above. This ensures the baby's eyes are looking toward the camera lens. Be careful that your own shadow (from the overhead light) does not fall on the baby or the sheet.

Are the Rules Different for Babies?

The U.S. State Department allows two major exceptions for infants: 1. If the baby's eyes are not fully open (especially for newborns), it is generally acceptable. 2. A slight tilt of the head is tolerated if the child cannot support their own head yet. However, the background must still be pure white, and no other person (or their hands) can be in the photo.