Use a new photo, not the one in your passport — CBP cancels the application if the selfie matches your passport image. Also note that as of July 2026 the ESTA website still accepts an uploaded photo, but CBP has said it intends to move to app-only capture, where you take the photo live in the app.
ESTA Photo Maker
The ESTA application asks for a selfie on a plain white background. Upload any photo and get a clean, correctly framed JPG in about two minutes.
Requirements:
We automatically adjust your photo to meet all requirements
or drag and drop your photo here
Supports JPG, PNG • Max 10MB
$1 digital · $5 with print sheet · $6 family pack
Already have a photo? Check if it will be accepted, free.
What You Get
Digital Photo $1
600×600px JPG
4×6 Print Sheet in the $5 pack
6 photos included
US ESTA (Visa Waiver) photo requirements
What the authority publishes — all of which we handle automatically when you upload your photo.
File Format
- JPG, JPEG or PNG (.jpg, jpeg or png) format
- Color photo, not black & white
Background & Lighting
- Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture, or lines
- Even lighting, no harsh shadows on face or background
- No filters or digital alterations
Pose & Framing
- Face camera directly, full face in view
- Both eyes open, looking at camera
- Head centered and level
Expression & Attire
- Neutral expression with both eyes open, facing the camera directly
- No uniforms (except religious/medical)
- No head coverings (religious exceptions apply)
Glasses & Accessories
- No eyeglasses
- No earphones or wireless devices
- Photo taken within the last 6 months
Our defaults
CBP publishes no photo size, head ratio or resolution for the ESTA selfie. It sets composition rules — background, expression, framing — but no dimensions, because this is a digital face image, not a printed document photo.
- 51 × 51 mm
- Head height: 50-69% of the frame from chin to crown
We use 51 × 51 mm (the US passport frame) so the file uploads cleanly to the ESTA portal and still prints on a standard 4×6 sheet if you want a copy. CBP does not require this size, and no size will be checked.
Photo specification diagram
Our defaults — CBP publishes no photo size, head ratio or resolution for the ESTA selfie. It sets composition rules — background, expression, framing — but no dimensions, because this is a digital face image, not a printed document photo.
100% government compliant
Our system automatically checks and corrects your photo against all official US ESTA (Visa Waiver) requirements. If it's rejected, we'll refund your $1 immediately.
Why pay $16.99 at the pharmacy?
Get the same result for a fraction of the cost, without leaving your home.
CVS Photo
- Print photos
- No digital file
- Drive to store
- Wait in line
One Dollar Photo
- Digital file included
- 4×6 print sheet (in the $5 pack)
- Instant download
- Money-back guarantee
Walgreens
- Print photos
- Digital file
- Drive to studio
- Book appointment
We never see your photo
Unlike other services, we never store or log your photo, and we don't know who you are and we don't need to. Your face stays yours. The one exception is the optional Expert Review: there you choose to share your photo with our reviewer, and it's deleted within 7 days.
Loved by travelers
4.7 from 232 verified reviews
People who used the tool for a esta (visa waiver) photo and made it through.
“Thank you! You were great to work with and made the whole passport photo process much easier. I really appreciated the support and was able to get my passport approved.”
“Nice!!! Super quick and easy to use. I got the visa photo I needed without any hassle.”
“This saved me a trip to the pharmacy. I uploaded a photo, got it cropped correctly, and printed it myself for much less than a passport photo service.”
Ready to create your esta (visa waiver) photo?
Compliant photo in 2 minutes. Only $1.
or drag and drop your photo here
Supports JPG, PNG • Max 10MB
Need photos for the whole family? Get everyone on one sheet for $6
Other US photo sizes
