VLS-T Photos

Introduction

Many people have their photo rejected on the day. Frequently this is because they have made one or more of the errors listed below. Check the DOs and DON'TS when planning your photos.

DO 

1. Use photos that have been taken within the previous 6 months. In 2024 photos are being rejected as appearing to be too old. To avoid this wear different clothing to your passport photo, and, if applicable, don’t use the passport photo you’ve just had taken to renew your passport.

2. Use a photo-booth whenever possible because the automated process will detect/prevent many issues that might otherwise cause TLS to reject your photo.

3. Choose the UK Passport Driving License format (NOT visa format); this ensures that the correct size of the head in the photo 

4. If you have a low fringe close to your eyebrows DO consider sweeping your hair back to show more of your forehead

5. The French Consulate has advised TLS that the ears must be visible as well as the forehead, so all women including Muslims must remove their headscarves (February 2025)

6. Read and avoid the DON'Ts below

DON'T

1. Wear a polo-neck of similar garment that hides your neck

2. Wear a light coloured or white top which results in minimal contrast to the background of the photo

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4. Wear glasses

5. Wear large earrings

6. Allow your hair to obscure ANY part of your eye or eyebrow

7. Have your eyes shut or mouth open 

8. Tilt your head

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10. Cut out the photos from their background because TLS use a cutter that trims the photos to the exact size they require and cuts rounded corners

11. Stick the photo to a piece of paper as TLS stick the photos to their own piece of paper 

Save yourself time

• Having photos rejected on the day can add hours to your appointment during busy times and at least 40 minutes at good times 

• So double check your photos against the the DO and DO NOTS. 

• If you think the photos are wrong then get new ones before attending the appointment, you could get them earlier on the day  

If your photos rejected on the day!

The options for replacement photos vary by TLS centre.