Standing against a plain wall with even lighting overhead makes more difference to an application’s outcome than most travelers expect. The Russia eVisa Photo Requirements page outlines exactly what separates an accepted photo from a rejected one, starting with recency: the image needs to be taken within six months and genuinely reflect current appearance.

Beyond that, the face should occupy most of the frame, centred and fully visible from hairline to chin, with a neutral expression and eyes open against a background free of shadows or patterns. Glasses stay acceptable only if the eyes remain glare-free, and religious head coverings are permitted as long as the face itself stays uncovered from chin to forehead. Sharpness and natural colour round out the remaining details, with no filters, tints, or borders allowed.