The Diversity Visa lottery requires a square photo of at least 600 x 600 pixels. Upload your image below, centre your head in the crop box, and download an entry photo that will pass the automatic validator.
| Minimum size | 600 x 600 pixels |
|---|---|
| Maximum size | 1200 x 1200 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 square |
| Maximum file size | 240 KB |
| Format | JPEG, colour, 24 bit |
| Background | Plain light coloured, no shadows |
Requirements last verified August 2026. Rules change, so always confirm against the current official notification before you submit.
Entries are rejected automatically when the photo fails validation, and there is no appeal once the entry period closes. The two most common failures are a non square image and a file over the size limit, both of which are fixed before upload rather than after.
A square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB.
The usual causes are a non square photo, a file over 240 KB, or a photo older than six months. Validation is automatic and final.
Yes if it is square and recent. A US passport photo at 600 x 600 meets the dimensions, but check the file stays under 240 KB.