India Passport / Visa Photo Requirements and Size

For an Indian passport to be considered valid, it must have a passport photo that fits specific dimensions and requirements.

Feeling confused and stressed by all the regulations? We're here to help you get the perfect Indian passport or visa photo.

What is the photo size for an Indian passport?

An Indian passport photo must be 51mm x 51mm or 2x2 inches. The head should be sized between 35mm to 40mm.

What are the Indian passport photo requirements?

• Size: 51mm x 51mm or 2x2 inches.

• Color: Natural color so skin tone is visible.

• Head size and position: The head must be centered and looking at the camera. The Head should be 35mm to 40mm.

• Recency: Taken in the last 6 months.

• Background: Plain white and solid design.

• Smile: No smile. Only neutral expression.

• Eyes: Open and looking directly at the camera.

• Glasses: Only prescription glasses are permitted.

• Headgear: Religious purposes only and cannot block face.

• Dimensions and size (pixels): 10KB to 300KB. For pixels: 350x350 minimum and 1000x1000 maximum.

• Dress code: Casual or professional preferred.

• Beard: Optional.

• Quantity needed in application: 2

Detailed breakdown of passport/ visa photo requirements

Here is an in-depth breakdown of what to remember when getting your passport/visa photo taken:

• Each application, whether passport or visa, must have 2 photos per person.

• Black and white, filtered, or old photos are not permitted. Be sure the photos are printed on high-quality paper and not crinkled, torn, or creased. Do not adjust color saturation. Keep it clear from dust or scratches. -Any background of color or designs, such as scenery or shapes, is not accepted.

• Leave the sunglasses or tinted prescription lenses out of the picture. Your eyes need to be visible.

• If you have glasses with thick frames obstructing the view of your eyes, remove them for the photo. Also, be conscious of glare, as any reflection will be rejected.

• No hats or other headwear unless for religious purposes are not allowed. Specifications for medical devices were not stated. Double-check with your agency.

• Shadows caused by hair, glasses, or flash photography will cause a rejection of the photo.

• Avoid red-eye. If it does occur, it cannot be fixed by digital alterations. Retake until there is no red-eye.

• Only you can be in the photo. No other objects or people.

• Keep hair pulled back or off the face. Nothing should obscure your face from the camera.

• Clarity, decent lighting, and focus is key. Any blurred, stretched, overexposed, or underexposed photo will be rejected.

• Clothing is not specified, but keep it appropriate to avoid any possible denial.

Passport and Visa photo requirements for babies, infants, and newborns

Children, especially infants, can be a bit tricky to photograph. With this knowledge, India allows for exceptions and relaxed standards.

Remember that details regarding the photo quality still apply, as listed above. Every child in your family who is receiving a passport or visa must have their photo completed.

Here is advice for taking photos of children and infants and remaining compliant:

• Infants under 12 months old do not need to have their eyes open. If you can get a shot with open eyes, that’s acceptable, too.

• Infants do not need to be completely centered with the photo.

• no object or hands may be visible when holding or sitting an infant. Use a white sheet to block these objects if needed. No toys or pacifiers.

• Children under 10 and older than 1 year need to have their eyes open.

• Try to square the child’s head and shoulders with the photo.

Still confused?

You can learn more about passport and visa photo guidelines for India on the official government website or contact one of our expert customer service consultants via Whatsapp.

And don’t forget that once you have your photos, use our Visa Checker Tool to see if you can apply for your visa through us.