Indian Visa Photo Requirements

If you’re applying for an Indian visa, the last thing on your mind is likely photo requirements. After all, it’s just a picture and that should be easy enough to sort out, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, as photo requirements for Indian visas can sometimes feel like a minefield.

With different types of requirements regarding size, composition, lighting, and more – it is easy to make something wrong and receive a refusal from Indian authorities. However, you’re in luck, because today we’re going to talk about all the information and guidelines related to taking a perfect photo for an Indian visa.

So join us as we go over all of the important details, and you will be able to advance confidently along your application process.

What is the size of the photo for an Indian visa?

Both conventional and digital photography are acceptable, so conventional or digital printing methods may be used.

The photo for the India visa application must be of size 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The height and width of the image must be equal. For a digital photograph, the minimum dimensions are 350 pixels in width x 350 pixels in height, and the maximum dimensions are 1000 pixels in width x 1000 pixels in height.

You need to ensure that the photo presents a full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. The head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm). The eye height must be between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.

Black or white, filtered, or old photos will lead to visa refusal.

Can I use a passport photo for an Indian visa?

The photo must be recent and taken specifically for the India visa application form. It is forbidden to cut out the photo from the passport or other documents – if you do it, your application will be declined.

The new photo must show how you look right now so that the immigration officers can recognize you at the border control. It is especially important in case of significant change, such as facial surgery, trauma, gender transition, facial tattoos/piercings, or notable weight loss.

Can I take a visa photo on my phone?

You can use both regular and digital photos. A digital photo for an India visa can be taken with a smartphone camera or webcam. The essential thing is to meet all the photo requirements: a photo must be of good quality, clear, capture your full face, and have a plain white background.

Your facial features must be clearly visible, and the photo must still be formal, even if it was taken on a phone.

Lighting and background

The background must be plain white and properly illuminated to avoid shadows in the background, as there shouldn’t be any distracting shadows on the face or on the background.

Avoid red-eye, and if that happens, take a new photo.

Contrast and color

The photo has to be in color, clear, and with a continuous-tone quality. The photograph must be taken in a colored attire that is not patterned/textured, such as a medium blue shirt.

Brightness and contrast should be set in a way that shows the subject and background accurately, as photos without proper contrast or color may cover unique facial features. Colors should present natural skin tones.

Fluorescent or another lighting within balanced color may cause unwanted colors in the photo. Improper color balance can be reduced by appropriate filters.

Head position and face expression

The photo must contain a full face from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, front view, and eyes open. The head must be centered in the frame of the picture.

The applicant must have a natural and neutral facial expression. The face cannot be covered by hair.

Accessories

You cannot wear head coverings unless it is for religious or medical reasons, but even in this case, the facial features from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly visible.

It’s also best to avoid glasses in the picture. If there is no such opportunity, choose glasses with thin frames, as bold frames can cover your eyeballs and the photo won’t be approved. You cannot wear dark-tinted lenses for the photo, and there also should be no flash reflection on the lenses.

Children’s photos

Though there is some relaxation for children, a clear frontal photograph is still required. Photographs must be of high-quality color and don’t contain chair backs, toys, or other persons.

Children younger than 10 years do not have to strictly adhere to the photo requirements related to the height of the face and the position of the eyes. Babies and infants have relaxations regarding the position of the face, facial expression, eyes, and line of sight. For example, a baby under one year may not have its eyes open. However, it is important that the baby’s face has a correct orientation.

Julia

Julia's expertise lies in providing professional content, simplifying the visa application process for travelers worldwide. Her dedication to delivering valuable and accurate information, combined with her love for exploring new cultures, inspires others to discover new horizons and embark on their own adventures.