Applying for an Indian passport or visa can be a complex task, and one of the most common reasons for application rejection is an incorrect photograph. To ensure your application goes through smoothly, you must adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Key Photo Requirements
Here is a summary of the official specifications for Indian passport and visa photos:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo Size | 2 inch x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white. No shadows, patterns, or colors. |
| Face Coverage | Close-up of your face and shoulders, occupying 70% to 80% of the photo. |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance. |
Dos and Don'ts
- Do keep a neutral expression with both eyes open.
- Do look directly at the camera.
- Don't wear uniforms or white clothing that blends with the background.
- Don't wear glasses with tinted lenses, thick frames, or reflections.
- Don't have hair covering your eyes or face.
Pro Tip: Use our AI Passport Photo Maker to instantly remove your background and auto-crop your photo to the exact 2x2 inch biometric dimensions required for Indian passport portals!