One of the main requirements for applying for an Indian passport, and even for many other government documents, is submitting the correct passport photos. To experience least delays, friction, and mistakes, you should follow certain Indian passport photo guidelines. Most of the new and renewal applications in India follow the same standardised format. Therefore, if you follow the provided guidelines, you will make a successful submission.
Learn in this comprehensive guide about Indian passport size photo dimensions, requirements and professional instructions.
Official Guidelines
Given below is the list of standardised official guidelines for passport photos. These guidelines are in alignment with the latest updates in the Passport Seva 2.0 by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Indian Passport Size Photo Dimensions
The updated standard for photo dimensions for passport size has been set at 35mm wide x 45mm tall. The standard is the same for online submissions through the official portal or if you submit the photos physically.
The old standard for photo dimensions was 51mm x 51mm. This dimension aligns with ICAO photo requirements and the US official requirements.
- Current Standard: 35mm wide x 45mm tall
Online Submission
For online submission, the Passport Seva 2.0 requires the image to be 630×810 pixels precisely. The other requirements include the image to be in JPEG format and the file size should be below 250KB.
Photo Background
The background of the passport photo is an important factor in official applications. The suggested background for a passport photo is clear white in color. Whether you take the picture against a wall, sheet or wallpaper, it would be substantially better if it is white. If not, then light color is recommended. Other guidelines for background are as follows:
- There should be no visible patterns or elements in the background
- There must be no visible shadows
- No textures or gradients are allowed
- The background’s color should be white or light colored so that the applicant’s face and clothing contrasts the background
Face & Expressions
For the picture to pass through the automated system of Passport Seva 2.0, it is important that certain guidelines for facial expressions are also followed.
- Make sure to keep neutral expressions for the photo. No excessive smiling or frowning is allowed.
- Eyes should be open and clearly conspicuous in the photo. However, do not forcefully widen your eyes, instead keep them naturally open.
- Similarly, eyes should look directly into the camera. Eyelids towards elsewhere can delay your application.
- Keep your mouth closed as well.
- For pictures of infants or toddlers, it is allowed for the mouth to be open. However, make sure the kid is looking into the camera.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the aspects most overlooked while considering Indian passport photo guidelines. Given below is a list of instructions that ensures your application goes through in the first attempt.
- Use natural lighting. Studio lighting can work also if the professional knows how to evenly spread the light across the face of the applicant.
- Do not use excessive editing post shoot.
- Make sure the lighting demonstrates the natural skin tone of the applicant.
- No shadows or patterns should be visible on the face.
Glasses & Head Coverings
- Glasses of any kind are not permitted according to Indian passport photo rules. While earlier glasses could be accepted if medical reasons were provided, but with renewed updates, even prescription glasses can be covered in the ground for refusal of application.
- Head coverings are not permitted also. However, if the head coverings are for religious reasons, then they are allowed. But make sure because of the coverings, there are no shadows over the face.
Passport Photos for Kids
There are some relaxations allowed for passport photos for kids. However, you must be aware of what is permitted and what is not to make successful applications.
- Instead of neutral expression, kids under the age of 3 can have their mouths slightly open.
- Only the kid’s face should cover the picture. Parent’s hands or anyone else should not be visible in the picture.
- Similarly, patterns, toys, objects or any shadows should not be visible.
Professional Tips
- Follow the size and dimension requirements before submitting the photo.
- If you are taking pictures at home, then make sure to use natural lighting. Additionally, click the picture against a white or light colored background.
- Submit photos that have been taken recently. Photos taken before six months from the date of submission are not allowed.
- Do not modify or alter the photo. Slight retouching is allowed but do not edit in a way that it changes the skin color, adds or removes any specific birthmarks or moles on the face.
How Documitra Helps with Passport Photo
Documitra has been trusted by over twenty thousand applicants over different countries to make successful submissions for different applications. Documitra has a specific passport Photo services and editing service page that you can use for your passport. If you select the specific service in the portal, the photo will be resized and tuned according to the requirements of the selected service. Moreover, the experts with years of experience will verify the photo before submission, ensuring there are no errors or delays.
FAQs
Q. What are the standard Indian passport size photo dimensions?
The standard dimensions for Indian passport size photos are 35mm wide x 45 mm tall.
Q. For online submission, what should be the size of an Indian passport size photo?
To apply for an Indian passport, the photo must be precisely 630×810 pixels and must be in JPEG format. Additionally, the photo size must be below 250KB.
Q. For Indian passport photo, can I wear my glasses?
No, glasses are not permitted according to the guidelines by the Passport Seva 2.0 by the Ministry of External Affairs. No glasses of any kind are allowed, whether they are prescribed or not.
Q. What are the guidelines for Passport photo for kids?
There is a relaxation in the neutral expression rule of the Indian passport photo requirements, i.e., the mouth of the toddler or kid below the age of three can be slightly open. Other guidelines include eyes being open and looking into the camera, background being white or light-colored, and no objects, toys, patterns or shadows visible in the photo.