Photo for the Indian visa

Indian visa photo

The photo in the Indian visa allows authorities proper identification of the owner. The India visa photo needs to comply with several requirements, such as a determined size. 

In this page, you will learn the size and requirements for the Indian visa photo, and what mistakes you need to avoid to get a perfect Indian visa photo!

India visa photo requirements

The Indian visa photo has to be recent, so you don’t look very different. We suggest using a photo not more than 6 months old. However, if your aspect changed recently, it is advisable to update the image. 

Either way, you will need a photo for your Indian visa. So you need to know the requirements, what mistakes you should avoid and how to take a photo by yourself using our online app, Passport Photo Online. 

Keep in mind that the Indian visa photo has different requirements as the passport photo, so you can’t use the same one. 

India visa photo size

The size of the Indian visa photo is 51 mm x 51 mm. You must show your entire head, from the top of your hair to your chin. If you are uploading a digital photo, the image has to be in JPEG format, with a minimum size of 10 KB and a maximum of 1 MB, with 350 x 350 pixels. The India visa photo has to be in color. 

Facial expression and position

You must look directly at the camera at the Indian visa photo. Your facial expression must remain neutral, without showing your teeth and with both eyes open. You can’t smile or keep your mouth open. All your face and forehead must keep visible. 

India visa photo Background

The background must be plain and white, or other clear color, it can’t have any shadows. To be sure, we recommend you to take the photo on a cloudy day outside. As for the background, don’t worry, Passport Photo Online will remove the background for you.

Lighting

The India visa photo must show your natural skin, hair and eyes color. So, avoid taking the photo with bad lighting (at the sunset or with the flash). If you look very different in person and in the photo, authorities might have a problem. 

Quality

Remember that you must use or upload a photo with high quality. This means: high definition, without damage and without pixels. Over and underexposed photos will be rejected by the authorities. 

Face coverings

It is not allowed to wear head coverings, glasses, or any other element that covers your face. Your face must be completely visible , so jewelry or accessories that cover part of your face are forbidden. Religious coverings are allowed, however, they must not cover your face or facial features.

Outfit

Uniforms are not allowed. It is advised to wear a basic outfit, something that you wear daily. However, avoid extravagant clothing and white clothes, so it doesn’t mix with the clear background. 

Common mistakes in the India visa photo

Before submitting your visa application, we advise you to check if the photos are valid. If the photo has a mistake or doesn’t meet the requirements, authorities might reject your Indian visa application. 

To avoid this, check this list with the most common mistakes in the Indian visa photo: 

• Your head is tilted or you are not looking directly at the camera. Keep your head straight.

• Shadows or objects in the background. Use the Passport Photo Online to remove the background.

• Smile or put on a grin. Your facial expression must remain neutral.

• Face partially covered by the hair. Nor the hair or any other element must cover your face.

• Reflection in your glasses. Consider taking your glasses off when taking the Indian visa photo.

Indian visa photo app 

A perfect idea to avoid the crowds, spending too much money on professional photographers or driving to the studios, is to use an online service. All you have to do is take a photo at home. It can't be a selfie, though, so ask someone to help you or set up a tripod about 3 or 4 meters away. Then just upload it to our service, and we'll take care of the rest. Our photo tools application offers:

• Replace or change the existing background color with the correct one.
• Crop the photo to the correct size of the Indian visa photo
• Check the position of the head, facial expression, dimensions of the photo and other important elements for acceptability.

When your photo is ready verified by our experts, we will send you a digital version as well as a printed one. This process is very quick and easy, and is the best way to get the perfect photo for your new visa to India.

Last update: 07/06/2023