Indian Passport Photo Requirements: Latest Expert Guide 2025

Submitting a passport photo that meets Indian passport photo requirements is essential for a smooth and hassle-free application process. Even minor size, background, lighting, or format errors can result in rejections, delays, and repeated resubmissions. This causes frustration and can lead to longer processing times and additional costs. To avoid these issues, following the latest Indian passport photo requirements is essential. This guide provides an updated overview of Indian passport photo requirements, helping you understand the necessary specifications and avoid common mistakes that lead to rejections. By ensuring your passport photo meets all the Indian passport photo requirements, you can increase the chances of a successful application, prevent unnecessary obstacles, and receive your passport without any delays.

Latest Facts & News

All travellers must keep themselves informed about Indian passport photo requirements issued by India. Any improper element in your photograph can cause the authorities to reject your application. Here’s what you need to know:

• All passport snapshots need compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Biometric Standards to maintain global compatibility.

• The approved size for passport photos matches 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), corresponding to the specifications needed for biometric purposes.

• The accepted pictures must belong to recent times with a time limit of six months from photograph creation.

• The digital photo for e-visas needs to be in JPEG format with dimensions between 350x350 and 1000x1000 pixels.

• Photos featuring infants younger than one year old do not need to show open eyes, given that the picture can be more straightforward to capture with eyes closed.

• Wearers of glasses are accepted unless glare or light reflections obstruct the eyes.

• Religious head coverings are permitted in the photo, but the face must show a complete view from the brow to the lower section of the chin.

• White clothing and solid-colour garments should be avoided since these colours tend to lose their appearance in background environments.

• Application delays and photo rejection will occur if you violate these specified rules.

The specified Indian passport photo requirements will help your passport application proceed without any photo rejections.

General Indian Passport Photo Requirements

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) enforces strict biometric photo standards to ensure passport security and accuracy. Any deviation from these rules may result in application rejection or processing delays. Carefully following these specifications will help avoid unnecessary resubmissions.

• Photo Size – The required dimensions are 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) to meet biometric standards. Any variation in size may result in rejection.

• Background Requirements – The background must be plain white or off-white, with no designs, patterns, or textures. Shadows must be avoided to maintain a precise and professional appearance.

• Facial Expression & Positioning – The applicant must face the camera directly, maintaining a neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or tilting is allowed.

• Lighting & Clarity – Even well-distributed lighting is required to prevent shadows or glare. The light should not be too harsh or dim, ensuring the entire face is visible.

• Print & Digital Quality – The photo must be high-resolution without without pixelation, blurriness, or distortion. The print must be of continuous-tone quality, without ink smudges or creases.

By strictly following these Indian passport photo requirements, applicants can ensure a smooth application process and prevent unnecessary delays.

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How Many Photos Required for Indian Passport?

Submitting the correct number of photos is as significant as following the size, background, and quality guidelines. So, how many photos required for Indian passport? Different types of applications require varying quantities of printed and digital images. Submitting the wrong number can lead to delays, rejections, and reapplications. Here’s what you need to know:

• Standard Passport Application – Requires four printed photos to be submitted and the application for verification.

• Tatkal Passport Application - The Tatkal Passport Application requires four printed photos, as priority processing demands faster verification.

• E-Passport & Digital Applications – These require only one digital photo to be uploaded through the official online portal.

• OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card – Requires two printed photos and one digital copy for verification.

Why Photo Count Matters?

Why does how many photos required for Indian passport matter?

• Submitting fewer photos than required may result in processing delays.

• Providing more than necessary may not help and could even confuse.

• Each type of application has specific guidelines, so it’s essential to double-check the exact requirements before submission.

You can speed up processing and avoid unnecessary delays by submitting the correct number of photos in the proper format.

Latest Indian Passport Photo Requirements for Newborns and Children in 2025

Taking passport photos for infants and young children can be challenging, as they may move or struggle to stay still. However, passport authorities allow some flexibility in the Indian passport photo requirements for younger applicants. Ensuring a clear, well-lit, and correctly positioned photo is key to avoiding rejection. Follow these essential Indian passport photo requirements for newborns:

• Infants under one year old may have their eyes closed in the photo, making it easier to capture a natural pose.

• The photo must feature only the child—no toys, pacifiers, hands, or other objects should be visible in the frame.

• Children under ten have relaxed head height and eye position rules, allowing slight variations.

• Lighting must be even and well-balanced, ensuring no harsh shadows or overexposed areas exist. An adequately illuminated image helps create a clear and professional passport photo.

Following these Indian passport photo requirements for newborns will help ensure a smooth passport application process, reducing the chances of delays due to photo rejection.

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Indian E Visa Photo Requirements Explained

Indian e-visa photo requirements include a digital passport photo that meets strict specifications. Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to application rejection or delays. Ensuring the image's image's correct size, format, and clarity will help the process run smoothly.

• Image Dimensions – The photo must be between 350x350 pixels and 1000x1000 pixels to meet the required digital size.

• File Format & Size – The only accepted format is JPEG, with a file size ranging between 10KB and 300 KB.

• Background – The background must be plain white or light-coloured, ensuring no patterns, shadows, or objects appear in the image.

• Facial Expression & Positioning – The applicant must face the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open, and mouth closed.

• No Digital Alterations – Editing, applying filters, adding borders, or modifying features is strictly prohibited. Any alterations may lead to photo rejection.

By carefully following these Indian e visa photo requirements, applicants can avoid processing delays and ensure hassle-free visa approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Indian Passport Photo Requirements in 2025

The wrong mistakes lead numerous candidates to experience application denial. These mistakes should be avoided to protect time efficiency and application processing duration and ensure Indian passport photo requirements are followed:

1. Lighting Issues

• Clear pictures require appropriate lighting conditions. Make sure to:

• Steer clear from intense facial and background shadows in your photograph.

• The exposure of facial details must be checked to ensure accuracy between light and dark areas.

• Prevent reflective glare caused by flashes and eye-glass reflections in images.

2. Improper Background

• Without a blank background,d every passport picture automatically becomes ineligible for approval. Follow these rules:

• A plain off-white or white background should be used for the photograph.

• Views toward the camera must avoid displaying patterns, textured surfaces, or shadows behind your body.

3. Incorrect Size & Format

• Any picture with the wrong dimensions or format will result in automatic disqualification from passport considerations. Ensure:

• Printed photos are 2x2 inches (51x51 mm).

• The JPEG digital image files must span between 10KB and 300 KB.

4. Wearing Restricted Items

• The United States Passport Agency prohibits specified pieces of clothing along with particular accessories for photos.

• No hats or headgear, except for religious reasons.

• White clothing and uniforms should be avoided as they become indistinguishable from the background.

5. Facial Expression & Positioning

• The entire face needs to be visible in the correct position.

• Show a neutral face since both smiles and frowns are forbidden.

• The eyes must be visible without hair coverage across the face so that the entire facial region remains visible.

Application delays and resubmission procedures can be prevented by following the established Indian passport photo requirements.

Also Read: How to Write a Letter to Regional Passport Officer Format

Latest Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Passport Photo at Home in 2025

Standing for your passport photograph at home eliminates the expense and slow scheduling procedures. The following sequence of actions will help you follow the Indian passport photo requirements.

1. Set Up Your Background

• The correct background plays an essential role during approval.

• Position yourself against a wall that is entirely off-white or white.

• Avoid any shadows appearing on the chosen background area.

2. Use Proper Lighting

• Implementing proper lighting will enable you to record clear images with accurate details.

• Lighting conditions are most effective for snaps when you position yourself near windowpanes.

• Artificial lights should be used so both sides receive equal brightness levels.

3. Position the Camera Correctly

• Good positioning results in an appropriately framed image.

• The camera should rest at the height of your eyes to produce a direct frontal image.

• The camera should show your face with a flat expression, your eyes wide open, and your mouth tightly shut.

4. Check Photo Quality

• Photos of poor quality can result in automatic dismissal by the authorities.

• You must check the image to ensure it shows high resolution, clarity, and sharpness.

• The photo must appear natural since digital filters or picture enhancements are forbidden.

5. Resize and Format the Photo

• The required measurements and the proper dimensions form a mandatory requirement.

• The image should undergo cropping to fit the dimensions of 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) for any printed passport requirements.

• The required size ranges for e-visa photos are between 350x350 pixels and 1000x1000 pixels.

These steps guide you to follow Indian passport photo requirements and obtain perfect passport photos from home instead of going to a studio.

Also Read: What is File Number in Passport? Latest Experts Guide

Conclusion

Following the Indian passport photo requirements is crucial to ensure your application is processed smoothly and without delays. Even minor mistakes, such as incorrect size, background, or lighting, can result in rejection and the need for resubmission, leading to unnecessary delays and frustration. To avoid setbacks, ensure your photo meets the specified dimensions, has a plain white or off-white background, and follows proper lighting conditions to eliminate shadows and reflections. Additionally, ensure that the photo is high resolution, your expression is neutral, and no digital alterations have been applied. Before submitting your passport application, double-check all photo requirements carefully. Reviewing your photo ensures that you comply with Indian passport photo requirements, reducing the risk of rejection and allowing your passport to be processed efficiently. Contact TerraTern today to ensure a smooth completion of your passport process!