The right Indian photo size depends on the document. Indian passports applied for abroad now follow the ICAO standard: 35×45 mm prints and a 630×810 pixel digital photo. Indian visas and OCI cards still use a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square. If you apply for a passport in India, the Passport Seva Kendra takes your photo at the appointment.
Indian passport photos
- Applying in India at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK: you do not need to bring a photo, it is taken at your appointment
- Applying from abroad, e.g. the US through VFS Global: printed photos are 35×45 mm with a white background (the VFS US checklist asks for two identical copies)
- Online photo upload for applications abroad (Global Passport Seva): 630×810 px, in colour, white background, face taking up 80–85% of the photo
- File size: the Embassy of India in Bern sets a 250 KB maximum; check your own mission’s notice
The older 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) passport size that many guides still quote no longer applies to Indian passports applied for abroad.
Indian visa and OCI photos
- Print size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), square
- e-Visa upload: JPEG, 10 KB to 1 MB, height equal to width, full head from top of hair to bottom of chin
- OCI upload: JPEG, at most 200 KB, square, 200×200 to 900×900 px, face covering about 80% of the photo
- Head height on a 2×2 inch photo: 25–35 mm (1 to 1⅜ inches), chin to top of hair
Background requirements
Passport photos need a plain white background. e-Visa photos may have a plain light-coloured or white background. OCI photos must have a plain light-coloured background that is not white, with no border. If you need one photo for both a visa and an OCI application, a plain light grey background works for both.
Head size and position
For 2×2 inch visa and OCI photos, the head should be 25–35 mm tall, about 50–69% of the photo height. For passport photos, the Ministry of External Affairs guideline asks for a close-up of the head and top of the shoulders, with the face taking up 80–85% of the photo.
- Face centred horizontally in the frame
- Front-facing, eyes looking directly at the camera, head not tilted
- Full head visible, from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin
Expression and appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Both eyes open and clearly visible
- Remove glasses to avoid reflections
- No head coverings except for religious reasons, with the face fully visible
- No editing: the passport guideline requires photos unaltered by computer software
Frequently asked questions
Is the Indian passport photo 2×2 inches?
Not for passports applied for abroad, which need 35×45 mm prints and a 630×810 px upload. The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square is still the size for Indian visas and OCI cards. In India, the Passport Seva Kendra takes the photo for you.
Can I wear glasses in my Indian passport photo?
It is best not to. The Ministry of External Affairs photo guideline for passport applications says to remove glasses to avoid reflections, and the e-Visa photo rules ask for a photo without spectacles.
What is the file size limit for online applications?
It depends on the portal. e-Visa photos must be JPEG files of 10 KB to 1 MB, and OCI photos JPEG files of at most 200 KB. For the passport photo upload abroad, the Embassy of India in Bern gives a 250 KB maximum; other missions may differ.