India Passport & Visa Photo Requirements — Complete Guide

Photo size and dimensions — sizes differ by document

Critical: Indian consulate applications outside India typically use 51×51 mm (2×2 inch) square prints. Passport Seva Portal digital upload uses 35×45 mm proportions in a JPEG (20–100 KB). Using the wrong size for your channel is a leading cause of rejection.

• Passport (consulate) / OCI (prints): 51×51 mm (2×2 in), 2 photos
• Passport Seva (digital upload): 35×45 mm equivalent, JPEG 20–100 KB, 350×350–1000×1000 px
• e-Visa (digital): JPEG, max 1 MB — follow portal crop tool
• PAN Card: 25×35 mm — do not use passport size
• Format: JPEG, plain white background for most flows.

Head height and position

Head size in the frame is strictly checked. Incorrect head size is a common rejection reason.

• Head height (35×45 mm): From the top of the head to the bottom of the chin should be between 25 mm and 35 mm in the photo. Face should be centered and occupy a large part of the frame.
• Face position: Face the camera directly. Both ears visible. No tilt.
• Eyes: Open, clearly visible, looking at the camera.

Glasses

Not permitted in Indian passport or visa photos. Remove all glasses including prescription glasses. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never allowed.

Background

Background must be white or light grey, plain, with no patterns, shadows, or other people. White is preferred for passport; light grey is often accepted for visa. Avoid colored or textured backgrounds.

Expression and appearance

• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smile.
• Headwear: No caps or hats. Religious headwear (e.g. turban, hijab) is allowed if the face is fully visible from forehead to chin and both ears are visible where possible; no shadows on the face.
• Recency: Photo should be recent (within 6 months) and reflect current appearance.

Documents that use these sizes

51×51 mm: Many consulate and paper applications (passport, visa prints, OCI). 35×45 mm: Passport Seva digital. e-Visa: digital JPEG per portal. 25×35 mm: PAN only. Always confirm on the official page before you submit.

Common mistakes that cause rejection

Avoid these — PixID checks for them automatically when you create your photo.

• Wrong size (e.g. 35×45 for a consulate application that requires 51×51 mm)
• Passport Seva file outside 20–100 KB or wrong pixel range
• Wearing glasses (not permitted)
• Smiling or non-neutral expression
• Shadows on face or background
• Colored or patterned background

Official sources: passportindia.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in. Verify latest requirements.