What is the difference between the Indian passport photo and the e-Visa photo?

The printed passport and visa photo is 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). The e-Visa portal requires a JPEG of 35×45 mm proportions, maximum 1 MB. Both require a white background and neutral expression.

What is the Passport Seva Portal?

The Passport Seva Portal (passportindia.gov.in) is the Indian government's online passport application system. It requires a digital photo upload: JPEG, 20–100 KB, white background, 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels.

Can I use PixID for Indian passport and visa applications?

Yes. PixID supports Indian passport (51×51 mm), e-Visa (35×45 mm JPEG), and Passport Seva Portal digital uploads. Select the correct document type for your application.

India Passport & Visa Photo Requirements 2026 — Size, Specs & e-Visa

Q: What size is an Indian passport photo?

For printed applications at consulates abroad: 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). For the Passport Seva Portal digital upload: 35×45 mm, JPEG, 20–100 KB. For Indian e-Visa: 35×45 mm JPEG, maximum 1 MB.

Q: What is the file size limit for Passport Seva Portal?

JPEG between 20 KB and 100 KB. Files outside this range are rejected.

Quick Reference by Document

Document	Size	Background	Photos
Passport (printed/consulate)	51×51 mm (2×2 in)	White	2 prints
Passport Seva Portal (digital)	35×45 mm	White	1 upload (20–100 KB)
Visa (paper)	51×51 mm (2×2 in)	White	2 prints
e-Visa (online)	35×45 mm	White	1 JPEG upload (max 1 MB)
OCI Card	51×51 mm (2×2 in)	White	2 prints
PAN Card	25×35 mm	White	1 print

Size confusion is the most common rejection reason: Indian consulate applications require 51×51 mm (2×2 in), not 35×45 mm. Do not use a Schengen-format photo for an Indian consulate. PixID outputs the correct size when you select the right document type.

Passport Photo Requirements

Printed Photos — Consulate and Paper Applications

Photo size	51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches)
Head height (chin to crown)	70–80% of frame
Eye height from bottom	28–35 mm
Background	Plain white or off-white — uniform, shadow-free
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed, no smiling
Eyes	Both open, looking directly at camera
Glasses	Not permitted
Recency	Within 6 months
Paper	Professional glossy or matte photo paper
Colour	Full colour only
Retouching	Not permitted

Passport Seva Portal — Digital Upload

Format	JPEG
File size	20 KB to 100 KB
Dimensions	350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels
Resolution	200–300 DPI
Background	Plain white
Face	Same requirements as printed photos

India has transitioned to e-passports with biometric chips. Photos must meet ICAO biometric standards — head centred, face forward, no head tilt.

e-Visa Photo Requirements

India's e-Visa is available for citizens of 160+ countries for tourism, business, and medical visits via indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Format	JPEG only
File size	Maximum 1 MB
Background	Plain white
Face coverage	70–80% of frame
Glasses	Not permitted
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed

The e-Visa portal's automated system rejects photos with shadows, coloured backgrounds, or incorrect head size. PixID generates a JPEG meeting all e-Visa technical requirements — select "India e-Visa" as the document type.

OCI Card & PAN Card Photos

OCI Card (Overseas Citizen of India)

Size: 51×51 mm (2×2 inches)
Background: plain white
2 identical prints required
Face: 70–80% of frame
Same expression and quality rules

PAN Card

Size: 25×35 mm — smaller than passport
Background: plain white
1 print required
Same expression rules
Do not use passport size (51×51) for PAN

Glasses — official position

Rules are sometimes stated inconsistently. The safe approach: remove glasses unless you have a documented medical exception with a doctor’s statement. Tinted or coloured lenses are never allowed.

Photo Requirements for Children and Infants

Same 51×51 mm size applies for all ages (consulate/paper path)
Children under about 1 year: eyes do not need to be fully open (official guidance allows more flexibility for infants)
Children must be photographed alone — no hands, arms, toys, or other people visible
Plain white or off-white background; a white sheet works well for infants lying down

Where Indians Abroad Most Commonly Apply

Jurisdiction examples (confirm on the mission website before booking): San Francisco — CA (Northern), OR, WA, AK, ID, MT; New York — NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE, MD; Chicago — IL, IN, OH, MI, WI, MN, IA, MO, KS, NE, ND, SD; Houston — TX, LA, MS, AR, OK, NM; Washington DC — DC, VA, WV; Atlanta — GA, FL, AL, TN, NC, SC, KY.

United States

Busy posts (e.g. San Francisco, New York, Chicago) often book 4–8 weeks ahead in peak season. Always check the consulate’s site for your state.

UAE & Gulf

Indian missions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Doha, Muscat, and Bahrain. High-volume corridor — appointment availability varies seasonally.

United Kingdom

Indian High Commission in London; Consulate General in Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Common Rejection Reasons

Wrong size

Using 35×45 mm for a consulate application that requires 51×51 mm (2×2 inch).

Background not white

Off-white, grey, or coloured backgrounds — rejected at all stages.

Glasses

Not permitted in any Indian passport or visa photo.

Head too small or large

Face must fill 70–80% of frame.

Shadows on face or background

From side or overhead lighting.

Non-neutral expression

Smiling, raised eyebrows, open mouth.

File too large for e-Visa

Maximum 1 MB — photos over this limit fail at upload.

Low resolution for Passport Seva

File must be 20–100 KB exactly. Over 100 KB rejected.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size is an Indian passport photo?

For printed consulate applications: 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). For the Passport Seva Portal digital upload: 35×45 mm, JPEG, 20–100 KB. For Indian e-Visa: 35×45 mm JPEG, maximum 1 MB.

What background colour is required for an Indian passport photo?

Plain white or off-white for consulate and most paths — uniform and shadow-free. Digital portals also require a clean white background.

Is an Indian passport photo the same size as a U.S. passport photo?

Yes for consulate and paper applications: both use 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). That makes U.S. pharmacy prints usable when you confirm the correct product. Passport Seva and e-Visa use different digital specs.

What is the file size limit for Passport Seva Portal?

JPEG between 20 KB and 100 KB — strict. Files outside this range are rejected; smartphone originals usually need compression.

Can I wear glasses in an Indian passport photo?

No. Glasses are not permitted in Indian passport or visa photos. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are always prohibited.

What is the difference between Indian passport and e-Visa photos?

Printed passport/visa: 51×51 mm (2×2 in). e-Visa portal: 35×45 mm JPEG, max 1 MB. Both require white background and neutral expression.

Can I use my passport photo for my Indian visa application?

Yes, if both require the same size (51×51 mm) and the photo is recent and meets all specifications.

How many photos do I need for an Indian passport?

Two identical printed photos for consulate and paper applications. One digital upload for the Passport Seva Portal.

How recent must an Indian passport photo be?

Taken within the last 6 months, reflecting current appearance.