India passport and visa photo requirements
India uses two different photo shapes. Passport applications want a 35×45 mm portrait, while the e-Visa form wants a square 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo uploaded as a JPEG between 10 kB and 1 MB. Crop the right one for your application.
Crop to this size
Opens the cropper with 35 × 45 mm already selected.
At a glance
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo size in inches | 1⅜ × 1¾ in |
| Pixels at 300 ppi | 413 × 531 px |
| Orientation | Portrait for passports, square 51×51 mm for the e-Visa |
| Head height | The face should occupy 70–80% of the frame height |
| Background | Plain white for both passport and visa photos |
The e-Visa photo is a square 2×2 in (51×51 mm) crop, which is a different preset in the cropper.
What the photo must show
- Photo age. Taken within the last 6 months.
- Framing. Face centred, 70–80% of the frame, both ears visible.
- Expression. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- Glasses. Not allowed for passport or visa photos; remove them.
- Headwear. Only for religious reasons, and the face must be fully visible.
- Uniform. Not allowed, including school and scout uniforms.
Digital photo for online applications
- Format
- JPEG, colour
- Dimensions
- e-Visa: square 51×51 mm; passport photo: 35×45 mm
- File size
- e-Visa uploads must be between about 10 kB and 1 MB
- Resolution
- 300 dpi, sharp focus, no compression artefacts
Common reasons photos get rejected
- A non-square photo on the e-Visa form, which asks for a 2×2 in image.
- A file over the upload size limit, or one compressed until it looks blocky.
- A photo with a dark or shadowed background.
- A photo with eyeglasses or a tinted lens.
Official sources
- Passport Seva — passport photo requirementsPassport applications, appointments and photo specifications.
- Indian Visa Online (e-Visa)The official e-Visa application with its photo and upload rules.
- Ministry of External AffairsConsular policy and document requirements.
Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change — always confirm with the official source above before you apply.