Official sources verified. Photofitr reviewed this guidance against the official source shown below on 1 August 2026. Always follow any newer instruction displayed by the government portal or processing centre handling your application.
Requirement summary
- From 1 September 2025, overseas Indian passport applications require an ICAO-compliant photograph.
- The face should occupy approximately 80–85% of the image, with the full head and top of the shoulders visible.
- Look directly at the camera with eyes open, a natural expression and uniform lighting. Remove glasses where reflections could obscure the eyes.
- Do not digitally alter the photograph. Head coverings are permitted only for religious reasons and must not obscure the face.
- Check the relevant mission or service-provider website because submission and print-copy requirements can vary by location.
How Photofitr checks the photo
- Crop, aspect ratio and output dimensions
- Background colour and consistency
- Head position, scale and visible margins
- File type and file-size limits where applicable
- Potential sharpness, lighting, shadow and expression issues
Common rejection risks
- Submitting a non-ICAO-compliant or digitally altered image
- Incorrect head scale, tilted head, shadows, blur or red-eye
- Using a non-white background or allowing hair, glasses glare or headwear to obscure facial features
- Ignoring additional requirements published by the local Indian mission or service provider
Official source
Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates — ICAO photograph guidelines
Last content review: 1 August 2026