Photo requirements
India Visa (2x2 inch, 51x51mm)
A guide to Indian visa photographs: compare e-Visa portal uploads with traditional VFS/BLS centre prints, meet the strict white background requirement, and prepare a compliant square photo.
- Printed size
- 51 × 51 mm (printed)
- Background
- White or off-white
- Official reference
- Government of India
- Source verified
Make this photo now
Use the selected format in the passport photo tool.
Photo requirements
Photo specification
Use these values as a preparation guide and confirm current official instructions.
| Printed size | 51 × 51 mm (printed) |
|---|---|
| Digital dimensions | Check the application channel below |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Head height | Check the application channel below |
| File and resolution | Check the application channel below |
Lighting setup: what to change
A ceiling light can darken the eyes. Move to face a broad window and check the original photograph for shadows.
Original teaching diagram, not an accepted/rejected applicant photograph. Even lighting still needs checking in your actual image.
More photo requirements for India
- India driving licence 35x45 mm (1.4x1.75 inch)
- India online driving licence 420x525 pixels
- India PCC / Birth Certificate 35x35 mm (3.5x3.5 cm)
- India PAN card online 213x213 pixel
- India PAN card 35x45 mm
- India PIO (Person of Indian Origin) 35x35 mm (3.5x3.5 cm)
- India Voter ID card 35x45 mm
- UDAAN DCGA - 35x45 mm
- India Police clearance certificate (PCC) 160x200-212 px
- India Police clearance certificate (PCC) (2x2 inch, 51x51mm)
- India registration of birth 100x120 pixel
- India UPSC 140x110 pixels
- India UPSC 350x350 to 1000x1000 pixels
- India passport 35x35 mm
- India child passport Seva 35x45 mm (630*810 pixels)
- India passport Seva 4.5x3.5 cm (630*810 pixels)
- India Passport for BLS USA Application (2x2 inch, 51x51mm)
- India OCI Passport (2x2 inch, 51x51mm, 200x200 to 900x900 pixels)
- India Passport (2x2 inch, 51x51mm)
- India FRRO (Foreigner Registration) 35x35 mm online
- India e-visa for indianvisaonline.gov.in - 50.8x50.8 mm
- India Visa 190x190 px via VFSglobal.com
e-Visa online upload and traditional visa sticker have different workflows
| Application type | Photo size | Upload format |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (online) | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) square | JPEG, 10 kB – 1 MB |
| Traditional visa sticker | 2 × 2 in (or 35×45 mm at some missions) | 2 prints on photo paper |
| OCI card | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) | Digital upload + prints |
- Indian e-Visa Portal · Photo guidelinesGovernment of IndiaSource verified
- Bureau of Immigration · Visa requirementsGovernment of IndiaSource verified
White background with no shadows, patterns or objects
"Indian visa photos require a plain white background. Unlike some countries that accept light-coloured or off-white backgrounds, the Indian e-Visa portal specifically validates for white. Cream, grey, or blue backgrounds will be rejected by the automated check."
"Photograph against a white wall or use a portable white backdrop. Keep the subject at least 30 cm from the wall to prevent body shadow on the background. Even lighting from the front is essential."
- Indian e-Visa Portal · Photo guidelinesGovernment of IndiaSource verified
Full face visible, ears showing, no glasses
"The face must occupy 50–70% of the photograph. Both ears should be visible — push hair behind the ears if necessary. Eyes must be open and clearly visible. Remove all types of glasses including clear prescription lenses."
"Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. The head should not be tilted or rotated. Religious head coverings are permitted if the full face remains visible from chin to forehead."
- Indian e-Visa Portal · Photo guidelinesGovernment of IndiaSource verified
e-Visa digital upload: step-by-step preparation
Photograph against a white background
Use even frontal lighting. The portal rejects non-white backgrounds automatically.
Crop to a square (2 × 2 in equivalent)
The face should occupy 50–70% of the height. Centre the head horizontally.
Save as JPEG, 10 kB to 1 MB
Quality 80–90 usually meets the size requirement without visible degradation.
Check the preview before submitting
The portal shows a preview. Verify the face is fully visible and the background is white.
- Indian e-Visa Portal · Photo guidelinesGovernment of IndiaSource verified
Printed photographs for traditional visa and VFS/BLS centres
"Traditional visa applications through VFS Global or BLS International centres typically require two identical printed photographs. The standard size is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), though some Indian missions accept 35 × 45 mm — always confirm with the specific centre."
"Print on photo-quality glossy or matte paper. Do not use plain printer paper. Write your name and application reference number lightly in pencil on the back of each photo if instructed by the centre."
- Bureau of Immigration · Visa requirementsGovernment of IndiaSource verified
Common e-Visa photo rejection causes
Background not pure white
The portal specifically checks for white. Cream or grey will be rejected.
Face too small in frame
Face must occupy at least 50% of the photo height.
Ears not visible
Push hair behind both ears. This is a specific Indian requirement.
File size out of range
Must be between 10 kB and 1 MB. Adjust JPEG quality accordingly.
Wrong aspect ratio
Must be square (1:1). Non-square images will be rejected.
Glasses or shadows on face
Remove all eyewear. Relight if shadows are present.
- Indian e-Visa Portal · Photo guidelinesGovernment of IndiaSource verified
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about creating and submitting this document photo.
Does the Indian e-Visa portal accept photos with a coloured background?
No. The e-Visa portal strictly requires a white background. The system performs automated checks and may reject photos with off-white, grey, or coloured backgrounds.
Why does the Indian visa photo need to show both ears?
Indian visa photo guidelines require both ears to be visible for biometric identification purposes. Hair should be tucked behind the ears. This is stricter than many other countries.
Does a successful tool check guarantee acceptance?
No. A tool check or successful upload is not an official acceptance decision. Keep the original portrait, avoid changing your appearance and retake unsuitable lighting or blur. The receiving authority decides whether the photograph is acceptable.
Official reference
- Indian e-Visa Portal · Photo guidelinesGovernment of IndiaSource verified
- Bureau of Immigration · Visa requirementsGovernment of IndiaSource verified