New Entry Requirements for India: The ministry of civil aviation India has started a contactless solution by the name of air suvidha for all the international passengers visiting India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Air Suvidha self declaration form to be mandatorily filled by all international arriving passengers to India.

There are certain specifications regarding visibility and dimensions of the photograph which are considered while issuing a passport and apply for Indian visa. To match these specifications and requirements accurately we recommend you to go through the criteria given completely to have a better understanding. Many countries have different set of requirements framed by their respective governments. Nowadays passports and Visas can be easily processed via online which is why it is important for us to go through the set of rules to get processed easily and quickly.

Following are the set of specifications for a photograph which are to be attached in the application:

• Size: 50mm x 50mm or 2x2 inches
• Color: Skin tone should be clearly visible, Natural
• Head size and position: Head size should be 35mm to 40mm, Head should be centre facing the camera
• Recency: Should be taken in last 6 months
• Background: Plain white with No design
• Smile: Neutral expression, no smile
• Eyes: Should be open looking directly at the camera
• Glasses: Glasses permitted only if there is a prescription
• Headgear: Allowed only for religious purposes, should not block the face
• Dimensions and size (in pixels): 10KB to 300KB. For Pixels: 350x350 minimum and 1000x1000 maximum
• Dress code/Clothing/Attire: Professional dress code preferred, casual allowed
• Beard: Optional
• Number of photos needed for application: 1

General guidelines & Rules and specifications for Indian Passport and Visa Photo requirements:

Following is an in-depth and detailed breakdown of what you should expect while reading the visa or passport photos. Go through the guidelines carefully as they are mandatory to get your passport/visa processed:

• Whether passport or visa, each application should have 1 photos per person.
• Old photos, Filtered photos and Black or white photos are not permitted. The paper should not be torn, creased or crinkled, print the photo in high-quality paper. Keep it clear from dusts and scratches, and do not adjust the color saturation. Any background color, shapes and scenery designs in the background are not accepted.
• Eyes need to be completely visible. Sunglasses or tinted prescription lens should not be included in the picture.
• If you have glasses with thick frames which may obstruct your eyes from being clearly visible, remove that too for the photo. Any kind of glare or reflection will also be not accepted for the photo.
• Unless for religious purposes, no hats or headwear are permitted. There are no specifications regarding medical devices. Shadows that are caused by hair, glasses or photo flash will be rejected so please check with your agency.
• Red-eye should be avoided. If it occurs then no digital alterations should be made. Retake the photo until there is no red-eye present. Only you can be in the photo, no other object or person should in it.
• Hair should be off the face, so pull it back. Face should be clearly and completely visible in the photo without any kind of obstruction.
• Blurry, overexposed, underexposed and stretched photos will be rejected. Keep in mind the focus, clarity and decent lighting as they are important and highly recommended.
• Clothing should be appropriate. There are no particular specifications for clothing but keep them appropriate to avoid unnecessary rejections.

Requirements and specifications for infants, babies and newborns for Passport and Visa photos:

The government knows that it is a little bit tricky and difficult for the children and infants to adhere, which is why they have provided certain relaxations and exceptions in the standard for photographing them. The guidelines regarding quality of the photos are still the same as stated above. It is compulsory for every child and infant to have their photo completed. The authority has issued some advices for photographing children:

• Infants under the age of 12 months need not have their eyes open. It is acceptable if you get a photo with their eyes open too.
• Infants don’t need to be centered completely in the photo
• If holding an infant or sitting them, no hands or objects maybe visible. No toys or pacifiers. Use a white sheet to block these items.
• If the child is older than 1 year and under 10 years of age then they need to have their eyes open.
• Try squaring the child’s head and shoulders with the photo.

Indian passport size photo sample:

Indian Visa Photo Sample:

Price and cost of processing Passport/Visa:

The price for processing passports/visa differs with the mode, online or offline. Typically in offline if you approach government offices such as post office it will cost you around 500 – 700 rupees. The cost in online in cheaper and different due to ease of processing. Even though previously offline mode was considered ideal, online mode is considered as an ideal mode for processing passports and visa due to rising costs and time management. Online mode of processing also has its own benefits such as unlimited takes allowed for photography, which you can obtain only paying extra amount in offline modes, and availability of customer support service 24x7.

How to get an Indian Passport or Indian Visa Photos via Online:

Getting a passport or a India e visa is an incredible time consuming process which may even take weeks. The government, considering this factor, has integrated its services in the internet and digital platforms for the purpose of quick processing and cost reduction. There are many intermediary agencies who can assist you in obtaining passports just through online. It is extremely important for you to adhere to the guidelines provided by the government, if you have an agency as an intermediary then they will take care of the accuracy of specifications.