Indian Visa Photo
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Indian Visa Photo - Size & Requirements
Height: 2 in
- Head height: 1.29 in
- Bottom of the Photo to the Eye Line: 1.18 in
How to take a photo?
India has deep societal and cultural traditions, as well as many beautiful places to see, which makes it a perfect destination to visit. This is why many people choose to go there. However, to be able to travel to India you might need a visa. More importantly, one of the most important items required to get a visa is a photograph. Do you know how to take the right one without repeating the most common mistakes?
Indian Visa photo requirements
The photo for an Indian visa has to be recent, in order to confirm your current appearance - taken within the 6 (six) months prior to submitting your application. However, if your look has changed, it is recommended that you take a new photograph.
In any case, you will need a picture for your Indian visa so you need to know the requirements as well as what mistakes not to make, how to take a photo by yourself and how to use a mobile photo app or online photo tool.
Bear in mind that the photo for an Indian visa has slightly different requirements from the photo for a passport so you cannot use the same one.
Indian visa photo dimensions
The size of an Indian visa photo is 2 x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm) and should show the full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. The height of the eyes must be between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3 inches and the size of the head should be from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm). When it comes to uploading a digital photo: the image must be in JPEG format, with a minimum size of 10 KB and a maximum of 1 MB, with the dimensions at least 350 pixels by 350 pixels in height and width (they must be equal). The Indian visa photo must be in color.
Facial expression and positioning
Your face in the Indian visa photo should have a full front-facing view, looking directly at the camera. Your facial expression has to be neutral, with both eyes open and not showing your teeth. You cannot smile or have an open mouth and your entire face and forehead should be visible.
Background
The background of the photo should be plain, lightly-colored, or entirely white, and it cannot have any shadows.
Lighting
The picture should show your natural skin tone and the color of your hair and eyes, so try to take the photo in good lighting and daylight. Avoid taking the photo after dark and using a flash, which sometimes causes a red-eye effect.
Quality
Remember that you have to upload a high-quality photo – in high resolution, without any damage or pixelization. Overexposed or underexposed photos are also incorrect. Try not to make it blurry or too dark, because that will cause rejection of your application.
Head and face coverings
Head coverings are not allowed, neither are glasses or any other items. Your face must be fully exposed, so facial piercings, jewellery, and other accessories are also not permitted if they are hiding any part of your face. The only headwear permitted is headwear that is worn for religious reasons, as long as it does not cover or obstruct your facial features.
Attire
You are not allowed to wear any kind of uniform. Your clothing should be basic, so wear something casual, your everyday look. However, do not wear anything extravagant and try not to choose exclusively white clothes so as to avoid your clothes blending with the background.
Indian visa photo tool
A perfect idea, so as to avoid crowds, spending too much money on professional photographers and driving to studios, is using an online service. All you need to do is to take a picture at home. However, it cannot be a selfie so please ask someone for help or put a tripod approximately 3 to 4 meters away. Afterwards, just upload it to our PhotoAiD service or app and we will take care of the rest. Our photo tool service offers:
- Replacing or changing the color of the existing background with the correct one
- Cropping your photo to the correct Indian visa photo size
- Checking the position of the head, facial expression, photo dimensions and other important elements to verify if they are acceptable.
When your photo is ready and has been verified by our service, you can order it on our site in a digital version as well as a printed one that would be shipped straight to your home. This process is very fast and easy, and it is the best way to get the perfect photo for your new visa to India.
Common mistakes in photos for an Indian visa
When you are sure that you have filled in the application correctly and attached two identical photos matching all of the requirements, now is a good time to see if you really did not make any mistakes. If you didn’t do anything properly, your visa can be rejected and you will have to start all over again, including paying the Indian visa fees.
To avoid rejection, have a look at this list of the most commonly made mistakes:
- Your head is tilted or you are not facing the camera. You must remember that your head has to be straight.
- Patterns or shadows on the background - use our photo background remover to avoid rejection.
- Smile or grimace on the face - you must maintain a neutral facial expression.
- Eyes directed away from the camera - eyes have to be visible and looking directly at the camera, this is the only acceptable way.
- Face partly covered by hair or headwear - neither hair, headwear or any other items or accessories can cover the eyes.
- Glare on glasses - glasses can reflect the light or cover your eyes and eyebrows, consider taking them off for the moment you are taking a photo.
Find out about other visa photos:
Last update: 6/4/23
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 What is the correct size of an Indian visa photo?
The correct size of an Indian visa photo is 2 x 2 inches (51mmx51mm) and should show the full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. Eye height must be between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3 inches and the size of the head should be from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm).
💡 What are the most common mistakes made with an Indian visa photo?
When you take photos for visas, you might repeat some common mistakes, such as tilting your head, a non-front-facing view, patterns or shadows on the background, smile or grimace on the face, your eyes not directly looking at the camera, the face covered by hair, headwear or glare from your glasses.
💡 For how long are Indian e-Visas valid?
The e-Tourist Visa to India is valid for 30 days (double entry), e-Tourist Visa for 365 days (multiple entries), e-Business Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) and e-Conference Visa for 30 days (single entry).
💡 How can I get an Indian visa?
You can apply online by filling and submitting the visa application form and submitting the required documents, with the correct photographs and proof of residence, sufficient money and an original, valid passport as well as a photocopy of the passport.
💡 Can I take a photo for an Indian visa by phone?
No matter what, you will need a picture for your Indian visa and you can take it with your phone by following the requirements regarding what mistakes not to make, how to take a photo by yourself, and how to use a mobile photo app or online photo tool.
💡 How much is a Tourist Visa to India?
The online visa to India is so much easier and faster to acquire. Applicants do not have to apply through the embassy so here are the prices and validity of an e-Visa to India:
- e-Tourist Visa for 30 days (double entry) - $25,
- e-Tourist Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) - $40,
- e-Business Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) - $80,
- e-Conference Visa for 30 days (single entry) - $80.
💡 What is the required background color for an Indian visa photo?
The background of the Indian visa photograph should be plain, lightly-colored, or entirely white, and it can't have any shadows or patterns. Only the person being photographed should appear in the photo.
💡 What are the different types of Indian visa?
The most common types of Indian visa are: Tourist visa, Transit visa, Business visa, Employment Visa, Student visa and Medical Visa.
💡 Can I smile in an Indian visa picture?
You cannot smile or have an open mouth. Only your eyes should be open and your entire face should be visible. Your facial expression has to be neutral, with both eyes open and you can not show your teeth.
💡 What is the size of a Indian visa photo?
The size of an Indian visa photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) and should show a full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. Eye height must be between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3 inches and the size of the head should be from 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm).
💡 What are the most common mistakes on an Indian visa photo?
While you take photos to visas, you might repeat some common mistakes, like head tilted or a non-en-face view, patterns or shadows on the background, smile or grimace on the face, a sight not directly on the camera, the face covered by hairs, headwears or glares from glasses.
💡 How long are valid Indian e-Visas?
e-Tourist Visa to India is valid for 30 days (double entry), e-Tourist Visa for 365 days (multiple entries), e-Business Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) and e-Conference Visa for 30 days (single entry).
💡 How can I get an Indian visa?
You can apply online by filling and submitting visa application form and submit required documents with a photographs and proofs of residence, sufficient money and a original valid passport as well as copy of the passport.
💡 Can I take photo to an Indian visa by phone?
In any case, you need a picture for your Indian visa, you can take it by your phone following the requirements regarding what mistakes not to make, how to take a photo by yourself, how to use a photo mobile app or online photo tool.
💡 How much is a Tourist Visa to India?
The online visa to India is so much easier and faster. Applicants do not have to apply through the embassy so here are the prices and validity of e-Visa to India: e-Tourist Visa for 30 days (double entry) costs $25, e-Tourist Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) costs $40, e-Business Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) costs $80, e-Conference Visa for 30 days (single entry) costs $80.
💡 What is the colour of background for Indian visa photo?
The background of the Indian visa photograph should be plain, light-colored or entirely white and it can't have any shadows or patterns. Only a photographed person should appear there.
💡 What are the types of Indian visa?
The most common types of Indian visa are: Tourist visa, Transit visa, Business visa, Employment Visa, Student visa and Medical Visa.
💡 Can I smile in a Indian visa picture?
You cannot smile or have an open mouth. Only your eyes should be open and your entire face visible.The facial expression has to be neutral, with both eyes open and not showing your teeth.
About the document
Indian Visa
All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Embassy or eVisa from the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Visitors to India must obtain a visa from an Indian Embassy unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or a country whose citizens may obtain a visa on arrival, or an e-Visa online.
Types of Indian visa
Depending on the nature of your journey to India, there are different types of Indian visas:
- Tourist Visa - granted for 5 years.
- Transit Visa - granted for 15 days.
- Business Visa - granted for 5 years.
- Employment Visa - granted for 1 year or period of contract.
- Student Visa - granted for 5 years or period of the course.
- Medical Visa - granted for 5 years or period of the treatment.
Each applicant must schedule a separate appointment at a previously selected Indian Embassy.
Who needs to apply for an Indian visa?
Citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates can apply for a visa on arrival in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal do not require visas to enter India and can stay in the country without any limits. Foreign citizens with an Overseas Citizen of India certificate or a Persons of Indian Origin Card have the right to domicile in India. They can also enter India an unlimited amount of times. Citizens of Maldives do not require visas to enter India for up to 90 days.
If you are not from any of the countries above, you might need a visa. Check the official requirements on the Indian government websites.
Indian visa application requirements
To apply for an Indian visa you need to collect some required documents such as:
- An original passport with a minimum validity of six months left on the date of submission of application for a visa (the passport should have at least two blank pages).
- Copy of the passport (first four pages and endorsement of extension of validity if any).
- One recent passport-size color photograph.
- Proof of Residence - it can be a copy of a National ID Card or Utility Bill such as electricity, telephone or water bill.
- Proof of Profession - certificate from employer. In the case of students, they have to attach a copy of their Identity card from their educational institution.
- Proof of Financial soundness - amount of foreign currency equivalent to 150 US dollars per applicant, or a copy of international credit card or updated bank statements showing sufficient balance to finance travel to India.
Indian visa fees and validity
The online visa to India is so much easier and faster to acquire. Applicants do not have to apply through the embassy so here are the prices and validity of the e-Visa for India:
- e-Tourist Visa for 30 days (double entry) - $25.
- e-Tourist Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) - $40.
- e-Business Visa for 365 days (multiple entries) - $80.
- e-Conference Visa for 30 days (single entry) - $80.
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