Starting this September, Indian embassies abroad will only accept passport applications with photographs that meet international aviation standards. The decision follows updated guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which sets global rules for biometric and travel document security.

What Are The Existing Rules?

Until now, Indian embassies around the world have accepted passport photos that followed only basic size and clarity guidelines. Officials did not strictly enforce background colour and exact pixel dimensions, which gave applicants more flexibility.

New Photo Specifications

Starting September 2025, all passport applicants must submit a colour photograph sized 630 x 810 pixels. The image should be a close-up of the head and shoulders, with the face filling 80 to 85 per cent of the frame. The background must be plain white, with no shadows or patterns.

Eyes must be clearly visible, open, and without glare or the “red eye” effect. The mouth should remain closed, and the head should face straight toward the camera. Tilted angles or side views will not be accepted.

Head coverings are allowed, but only for religious reasons. Even then, the face from the chin to the forehead, along with both sides, must be fully visible.

No Edited or Filtered Images

The embassy stressed that digitally altered or enhanced photographs will be rejected. Brightness, contrast, and skin tones should appear natural, without filters or artificial edits.

Checklist of Passport Photo Requirements

If you are applying for an Indian passport at an embassy abroad, here’s the quick checklist your photo must follow:

• Size must be 630 x 810 pixels, with the face covering 80–85% of the frame.
• Background must be plain white, with no shadows or patterns.
• Face should be fully visible from chin to forehead, eyes open, and looking directly at the camera.
• Expression should look natural, with the mouth closed. Smiling photos are not accepted.
• Brightness, contrast, and skin tones should appear natural, with no filters or edits.
• Hair must not cover the eyes.
• No glasses or tinted lenses, as reflections will lead to rejection.
• No shadows on the face or in the background.
• The photo must be sharp, clear, and not blurred.
• The head must be straight and centred, not tilted.
• The picture should be taken from about 1.5 meters away to avoid distortion.
• Lighting should be even, with no glare or red-eye effect.
• Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons, but the full face must be visible.

For full details, you can download the official ICAO-compliant passport photo guidelines here.

Who Is Affected By This Change

The new ICAO-compliant rules apply to all Indian citizens applying for passports through embassies and consulates abroad. This includes fresh applicants, renewals, and reissues, regardless of age.

Why Do These Rules Matter?

The new rules are about more than just following the latest trend. The ICAO designed the guidelines to make passports safer, more secure, and universally accepted during border checks. If your photo follows these standards, you are less likely to face delays or rejections when travelling.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning to renew your passport soon, make sure your photo matches these new rules. A simple mistake could mean starting the process over. The embassy hopes these changes will make Indian passports even more secure and accepted everywhere in the world.