To obtain an eTourist, eMedical, or eBusiness Visa for India, travelers must submit a scan of the passport bio page and a separate, recent digital photograph.
As the India e-Visa application process is fully electronic, all documents, including the photograph, are uploaded digitally.
The information below explains the criteria that photos must meet including size, format, and what you can and cannot wear.
India Visa Photo Size and File Specifications
It’s essential that your photo is the correct size. Requirements are strict and images that are too large or too small will not be accepted.
The main photo specifications are:
- Minimum size permitted is 10 KB and the maximum 1 MB
- Height and width of the image must be equal, it should not be cropped
- File must be uploaded in JPEG format, PDFs cannot be uploaded
Other India Visa Photo Specifications
As well as being the correct size, your photo for the India e-Visa should meet several additional criteria.
Remember, if your photo fails to meet specifications, you can face delays and rejections.
Is a color or black and white photo required for an India e-Visa?
The Indian government accepts both color and black and white photographs, provided that it offers a clear and accurate representation of the applicant’s features.
Given that color photos generally offer more detail, we recommend that travelers submit a color photo.
Do not alter your photos with computer software.
What background should I use for the Indian e-Visa photo?
You should take your photo with a plain, light-colored or white background. Position yourself in front of a plain wall, and make sure no pictures, decorative wallpaper, or other people, are in the shot.
To avoid casting a shadow on the wall, stand around half a meter away. Shadows on the background may cause the photo to be rejected.
Can I wear glasses in my India visa photo?
It’s important that your entire face can be seen clearly in the Indian e-Visa photograph. For this reason, you should remove your spectacles. You can not wear prescription glasses or sunglasses in your photo.
You should also make sure that their eyes are fully open and do not have ‘red eye’. Rather than using software to remove it, retake the photo. Avoid using a direct flash to prevent the red-eye effect.
Should I smile in the Indian e-Visa photo?
You’re not allowed to smile in the India visa photo. Instead, you should maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Do not show your teeth in the photo.
Smiling is generally not allowed in passport and visa images because it may prevent biometrics from being measured correctly.
If you submit an image with an unsuitable facial expression, it will not be accepted and you’ll need to apply again.
How to Take the India e-Visa Digital Photograph
Taking all the above points into consideration, here is a brief step-by-step guide to taking a photo suitable for all types of Indian visa:
- Find a white/light plain background, preferably in a room with plenty of natural light
- Remove hats, glasses and any other accessories which cover your face
- Ensure hair is swept away from your face
- Stand around half a meter from the wall
- Face straight at the camera and ensure the full head, from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, is in the frame
- After taking the photo, check there are no shadows on the background or face and no red eye
- Upload the photo during the e-Visa application
Parents and guardians traveling to India with children are reminded that minors need a separate visa for India, complete with a digital photograph.
Other Requirements for a Successful Indian e-Visa Application
As well as providing a photo that meets the criteria details above, foreign nationals must also meet the other India e-Visa requirements, which include the following:
- Passport valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in India
- Debit or credit card to pay the India e-Visa fees
- Email address which is active
Travelers must complete the e-Visa form with basic personal details and passport information before submitting the request for review.
To obtain an eBusiness or eMedical visa for India, you’ll need to provide further supporting documentation.
Apply with us, and we'll check your photo meets the specs before it’s submitted for official processing. We'll let you know by email if there are any issues with the image so you can correct it before it’s rejected, saving you the cost of reapplying.