Starting September 1, 2025, Indian citizens in the UAE applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one must follow new passport photo specifications.
These updated requirements align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) biometric standards and are being strictly enforced by the Indian Consulate in Dubai and BLS International.
Here’s everything Indian expats in the UAE need to know.
Why are the rules changing?
The Ministry of External Affairs (India) has implemented these changes to ensure that Indian passports meet global biometric verification standards. The new specifications are designed to improve:
Compatibility with e-gates and automated border control systems
Clarity for facial recognition software
Uniformity across international travel documents
These updates bring India’s passport photo guidelines in line with ICAO standards, which are recognized by most countries worldwide.
New Indian passport photo guidelines
All photos submitted for Indian passport applications in the UAE must now meet the following criteria:
Photo size and dimensions
Digital photo resolution: 630 x 810 pixels
Print size (if applicable): 2 x 2 inches
Background: Plain white only
Face coverage: 80% to 85% of the photo area (head and shoulders)
Pose and facial expression
Neutral expression: No smiling or frowning
Mouth must be closed
Eyes open and clearly visible
Face should be directly facing the camera
No tilting or turning of the head
Lighting and quality
Even lighting across the face
No shadows, red-eye, or reflections
No filters or image enhancements
Sharp, high-resolution image with natural skin tones
Glasses and head coverings
No eyeglasses or sunglasses allowed
Head coverings only permitted for religious reasons
Face must remain fully visible
Both edges of the face, forehead, and chin must be clearly shown
Camera distance and framing
Photo should be taken from about 1.5 meters away
Head and upper shoulders must be visible
No selfies or low-angle shots
Who must follow these guidelines?
These rules apply to all Indian citizens in the UAE who are:
Applying for a new passport
Renewing an expired or soon-to-expire passport
Making changes such as address or name updates
Applicants submitting passport forms through:
Indian Consulate in Dubai
BLS International centers across the UAE
must ensure their photo meets the new standards.
What happens if you don’t follow the rules?
Submitting a photo that doesn’t comply with the new specifications will likely result in:
Delays in processing
Rejection of application
Requirement to resubmit a compliant photograph
To avoid unnecessary trips or application setbacks, applicants are urged to follow the guidelines strictly.
ICAO-compliant photo in the UAE?
While many photo studios offer passport-size photos, not all are up-to-date with the new ICAO standards. To ensure compliance:
Visit a professional photo studio that explicitly offers ICAO-compliant or biometric passport photos
Alternatively, check if BLS International centers offer photo services (some do)
Avoid DIY or mobile phone photos unless you’re confident in meeting all technical requirements
Don’t wait until the last minute
Indian passport renewals can take 5–15 working days, depending on the service type (normal or tatkal). Factor in any delays caused by incorrect photo submissions.
Plan ahead, especially if your passport is due to expire within 6 months — a common requirement for travel visas and job renewals.
This update is mandatory from September 1, 2025, for all Indian expats in the UAE. Make sure your passport photo adheres strictly to the new ICAO-compliant format to avoid processing delays.
For smooth application, always double-check the latest requirements through the official Indian Consulate or BLS International portals before submitting.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
