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The Challenge
India visa and OCI applications require 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos – different from the new 35×45mm passport format. e-Visa portal requires square JPEG 350-1000px under 1MB. Glasses are NOT allowed for e-visa. Wrong dimensions or file size = automatic portal rejection.
India visa photo is DIFFERENT from new passport format
- Visa/OCI: 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format
- Passport Seva digital upload: 35×45mm rectangular format
- Cannot use passport photo for visa – dimensions don't match
- e-Visa: no glasses allowed, JPEG only, square aspect ratio
- Regular visa via VFS: same 51×51mm, but 10KB–300KB file limit
One format for Indian visa, e-visa, and OCI applications
India uses the 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format for all visa types (tourist, business, medical, conference e-visas), regular visa applications via embassies and VFS Global, and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card applications. This is the same size as US passport photos. The physical print dimensions and general requirements are identical across these applications – the main difference is the digital file size limits: e-Visa portal accepts up to 1MB, while regular visa applications via VFS Global have a stricter 300KB limit. OCI applications have their own digital upload dimensions (200-1500px).
India visa photo requirements – will your e-visa be accepted?
- 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square dimensions
- Digital: square JPEG, minimum 350×350px, maximum 1000×1000px
- File size: 10KB–1MB for e-Visa, 10KB–300KB for regular visa
- Head height 25–35mm from chin to top of hair
- Plain white or light-coloured background, no shadows
- Face centred, full front view, head not tilted
- Eyes open and clearly visible, looking at camera
- Mouth closed, natural expression
- No glasses for e-Visa applications (strictly enforced)
- Glasses allowed for regular visa if no glare and eyes visible
- No hair covering eyes or face
- Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
- No red-eye effect
- Colour photo – black and white rejected
- No white clothing (blends with background)
- Head coverings only for religious reasons with face fully visible
- No borders or frames around photo
Common e-Visa portal rejection reasons
- File size exceeds 1MB (or 300KB for regular visa)
- Non-square dimensions – height and width must be equal
- Resolution below 350×350 pixels minimum
- Wearing glasses (automatic rejection for e-Visa)
- White clothing causing insufficient contrast with background
- Shadows on face or background
- Photo not in JPEG format (PNG, TIFF, BMP rejected)
- Head not centred or tilted
- Eyes not open or not looking at camera
- Background not white or light coloured
- Photo older than 6 months
How to upload photo to India e-Visa portal
- Download single JPEG from this tool (already formatted to 600×600px square)
- Verify file size is under 1MB (tool auto-compresses)
- Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and start or continue application
- At the photo upload step, click 'Upload Image'
- Select your downloaded JPEG file
- Portal validates dimensions, aspect ratio, and file size automatically
- If accepted, photo preview appears – verify it looks correct
- If rejected, check error message for specific issue (file size, format, or dimensions)
e-Visa vs regular visa vs OCI – file size differences
While all three use 51×51mm physical dimensions, the digital upload specs differ. e-Visa (indianvisaonline.gov.in): JPEG, square, 350-1000px, 10KB-1MB. Regular visa via VFS Global: JPEG, square, 350-1000px, 10KB-300KB – note the stricter 300KB limit. OCI card: JPEG, square, 200-1500px, up to 500KB. This tool generates a 600×600px JPEG optimised for the strictest limit. For regular visa submissions, you may also need identical printed 51×51mm photos attached to the physical application form.
Good vs bad India visa photo examples
India e-Visa types using this photo format
India issues several e-Visa categories, all using the same 51×51mm photo specifications: e-Tourist Visa (30-day single/double entry, or 1-year/5-year multiple entry), e-Business Visa (1-year multiple entry, 180-day stay per visit), e-Medical Visa (60-day triple entry with medical attendant visa option), and e-Conference Visa (30-day single entry). All use identical photo requirements. Processing time is typically 3-5 business days. The e-Visa is valid for entry at designated airports and seaports only.
How to print India visa photos for embassy submission
- Paper: Use photo-quality matte paper. Print on glossy is also accepted by most embassies.
- Printer settings: Highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (4×6 inch) for 4 photos per sheet.
- Cutting: Cut precisely along grey guide lines. Final size must be exactly 51×51mm.
- Quantity: Regular visa via embassy typically requires 2 identical printed photos.
- Attachment: Do not staple or glue photos – use paper clips or adhesive photo squares.
- Alternative: Print at local photo studio. Specify '2×2 inch passport photo on matte paper'.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional
- Photo studio in India: ₹100–200 for set of passport photos
- VFS Global photo service: ₹200–400 depending on location
- Photo studio abroad (US/UK): $10–20 / £8–15
- This tool: Free – download JPEG and upload to e-Visa portal
- Home printing: ₹5–15 / $0.25–0.50 per sheet
- Savings: ₹85–385 / $10–20 per application
Official Indian Government Resources
- India e-Visa Application Portal Official e-Visa application portal for tourist, business, medical, and conference visas
- India Visa Photo Requirements (Official PDF) Official photo specifications from Indian visa portal
- VFS Global – India Visa & OCI Services VFS Global partner site for India visa and OCI applications (US applicants)
- India Visa & OCI Online Application Portal Official portal for regular visa and Overseas Citizen of India applications
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head (50–69% Coverage)
Select Enhancement
Download JPEG for Portal Upload or Print
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- Digital Upload (e-Visa)
- 350–1000 pixels square, JPEG, 10KB–1MB
- Digital Upload (Regular Visa)
- 350–1000 pixels square, JPEG, 10KB–300KB
- Print Resolution
- 1205×1205 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 25–35 mm (49–69% of frame)
- Background
- Plain white or light coloured
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Natural, mouth closed, eyes open
- Valid For
- e-Visa, regular visa, OCI card, traditional passport print
Best Practices
- India visa uses 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format – different from 35×45mm passport upload
- No glasses allowed for e-Visa – automatic rejection even with clear lenses
- File size limits differ: e-Visa up to 1MB, regular visa (VFS) only 300KB, OCI up to 500KB
- Avoid white clothing – causes background contrast issues
- Same 51×51mm size as US passport photo – but don't reuse US photos if older than 6 months
- e-Visa portal validates automatically – check error messages if rejected
- For regular visa at embassy, bring 2 identical printed photos on photo paper
- OCI applicants: check if your application requires different digital dimensions (200-1500px range)
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the India visa photo?
India visa photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm) square. Digital upload: JPEG format, minimum 350×350 pixels, maximum 1000×1000 pixels. File size 10KB-1MB for e-Visa, 10KB-300KB for regular visa. Head height 25-35mm.
Can I use my India passport photo for visa application?
Not if you used the new 35×45mm Passport Seva format – visa requires 51×51mm square. If you have a 51×51mm traditional passport photo taken within 6 months, it works for visa applications.
Can I wear glasses in India visa photos?
For e-Visa applications: no, glasses are not allowed. For regular visa at embassy: prescription glasses may be allowed if no glare and eyes visible, but removal is recommended. The safest approach is to remove glasses for all Indian visa photos.
What file format for India e-Visa photo?
JPEG (.jpg) only. Must be square (equal width and height). Minimum 350×350 pixels, maximum 1000×1000 pixels. File size between 10KB and 1MB. PNG, TIFF, and BMP are rejected.
What background for India visa photos?
Plain white or light-coloured background. White is strongly preferred. No patterns, shadows, textures, or objects. Wear dark or medium-toned clothing for contrast.
How recent must India visa photos be?
Within last 6 months to reflect current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly, take a new photo even if the previous one is recent.
What is the difference between e-Visa and regular visa photo?
Same physical dimensions (51×51mm). Main difference is file size limit: e-Visa accepts up to 1MB, regular visa via VFS Global allows only 300KB. Both require JPEG square format. e-Visa strictly bans glasses; regular visa is more lenient.
Can I use this for OCI card application?
Yes. OCI card uses the same 51×51mm physical dimensions. The digital upload range is slightly different (200-1500 pixels), but the 600×600px output from this tool falls within the acceptable range.
Is India visa photo same size as US passport photo?
Yes, both are 2×2 inches (51×51mm). However, background and glasses rules differ. India requires white background and bans glasses for e-Visa. Do not reuse a US photo if it has an off-white background.