With effect from September 1, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has released a new passport application rule for Indian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates that calls for improved photo requirements.
As a result of the modification, the majority of applicants will have to take new photos when they submit their passport applications.
The mission has released criteria for passport applications that require photos that comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Travel document biometric and identity standards are set globally by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The consulate's action is in response to a direction sent to embassies and consulates by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) via its Passport Seva portal.
Only passport applications with ICAO-compliant photos would be approved, the Indian Consulate's Press Wing in Dubai announced. The wing explained that the ICAO's international travel regulations include this criterion.
Updated Passport Photo Requirements:
- Must be a colour photo, 630x810 pixels, with a plain white background.
- Show a close-up of head and shoulders, with the face covering 80–85% of the image.
- Face should be fully visible in a front-facing position, eyes open, and expression neutral.
- No hair covering the eyes; mouth closed; photo free from shadows, red-eye, or flash glare.
- Lighting must be even, with natural skin tone appearance.
- Head must be centred, from the top of hair to the chin.
- Taken from around 1.5m distance, sharp and not digitally edited.
- Glasses are not permitted to avoid reflections.
- Head coverings are acceptable for religious purposes only, but all facial features must remain visible.
