Dubai, Aug 29 — Indian expats in Dubai applying for a new passport or renewal will face stricter photo requirements starting September 1, following a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The updated rules, circulated globally through the Passport Seva portal, align with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for biometric and travel identity documents.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed that all applications submitted after September 1 must include ICAO-compliant photographs. This means many applicants will need fresh photos that meet the revised specifications.
According to the guidelines, photographs must be in colour on a plain white background with dimensions of 630 x 810 pixels. The image should be a close-up of the head and shoulders, with the face covering 80–85 per cent of the frame.
Other key requirements include:
- Image quality: No filters, alterations, or blurring; natural skin tones must be visible.
- Lighting: Even brightness with no shadows, glare, or red-eye.
- Facial features: Eyes open, mouth closed, full face in front view, head centred, and hair not covering the eyes.
- Accessories: No eyeglasses allowed; religious head coverings permitted only if facial features remain clearly visible.
- Expression: Neutral and natural.
- Camera distance: Taken from about 1.5 metres away.
The move is part of India’s efforts to standardise passport photo requirements worldwide in line with ICAO benchmarks, ensuring global compatibility and improved biometric recognition.
