Indian consulate in Dubai issues new passport photo rules for expats

Indian expats in the UAE will need to submit ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation)-compliant photographs with their passport applications starting September 1, the Indian Consulate in Dubai announced.

The consulate’s Press Wing confirmed that only photographs meeting international ICAO standards will be accepted, in line with global travel regulations. This means most applicants will need fresh photographs when applying.

New photo requirements:

Colour photo, size 630x810 pixels, white background

Head and shoulders close-up; face covering 80–85% of frame

Full face, front view; natural expression, eyes open

No hair over eyes; mouth closed; no shadows, red-eye or reflections

Uniform lighting, natural skin tone, no digital edits

Taken from about 1.5m distance

Glasses not allowed; head coverings permitted only for religious reasons, with facial features visible

The consulate urged applicants to ensure compliance to avoid rejection of their passport applications.