The new rule for Indian passports will come in effect from September 1
Heads-up for Indian expats in the UAE: Starting September 1, the Indian Consulate in Dubai is rolling out a new rule that’s all about passport photo standards.
If you’re planning to apply for a passport, be ready to snap a fresh new photo — most current ones won’t make the cut. This update comes straight from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Starting September 1, 2025, all passport applications must include ICAO-compliant photos, according to the latest directive.
The Press Wing of the Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed the update, stating that only photos meeting ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards will be accepted. They also explained that this move aligns with global travel regulations set by ICAO.
Gulf News reported that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait has already rolled out stricter passport photo guidelines, with the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi expected to follow suit soon.
Pro tip: Stay ahead of the game by getting familiar with the new rules now — it’ll save you from any last-minute stress.
New passport photo guidelines
- Color photo, size 630 x 810 pixels, with a plain white background
- Close-up of your head and shoulders – your face should fill 80–85% of the frame
- Full face, front view, eyes open, with a natural expression
- No hair covering your eyes, mouth closed, and no shadows, red-eye, or flash glare
- Even lighting is a must — your skin tone should look natural
- Your head should be centered, from the top of your hair to your chin
- Photo should be taken from around 5 meters away — no blurs or digital edits
- No glasses – even clear ones (to avoid reflections)
- Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, but your full face must be visible
If you’re heading to a photo studio in Dubai for your new passport photo, chances are they’re already up to speed with the latest guidelines.
✅ Just make sure to mention it’s for an Indian passport — they’ll know exactly what to do!
