New Passport Photo Rules for Indians in Dubai

New Passport Photo Rules for Indians in Dubai from September 1

From September 1, 2025, new passport photo requirements will come into effect for Indian citizens living in Dubai. Those applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one will need to submit photos according to stricter regulations. This change is made at the direction of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, disseminated worldwide to embassies through the Passport Seva portal.

The decision aims to align India's passport system with the global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO standards ensure that documents based on biometric identification are accepted in every country, reliably assisting identification at borders, airports, and other checkpoints.

According to the Indian consulate in Dubai, the new regulations apply to all passport applications submitted from September 1. This means most applicants will need to have new photos taken that comply with updated technical and visual specifications.

The new requirements detail what type of photo is acceptable in the official process. Firstly, the picture must be in color, with a light, uniform white background. The photo should be precisely 630x810 pixels in digital format, and the resolution must be of adequate quality, without blurring or pixelation.

Only the head and upper shoulders should appear in the photo, with the face occupying 80-85 percent of the image. The face should be centered, with the head not tilted in any direction. A straight-on view is mandatory, and photos taken from the side or at an angle will be automatically rejected by the system.

The photo must reflect natural, lifelike skin tones. No digital modifications or filters are allowed, even for aesthetic purposes. The goal is for the image to realistically depict the person's facial features. The image cannot be blurred, overly contrasted, or too dark, and all shadows must be avoided. Special attention should be paid to ensure the face is well-lit, with no flash-induced glare, red-eye effect, or excessive sheen.

The eyes must be open and fully visible, and hair should not cover the eyes or conceal facial features. The mouth should be closed with a neutral expression. Smiling, squinting, or grimacing is not permitted. The entire head—from the top of the hairline to the bottom of the chin—must be visible. The photo should not have cropped or obscured head shapes.

Wearing glasses is not allowed in the photo, even for those who wear them daily. The rule aims to prevent any reflections, glare, or partial obstruction of the eyes. Head coverings are permitted only for religious reasons, but in such cases, the entire face must be visible: from the chin to the forehead, including both facial contours.

When taking the photo, the optimal camera-to-subject distance is 1.5 meters. This setup assures appropriate proportions and angles without distorting the face.

The change aims to facilitate easy international travel for Indian passport holders and minimize misunderstandings, errors, or technical issues during identification. Adhering to ICAO standards also means passports will be compatible with automated border systems and various biometric identification tools.

For the Indian community in Dubai, this change means they should book a photo appointment before submitting their application. It is advisable to choose a reliable, officially operating photography service aware of international passport photo standards and can provide them flawlessly.

It is important to note that an unacceptable photo may be automatically rejected, delaying the passport application process. This can be particularly inconvenient for those planning urgent procedures or travel, as incorrect photos may deem submitted documentation invalid, necessitating a new appointment.

The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed the changes will remain in effect until further notice, and applications submitted after the September 1 deadline will only accept photos adhering to the new guidelines.

Local photography services are prepared for the change, with many offering services explicitly labeled as "ICAO-compliant passport photos." Applicants are advised to inquire in advance about prices, waiting times, and documentation requirements needed for photo-taking.

In the future, this new procedure is expected to be applied not just for passports but other official documents, such as visa applications or national identification documents. With technological advancements and stricter security requirements, such standardization steps are becoming widespread globally.

(Source of the article: India Ministry announcement.)