Indian E-Visa Photo Requirements and Guidelines
Preparing a photo for your Indian e-visa application requires careful attention to specific rules set by the government. The tool above helps you prepare your image correctly.
Official Size and Dimensions
The e-Visa portal requires an applicant-uploaded digital photo[1]. The instructions require equal width and height but do not prescribe a physical size[1].
The photo’s height and width must be equal[1].
Proper framing is another key part of preparing your picture correctly. You need to center your head within the frame carefully. The image must present your full head from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin[1].
Background and Lighting Rules
The background behind you plays a big role in whether your photo passes inspection. The official guidelines state that you must use a plain light-colored or white background[1]. Avoid any textured walls, wallpaper, or busy patterns behind your head.
The instructions say there must be no shadows on your face or the background[1].
To prevent shadows, stand a small distance away from the background wall. Make sure the light source hits your face evenly from the front. Good natural light from a large window works best for this purpose.
Face, Eyes, and Glasses Rules
Your facial presentation must meet strict official standards to satisfy the government reviewers. The official instructions note that the photo should present a full face in a front view[1]. You must look straight ahead toward the camera lens without tilting your head to the side.
The instructions require eyes to be open[1].
The official instructions say the photo must be taken without spectacles[1].
Digital File Requirements
Upload the digital photo with the visa application[1].
The official file size must be 10 KB to 1 MB[1].
You should check your image file properties on your device before you try to submit it. Compressing the image too much will drop it below 10 KB, while saving it at maximum quality might push it over 1 MB. Finding the right balance keeps your file within the permitted limits.
Taking Your Photo at Home
Taking your own visa picture at home saves time and money if you follow the correct steps. Start by finding a room with a plain light-colored or white wall that has no decorations on it. Stand about one meter away from the wall to stop your body from casting dark shadows.
Position your camera or smartphone at your exact eye level to avoid awkward camera angles. Do not use a selfie angle, because holding the camera too low or too high distorts your facial proportions. Ask a friend or family member to hold the camera for you.
Check that the full head from top of hair to bottom of chin is in frame, your eyes are open, and you are not wearing spectacles[1].
Preparing Your Photo Online
Use the tool above to prepare your image, if its functions meet your needs.
You can use this tool to crop your picture into a square shape. Because the authority requires equal height and width, this cropping step helps you meet the basic portal formatting standards[1].
After cropping, you can verify that your head is centered and your file size fits within the allowed limits[1]. Taking these steps gives you a clean digital copy ready for your online application.
Frequently asked questions
What size should my Indian e-visa photo be?
The official instructions do not prescribe a physical size. They require the photo’s height and width to be equal[1].
Can I wear glasses in my e-visa photo?
No, you must take off your glasses. The official rules state that you must be without spectacles[1].
What kind of background do I need?
How do I submit the photo?
You upload a digital photograph along with your visa application on the official portal[1].
What are the file size limits for the upload?
The file size must be between 10 KB and 1 MB[1].