From 1 September, Indian Exates in Dubai, applying for new passports or renewal, should present photos in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This instruction was officially operated by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, including all the embassies and the consulates worldwide in Dubai, including the Indian Consulate.TL; Dr:
- All Indian passport applications in Dubai should include ICAO-analogous photos starting from September 1, 2025.
- Main photo requirements: color on white background; Dimensions 630×810 pixels; 80–85% face coverage; Neutral expression; No computer change or filter.
- Updated rules emphasize clear visibility, even lighting and strict facial structure, in line with international biometric travel document standards.
New ICAO-conforming passport photo guidelines
Indian citizens in Dubai should ensure that their passport photos match the ICAO specifications while doing paperwork. The requirements include:
- Photo format: Colorful photos, white plain backgrounds, size 630×810 pixels.
- Framing: Above the head and shoulders in the close-up; The face covers 80-85% photo frame.
- image quality: No digital editing, change or use of filters; Natural skin tone; Rapid focus and uncontrolled.
- Light: Uniform, shadow-free light; No dazzling, red-eye, or flash reflection; Appropriate glow and vice versa.
- facial features: The eyes are open and visible, the mouth shut, not completely frontal, head -centered and bent, the entire head visible from the top of the hair to the chin.
- stuff: Glasses should be removed; Religious head coverings are allowed but the features of the face from the chin to the forehead and both facial edges should be visible.
- Expression/CAM Status: Neutral, natural forms; The photograph should be shot from a distance of 1.5 meters.
This update aligns with official international travel safety and identity practices. As a result of any non-comported photo presented from 1 September, passport processing will be rejected or delayed. The Indian community of Dubai should ensure that after the official instructions of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, all passport photos are in line with the ICAO standards starting from September. Carefully compliance will prevent delay in paperwork and will speed up issuing new passports for applicants.
Fasting
Q. What is the change in the Indian passport photo rules for expats in Dubai?From September 1, all passport photos will have to meet the ICAO International Biometric standards, including color on the color white background, 630×810 pixel dimensions and 80–85% face coverage.Q. Can applicants wear glasses or head coverings in new passport photos?Glasses should be removed to prevent reflections. Only religious head coverings are allowed if facial features are fully visible from chin to forehead.Q. What will be the reason for rejecting passport photos under new rules?If they are replaced, filtered, blurred, unnatural skin tones, make improper lighting, or include the head or eye barriers, the photos will be rejected.Q. Who issued instructions and where should the applicants be tested for updates?India’s Foreign Ministry issued rules, applicable through all embassies and consulates; Applicants should mention the Passport Seva Portal and announce announcements for nuances.
