If you’re an Indian expat in the UAE planning to submit a passport application soon, there’s a new rule you need to keep in mind. Starting September 1, 2025, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has updated its passport photo guidelines, and most applicants will need to take new photos that meet ICAO standards.

This change follows a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is part of international travel regulations. For those not familiar with ICAO, it’s the International Civil Aviation Organization, which sets global standards for travel documents like passports.

Here’s what you need to know about the updated rules and how to make sure your passport application is accepted without any issues.

Technical requirements for the Indian passport photo

  • The photo must be in color and sized 630 by 810 pixels, with a clean white background
  • Your head and shoulders should be visible in the frame, with your face occupying 80 to 85% of the picture
  • The photo should be a clear, front-facing shot of your face, with your eyes open and a natural expression
  • Lighting should be uniform, and your skin tones should look natural. No shadows, red-eye, or flash reflections are allowed

Personal requirements for the Indian passport photo

  • Glasses should be removed to avoid any reflections in the photo
  • Head coverings are allowed but must only be worn for religious reasons, with the face fully visible
  • Your head should be centered in the frame, from the top of your hair to your chin
  • The photo should be taken from about 1.5 meters away — make sure it’s not blurred or digitally altered

This change means that passport applications submitted without the correct type of photo will be rejected, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and avoid the last-minute hassle.

If you’re getting this photo taken at a studio, don’t forget to mention it’s for your Indian passport so the photographer can make sure the photo meets the new guidelines. The photo studios in Dubai should be well aware of these new rules by now.

As you get your passport sorted, don’t forget that India’s passport has climbed to the 77th place in the Henley Passport Index for 2025, with access to 59 visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries! If you’re interested in where you can travel with an Indian passport, check out the full list of countries for easy travel.