Requirements for Photograph for Indian Passport
When applying for an Indian passport, submitting a compliant photograph is crucial to ensure smooth processing and avoid delays. The photograph specifications for an Indian passport follow international standards set by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The most crucial requirements for an e-passport photo are those set forth by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which oversee standardising travel papers. The face must be photographed from a full-frontal view, and its height must adhere to the guidelines. Within the designated space, the eyes must be level, open, and easily visible. The face ought to be in the middle of the picture.
Guidelines for Submitting High-Quality Photographs
The quality of a photograph printed on a passport is very much dependent on the submitted photo of the applicant. This is why the applicant is strongly encouraged to keep the standards regarding his passport application right to avoid definite delays in the delivery process.
Photograph Specifications for Indian Passports
The requirements you will need to comply with respect to your photograph for passport are given below:
- Dimension: The photograph should be colored, and the size of the photo should be large-to 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm).
- Quality: The photograph must be in a clear, continuous tone.
- Face Position: It must contain the front side of the face where eyes are wide open.
- Head Coverage: The photograph should have the full head, i.e., from the top of the hair up to chin, filling the frame, and its center should lie exactly within the frame.
- Background: Either a plain white or off-white background would be used; avoid distracting shadows on the face or in the background.
- Head Coverings: Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes. Yet, facial features remain visible from the chin to the top of the forehead and from one side of the face to the other fully visible.
- Expression: A correctly natural facial expression.
This will facilitate and enhance this typically burdensome and slow-moving process.
Do's and Don'ts of a Good Photograph
General Guidelines are given below:
- It shall be full face in full frontal view, with eyes open.
- Ensure the head is centered in the frame.
- No distracting shadows on the face or background.
- A full head should be shown from the top of the hair of the subject to the bottom of the chin.
- The height of the head measures between 1 inch-1 3/8 inches (25mm-35mm)
- Eye height within the photo should be between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom.
Lighting and Background Requirements
- The lighting should be made even and balanced while avoiding creating shadows on the face or the background.
- The background must be uniformly lit to avoid shadows at the back of the subject.
Image Print Requirements
- The photograph should be two inches, black and white (51mm by 51mm or 2 inches by 2 inches).
- The photograph shall be printed on a non-glossy thin image or stock; it should have continuous tone quality print.
- Photo retouching, enhancement or softening of image is not recommended.
Resolution and Quality of Print
- Higher resolution in photography and print should be used.
- Acceptance of both conventional images and digital images is welcome, and various printing systems are allowed as well (dye-sublimation, inkjet, laser). At least, the final print should exhibit the quality associated with a continuous tone and preferably without indication of pixels or dots as well.
- Facial structures should be crystal clear.
Contrast and Colors
- Correct brightness and contrast settings for displaying real color character of subject and background.
- Appropriate contrast and replications of natural skin tone across facial features.
- Avoid lighting that is unbalanced, which can produce color cast. Use filters appropriate for the purpose.
Orientation and Background
- The head should face the camera straight, neither tilted nor turned.
- Both sides of the face should be clearly displayed.
- Eyes should be opened at a level direction and clearly visible with no hair or eyeglasses frames interfering.
- Try to avoid glare from glasses. A slight tilt of the head may help reduce such glare.
- No tinted or dark glasses.
- Religious head coverings may only be accepted where the full face, between chin and forehead, and lateral aspects of the face are clearly visible.
Exposure and Lighting
- Avoid such underexposures or overexposures that would render the photo unusable.
- Three-point balanced lighting should be used that clearly highlights the features of the face.
- Avoid shadows on the face and background by using diffuse light sources like umbrella lights.
Flexibility with Children's Photos
- Babies under the age of one do not have to show their eyes open.
- In the case of children under the age of ten, the requirements may be less strict concerning the height of the face and eye position.
- There is some leniency for infants regarding head position and facial expression, but the image must still show the child in focus and unadorned by other background distractions, such as the backs of chairs, other children, or toys that might lead to an impression of unprofessionalism.
- The child must be directly facing and looking at the camera and have a neutral expression with jaw closed.
Additional things to keep in mind
High-quality photos on full color digital camera images must conform to these requirements.
Passport Resources
FAQs on Indian Passport Photographo
- What specifications must be met for the Indian passport photo?
The picture should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 mm by 51 mm) and in colour. The photo print should have a continuous-tone quality and be clear. It should have its eyes open, face complete, and front view. The entire head, from hair to chin, should be seen in the photo.
- Does an Indian passport appointment have a dress code?
No, a passport interview does not have a clothing code. You are free to dress however you feel most comfortable.
- What kind of photo is required for a passport?
The facial expression needs to appear organic. Tips and Tricks for Taking the Right Picture The whole face, front perspective, and open eyes should be captured in the picture. The head ought to be positioned in the middle of the image. The face and surroundings shouldn't have any distracting shadows.
- Does a white backdrop have to be used for passport photos?
Yes, each applicant must bring two coloured photos with a white backdrop, measuring 4.5 by 3.5 cm. Photographs should be attached to the printed copy of the online application. The application form's first page must have the first photo attached to it without a signature or stamp.
- Can I use my phone to take a passport photo?
Yes, you can use your phone to simply take a passport photo at home. Learn from someone who has already done it. The majority of smartphones feature cameras with at least 5 megapixels, which is enough to take good passport shots.
- Does my passport photo allow me to wear lipstick?
For a passport photo, you can use cosmetics, of course, with some caution. Here, it's generally advised to stay away from makeup that is too noticeable, obstructs the clarity of the photo, blurs the corners of the subject's face, has a hairstyle that hides the face, etc.
- How can I look good in pictures for my passport?
Put on a neat shirt with a nice collar that isn't white and avoid wearing hoodies. If older women want to hide neck creases, they can wear a scarf. Additionally, you should refrain from wearing a white shirt or one that matches the colour of the photo's background. A shirt with a light colour blends in with the surroundings.
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