Indian passport photo rule UAE has been updated by the Indian Consulate in Dubai for expats. The new rule will apply to all passport applications starting September 1, 2025. This follows a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in line with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) guidelines.
MEA Directive
The consulate confirmed that only ICAO-compliant photographs will be accepted for passport applications. This requirement is part of ICAO’s global travel regulations. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has already announced stricter photo standards. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is also expected to announce the new rule soon.
New Passport Photo Guidelines
Applicants must provide colour photographs with a white background. The size should be 630×810 pixels. The face must cover 80–85% of the frame with a full face, front view, eyes open, and a natural expression. No shadows, red-eye, or flash reflections are allowed. Photos should be taken from about 1.5m away, not blurred or digitally altered. Glasses must be removed. Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, but facial features must remain visible.
What Does BLS Say?
The consulate has informed its service partner, BLS International, about the new standards. However, BLS has not yet updated its website, which still shows the old ICAO guidelines. BLS charges Dh30 for photography services but does not provide photos for newborn babies. Parents applying for newborn passports will need to arrange ICAO-compliant photos through other providers.
Indian passport photo rule UAE is now mandatory to ensure compliance with international travel standards for all Indian expats in the country.
