Passport Photo Size Rules in India (2026)

A surprising number of passport and visa applications get delayed for one reason that has nothing to do with the application itself: the photo doesn't meet the exact size and format requirements. Getting this right the first time saves a trip back to a photo studio or a rejected online application.

Indian passport photo size

The standard photo size for an Indian passport is 35mm x 45mm, with the face taking up a specific proportion of the frame — generally 70-80% of the photo height from chin to crown. The background should be plain white or a light, uniform color, with no shadows.

US visa and passport photos

US visa and passport photos use a different standard: 2 inches by 2 inches (51mm x 51mm), a square format rather than the rectangular Indian standard. This size is used consistently across US visa categories, so the same photo generally works for both a US passport and visa application.

Common reasons photos get rejected

• Background isn't plain white or has visible shadows behind the subject
• Face isn't centered, or is too small or too large within the frame
• Photo is too old — most authorities require a photo taken within the last 3-6 months
• Glasses with glare, or tinted lenses that obscure the eyes
• Photo dimensions are close to but not exactly the required size

Getting it right without a studio visit

You don't need a professional photo studio for this. A plain white or light-colored wall, natural front-facing light, and a phone camera can produce an acceptable base photo. The part people usually get wrong is the exact cropping and sizing afterward — the photo needs to be cropped to the precise pixel dimensions for the required physical size, not just approximately similar.

You can upload your photo and get it cropped to the exact required dimensions using the tool below.