A successful application for an Indian eVisa hinges on submitting correctly formatted digital documents. Two of the most common yet critical points of error are the photograph and the passport scan. Adhering precisely to the official INDIAN VISA PHOTO REQUIREMENTS and the detailed INDIAN VISA PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS is non-negotiable for avoiding delays or rejections. This guide breaks down these specifications into clear, actionable steps, ensuring your application proceeds smoothly from upload to approval.
A Complete Guide to the Indian Visa Photograph Specifications
Your visa photograph is not merely a formality; it is a primary tool for biometric verification. The INDIAN VISA PHOTO REQUIREMENTS are designed to ensure clarity and uniformity. The most crucial rule is that you must not simply scan or take a picture of the photograph embedded in your passport. You need a new, recent digital photograph.
Key Technical and Compositional Specifications:
- Size & Format: The image must be square, with minimum dimensions of 350 pixels by 350 pixels. The file size should not exceed 1 MB, and acceptable formats include JPG, PNG, or PDF.
- Composition: The photograph must be a full-face, frontal view with your head centered in the frame. Your face should cover 50-60% of the image area, with both ears and your hairline to the bottom of your chin clearly visible.
- Expression & Eyes: Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Your eyes must be open, clearly visible, and looking directly at the camera.
- Background: Use a plain, light-colored background, ideally white or off-white. There must be no shadows, patterns, or other people/objects in the frame.
- Attire & Accessories: Wear plain clothing that contrasts with the background. Headgear is only permitted for documented religious reasons, and even then, your full facial features from forehead to chin must be visible. Glasses are strongly discouraged as they can create glare; if worn, ensure there is no flash reflection and your eyes are completely unobscured. Hats and sunglasses are not allowed.
The good news is you do not need a professional photographer. You can take a compliant photo using a smartphone in a well-lit room against a plain wall, following these guidelines meticulously.
Precision in Document Scanning: The Indian Visa Passport Requirements
An accurate passport scan is the foundation of your application, as every detail must match the information you enter in the online form. The INDIAN VISA PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS mandate a high-quality, color image of your passport’s biographical data page.
What You Must Capture Correctly:
- The Correct Page: You must scan the page that contains your photograph, personal details, and the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)—the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. This is typically the second page in newer passports.
- Image Quality: The scan must be in color, clear, and perfectly legible without any blur, glare, or dark shadows. All four corners of the page should be visible, and the image should not be skewed or cropped. The MRZ must be fully readable.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be an ordinary (tourist) passport—diplomatic, official, or refugee documents are not eligible for an eVisa. It must also be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in India.
- Data Matching: Every character on the scan must perfectly match the data you type into the application form. This includes your given name, surname, date of birth, passport number, and issue/expiry dates. Discrepancies, even minor ones, are a leading cause of rejection.
Like the photo, a professional scanner is not mandatory. You can use a smartphone camera. Ensure the page is flat, there is ample even light (natural light is best), and the entire page is in sharp focus with no part covered by your fingers or shadows.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: A Comparative Checklist
To further simplify, here is a direct comparison of what to do and what to avoid for both documents:
| Requirement | Visa Photograph | Passport Scan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Rule | Must be a new photo, NOT a scan of your passport picture. | Must be a clear color scan of the biodata page, including the MRZ lines. |
| Key Specs | Min. 350×350 pixels, plain white background, neutral expression. | All text and MRZ must be legible; all four corners visible. |
| Common Errors | Smiling, wearing glasses with glare, shadowed background, wrong size. | Glare on laminate, blurred text, cropped corners, expired passport. |
| Can I use my phone? | Yes, in good light against a plain wall. | Yes, ensure no shadows and the page is flat. |
The Upload Process and Final Verification
After completing the online application form and payment, you will receive a secure email link to upload your documents. You can typically upload files in JPG, PNG, or PDF format. If you encounter issues with file size (over 1MB) or format, the system provides an option to email the documents to the help desk.
Before you click submit, conduct a final, meticulous verification:
- Cross-Check Data: Compare every letter and number on your passport scan with the corresponding fields in your application form.
- Review Image Quality: Zoom in on both your photo and scan to ensure they are sharp, clear, and meet all compositional rules.
- Confirm Validity: Double-check your passport’s expiry date against your travel dates.
By understanding and carefully executing the INDIAN VISA PHOTO REQUIREMENTS and the INDIAN VISA PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS, you remove the most significant technical barriers to approval. This careful preparation allows the authorities to process your application efficiently, bringing you one step closer to your journey to India.