Indonesia Visa Photo (2x2 inch / 51x51 mm, Red Background) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about Indonesia Visa photo requirements with red background, including exact dimensions, background color specifications, pose rules, and how to submit a compliant photo for your Indonesian visa application at embassies and consulates.

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Indonesia Visa Photo Specifications (Red Background)

RequirementSpecification
CountryIndonesia (Republic of Indonesia)
Document TypeVisa (VITAS, VKSKN, and other permits)
Photo Size51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 inch)
Resolution (DPI)300
Head Size~32.8 mm head height (chin to top of hair)
Eye Line Position~30 mm from bottom edge of photo
Background ColorRed (solid, uniform, plain)
PrintableYes — printed on photo-quality paper
Digital Photo Size600 x 600 pixels (at 300 DPI)
ColorColor only (correct skin tone, no red-eye)
FormatSquare (height = width)
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months

Indonesia Visa Photo Size Diagram

Indonesia Visa Photo Size Diagram - 2x2 inch (51x51mm) with head size and eye line position
Key measurements: The photo must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) in a square format. Your head height should measure approximately 32.8 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair. The eye line should be positioned roughly 30 mm from the bottom edge of the photo.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) size, remove and replace the background with solid red, adjust the head size, and ensure your photo meets all official Indonesia visa requirements.

Detailed Indonesia Visa Photo Requirements (Red Background)

Indonesia is unique among countries in requiring a red background for traditional visa photos. This format is used by the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration (Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi) for visa applications submitted at Indonesian embassies and consulates worldwide. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or editing — do not apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
  • Must reflect your current appearance
  • No red-eye effect is permitted
  • Must be printed on photo-quality paper for physical submissions

Size and Dimensions

  • Photo size: exactly 51 x 51 mm (2 x 2 inches)
  • Format is square — height equals width
  • Your head must measure approximately 32.8 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair
  • The eye line should be positioned roughly 30 mm from the bottom edge of the photo
  • Your face should cover approximately 70–80% of the photo
  • Digital resolution: 300 DPI (600 x 600 pixels)

Background (Red)

Important: Unlike most countries that require white or light-colored backgrounds, Indonesia requires a solid red background for visa photos. This is a distinctive requirement specific to Indonesian immigration. The red background must be uniform across the entire photo with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible.
  • Use a solid, uniform red background
  • The background must be flat and plain — no patterns, textures, or objects
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head
  • The red color must be consistent throughout — no gradients or uneven patches

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • The horizontal line between your eyes should be parallel to the top edge of the photo
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear
  • Both sides of your face must be equally visible

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Indonesia visa photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily. This ensures clear visibility of your eyes and facial features without reflections or glare.

Head Coverings (Including Hijab)

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, except for religious purposes
  • Hijab is permitted as Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country — your full face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead must remain clearly visible
  • Both eyes must be unobstructed and clearly visible
  • The head covering must not cast any shadows on your face
  • The hijab color should contrast with the red background for clear visibility

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms
  • Avoid wearing red clothing that may blend with the red background
  • Choose colors that contrast well with the red background for better photo clarity

Lighting

  • Lighting must be even and balanced on both sides of the face
  • No harsh shadows, glare, or reflections on the face
  • Skin tone must appear natural and correct
  • Ensure the red background appears uniformly lit without hot spots or dark areas
Visa types that use this photo format: The red background photo is commonly required for VITAS (Limited Stay Visa / Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas), VKSKN (Visit Visa / Visa Kunjungan Singkat), ITAS (Limited Stay Permit / Izin Tinggal Terbatas), ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit / Izin Tinggal Tetap), and other immigration permit applications.

Source: Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi — imigrasi.go.id

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How to Take an Indonesia Visa Photo (Red Background) at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Indonesia visa photo at home using your smartphone. Our AI tool will handle the red background replacement automatically.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a visa-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

Taking visa photo with smartphone or camera
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows on both sides of your face.

Tip: Don't worry if you don't have a red wall. Our AI tool will automatically remove your background and replace it with a solid, uniform red color that meets Indonesian immigration requirements.
Proper lighting setup for visa photo
3

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and especially avoid red clothing that could blend with the red background. Choose contrasting colors for the best results. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

Appropriate attire for visa photos
4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is clearly visible on both sides.

Correct posing for visa photo
5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. The horizontal line between your eyes should be parallel to the top edge of the photo. Do not smile or frown.

Neutral facial expression for visa photo

Good and Bad Examples of Indonesia Visa Photos

Good and bad examples of visa photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Indonesia require a red background for visa photos?

Indonesia is unique among countries in requiring a red background for visa photos. The red background is the standard format used by Indonesian immigration (Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi) for all traditional visa applications submitted at embassies and consulates worldwide. This distinctive requirement sets Indonesian visa photos apart from the standard ICAO white-background format.

What shade of red is required for the Indonesia visa photo background?

The background should be a solid, uniform red color. It should be a plain, flat red without patterns, gradients, or textures. The red must be consistent across the entire background with no shadows or objects visible. If you don't have a red wall, our tool will automatically replace your background with the correct solid red color.

Can I use a white background instead of red for my Indonesia visa photo?

For traditional visa applications submitted at Indonesian embassies and consulates, a red background is typically required. However, for e-Visa applications submitted online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id, a white background may be accepted. Always check with the specific embassy or consulate where you are applying. We also offer a white background variant page for e-Visa applications.

What size is the Indonesia visa photo?

The Indonesia visa photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), which is a square format where height equals width. The digital file should be 600x600 pixels at 300 DPI. This is the same size as a US passport photo.

Can I wear a hijab in my Indonesia visa photo?

Yes, hijab and other religious head coverings are permitted in Indonesia visa photos, as Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country. However, your full face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead must be clearly visible, and both eyes must be unobstructed. The hijab should not cast shadows on your face, and its color should contrast with the red background.

Can I wear glasses in my Indonesia visa photo?

No. Glasses are not permitted in Indonesia visa photos. You must remove your glasses before taking the photo, even if you wear them daily. This ensures clear visibility of your eyes and facial features without any glare or reflections.

What visa types require the red background photo?

The red background photo is commonly required for VITAS (Limited Stay Visa / Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas), VKSKN (Visit Visa / Visa Kunjungan Singkat), ITAS (Limited Stay Permit / Izin Tinggal Terbatas), ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit / Izin Tinggal Tetap), and other immigration permit applications submitted at Indonesian embassies and consulates.

How recent must my Indonesia visa photo be?

Your visa photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should accurately reflect your current appearance. Using an older photo may result in your visa application being rejected or delayed by the Indonesian embassy or consulate.