Complete guide to the 2x2 inch (51x51mm) India passport photo format used for overseas and consular passport applications through VFS Global, Indian consulates, and Indian embassies worldwide. Includes exact dimensions, head size measurements, printing requirements, and submission guidelines.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | India (Bharat) |
| Document Type | Passport (Overseas/Consular Applications) |
| Photo Size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 inches) — Square |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 70–80% of photo (head height: 25–35 mm / 1 to 1-3/8 inches) |
| Eye Height | 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches (28–35 mm) from bottom edge |
| Background Color | White, plain and uniform |
| Printable | Yes — on thin photo paper |
| Digital Photo Size | 600 × 600 pixels (at 600 DPI) |
| Color | Color only (correct skin tone, no red-eye) |
| Retouching | Not allowed — no digital enhancement or alteration |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The 2x2 inch (51x51mm) format is the standard size required for Indian passport applications submitted through VFS Global and Indian consulates and embassies by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian citizens residing abroad. This format follows the same ICAO standards as the US passport photo.
Glasses are NOT allowed in Indian passport photos under any circumstances. This includes prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and fashion frames. If you normally wear glasses, remove them completely before the photo is taken. There are no exceptions for medical reasons — if you cannot remove your glasses due to a medical condition, contact the consulate for guidance before your appointment.
Source: passportindia.gov.in — Passport Seva, VFS Global Photo Specification
Taking a 2x2 inch passport photo at home is straightforward with any smartphone. Follow these five steps to produce a photo that meets VFS Global and Indian consulate standards without visiting a photo studio.
Any recent smartphone camera — iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, or others — can capture a high-quality passport photo. Wipe the lens clean and set the resolution to maximum. Have a friend or family member take the photo from approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) away. Never use a selfie — the forward-facing camera has lower resolution and the angle does not meet requirements.
The best lighting comes from a large window with indirect natural daylight. Stand facing the window so the light illuminates your face evenly. Avoid standing sideways to a window, which creates shadows on one half of the face. If natural light is unavailable, use two lamps positioned at 45-degree angles in front of you on either side.
Choose a solid-colored top that contrasts clearly with the white background. Dark or medium colors — navy, dark grey, green, burgundy — work well. Avoid pure white, cream, or pale grey tops. Do not wear uniforms or clothing with prominent logos. Keep your hair neat and away from your eyes.
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) from the camera with your body facing directly forward. Keep your head level and straight — do not tilt it up, down, or to the side. Relax your shoulders and let your arms hang naturally at your sides. The photographer should frame the shot so there is space above your head and below your shoulders.
Relax all the muscles in your face. Do not smile, laugh, frown, or squint. Keep your mouth gently closed and your lips in a natural resting position. Both eyes should be wide open and looking straight into the camera lens. Imagine a blank, emotionless expression — this is what consular officers expect to see.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos
The 2x2 inch India passport photo measures exactly 51x51 mm (2x2 inches) — it is a square. The head height should measure 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25–35mm) from chin to the top of the head. The eyes should be positioned between 1-1/8 and 1-3/8 inches (28–35mm) from the bottom edge of the photo.
The 2x2 inch (51x51mm) format is required for overseas passport applications processed through VFS Global and Indian consulates or embassies. If you are an Indian citizen living in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or any other country and need to apply for or renew your passport, you will likely need this format. For domestic applications within India, use the standard 35x45mm format.
VFS Global requires a 2x2 inch (51x51mm) color photo printed on thin photo paper with a plain white background. Glasses are not allowed. No retouching or digital enhancement is permitted. The photo must show a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. It must be taken within the last 6 months.
No. All forms of eyewear — including prescription glasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and fashion frames — are strictly prohibited in Indian passport photos regardless of format. You must remove glasses completely before the photo is taken.
Photos must be printed on thin photo paper — not thick card stock or regular printer paper. Both glossy and matte finishes are acceptable. The print quality must be sharp and clear with accurate color reproduction. Do not use self-adhesive photo paper or attach photos with staples.
Absolutely not. Any form of retouching — including airbrushing, skin smoothing, blemish removal, teeth whitening, wrinkle reduction, or any digital alteration of facial features — is strictly prohibited. The photo must be a true, unaltered representation of your natural appearance. Enhanced or retouched photos will be rejected.
Yes! Any modern smartphone camera is sufficient. Upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop to the exact 2x2 inch (51x51mm) size, replace the background with plain white, position your head and eyes correctly, and produce a photo that meets all VFS Global and Indian consulate requirements.
VFS Global typically requires 2 to 4 identical printed photos for Indian passport applications. The exact number varies depending on the service type (new passport, renewal, Tatkaal) and the country where you are applying. Check the VFS Global website for your specific country to confirm the required number.
