New Passport Photo Regulations for Indian Expats in Dubai Starting September 1

Updated Passport Photo Requirements

Beginning September 1, Indian nationals residing in Dubai who are applying for or renewing their passports must adhere to new photo guidelines. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has announced that only photographs conforming to the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as of August 25 will be accepted.

As a result of this update, most applicants will need to provide new photographs that align with the revised specifications. Previously, there was some leniency, but the new regulations necessitate strict adherence to ICAO standards to ensure that passports are machine-readable and recognized globally.

Detailed Photo Specifications

• Camera Distance: Taken from a distance of 1.5 meters.


• Format: A colored image on a plain white background, measuring 630 x 810 pixels (or 2×2 inches when printed).


• Framing: A close-up of the head and shoulders, with the face occupying 80-85% of the frame.


• Clarity: No filters, digital alterations, or blurriness; natural skin tone should be visible.


• Lighting: Consistent brightness without shadows, glare, or red-eye.


• Facial Features: Eyes must be open, mouth closed, with no hair obscuring the eyes; the face should be straight and centered.


• Glasses & Coverings: Glasses should be removed; head coverings are permitted only for religious purposes, but the full face must be visible.


• Expression: A neutral and natural expression is required.

Rationale Behind the Change

The transition to ICAO-compliant photographs aims to enhance the security of Indian passports and facilitate their acceptance at immigration checkpoints worldwide. Other Indian diplomatic missions, such as the one in Kuwait, have already implemented similar regulations, and it is anticipated that Abu Dhabi will follow suit shortly.

Applicants in Dubai are encouraged to thoroughly review the updated passport photo requirements before booking their appointments to prevent any delays or rejections. For expatriates, this may necessitate taking new photographs that comply with the new standards. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure smoother travel and reduce complications at international borders.

Directive from the Ministry of External Affairs

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a directive stating that ICAO-compliant photographs will be mandatory for all passport applications worldwide starting September 1, 2025. The consulate has confirmed that only applications featuring photos that meet these standards will be processed.