Passport Photo Size Guide: India & Other Countries (2026)
The exact millimeter, pixel, and DPI specs — and why "2x2 inch" is the most common mistake Indian applicants make.
If you've searched for "Indian passport photo size" online, you've probably seen two different answers: 2×2 inch (51×51mm) and 35×45mm. Only one of these is correct for an actual Indian passport application — and mixing them up is one of the most common reasons photos get rejected at a Passport Seva Kendra.
Why the confusion exists
The 2×2 inch (51×51mm) size is the standard for US passport and visa photos, and it's widely used across the internet as a generic "passport photo size." Because so many templates and tools default to it, that square format gets applied to Indian applications too — even though the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Passport Seva have never used it for the passport itself.
Correct India passport photo specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical size | 35mm × 45mm (3.5cm × 4.5cm) |
| Digital pixels | 630 × 810 px |
| Background | Plain white |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 36–38mm (about 80–85% of frame) |
| File size (digital upload) | Typically 20KB–100KB, under 1MB |
| Recency | Photo taken within the last 6 months |
When would you actually need 2×2 inch (51×51mm) for an Indian application?
- Applying for a US visa as an Indian citizen
- Some OCI or consulate submissions processed through US-based centers (check your specific checklist)
- Certain printed forms at overseas application centers that explicitly request 2×2 inch prints
Always check the specific checklist for your application — "passport photo" and "visa photo" are not always the same spec, even for the same country.
Passport photo sizes for other countries
| Country | Size | Background |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White or off-white |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | Light grey or cream |
| Schengen/EU | 35×45mm | Light grey or white |
| Canada | 50×70mm | White |
| Australia | 35×45mm | White or light grey |
| China | 33×48mm | White or blue (varies by use) |
| Japan | 35×45mm | White or light blue |
| Brazil | 5×7cm (50×70mm) | White |
| Nigeria | 2×2 in (51×51mm) | White |
| Philippines | 35×45mm | White or blue |
| Pakistan | 35×45mm | White |
Tips for a compliant photo
- Use a plain, evenly lit background — no shadows, textures, or patterns.
- Neutral expression, eyes open, looking directly at the camera.
- No glasses for most current specs (including India, since late 2025) — glare or lens reflections are an automatic rejection.
- Check your face-height ratio, not just the outer frame size — this is the detail most people get wrong.
- Re-check file size limits for digital uploads; oversized files are rejected at the portal stage, not flagged for manual review.
This guide is for general reference. Specifications can change — always confirm current requirements against the official portal for your destination (e.g. Passport Seva for India) before submitting an application.
