India eVisa Photo Requirements 2026: The Complete Checklist
The wrong photo is the #1 reason India eVisa applications get rejected. Here are the exact photo specifications, common mistakes, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
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The India eVisa photo is the single most common reason for rejection. The Indian government's automated system scans every uploaded photo against a strict set of technical and visual standards. A bad photo means automatic rejection — even if all your other documents are perfect. Here are the exact requirements and how to get them right.
India eVisa Photo Specifications
- ✅ Format: JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) only — NOT PNG, BMP, or TIFF
- ✅ File size: 10KB minimum, 1MB maximum
- ✅ Dimensions: Minimum 350×350 pixels (square or near-square)
- ✅ Background: Plain white or off-white — no patterns, gradients, or colors
- ✅ Face coverage: 70–80% of the frame (chin to top of head)
- ✅ Expression: Neutral, eyes open and looking at camera
- ✅ Lighting: Even, no shadows on face or background
- ✅ Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- ❌ No glasses (prescription or sunglasses)
- ❌ No hats or head coverings (except for religious purposes)
- ❌ No heavy filters or image editing to alter appearance
- ❌ No other people visible in the background
How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home
- Find a white background: Stand 1–2 feet in front of a plain white wall. The more distance between you and the wall, the fewer shadows you will get.
- Set up good lighting: Face a window with natural daylight. Avoid direct sunlight (creates harsh shadows) and avoid shooting at night with artificial light (creates yellow tones).
- Use your phone's rear camera: Front cameras have wider lenses that distort facial proportions. Use the rear camera and ask someone to take the photo.
- Position correctly: Hold the phone at eye level, centered on your face. Your face should fill 70–80% of the frame.
- Prepare yourself: Remove glasses. Hair should be away from your face. Wear a contrasting top (not white) so your shoulders are visible. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression.
- Take multiple shots: Take 10+ photos and review them. Reject any with shadows, red-eye, blur, or unflattering lighting.
- Check file format and size: If your phone saves photos as HEIC or PNG, convert to JPEG. Check the file size is between 10KB and 1MB.
Quick Fix for Wrong Background Color:
If your wall isn't pure white, use a free online photo background remover (remove.bg, PhotoRoom, or similar) to replace the background with white. These tools work well for passport-style photos. Check that no shadows appear on the final white background.
Most Common Photo Rejection Reasons
- Colored or non-white background: Even light beige or cream may fail if the contrast algorithm doesn't read it as white enough
- Glasses on: Strictly enforced — remove all eyewear
- Face too small or too large: Too much background or face cut off at edges
- Shadows on face or wall: Most common cause; stand further from the wall
- Wrong format: Accidentally uploading PNG or HEIC instead of JPEG
- File too large: Photos from modern phones are often 3–5MB — must be compressed below 1MB
- Old photo: Must be recent (within 6 months)
- Looking away: Eyes must look directly at the camera, not up, down, or to the side
Reducing File Size Without Losing Quality
Modern smartphone photos are often 4–10MB — well above the 1MB limit. To compress:
- Online tools: compressjpeg.com, tinyjpg.com — free, no download required
- Windows: Open in Paint → Save As → reduce quality percentage
- Mac: Open in Preview → Export → adjust quality slider
- Aim for 100–400KB — safely within limits with plenty of margin
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the India eVisa photo requirements?
The India eVisa photo must be JPEG format, 10KB to 1MB in file size, minimum 350x350 pixels, taken against a plain white or off-white background, showing a full-face frontal view with no glasses, hat, or head covering (except for religious reasons), with no shadows on the face or background.
Can I take the India eVisa photo at home?
Yes. You can take a compliant India eVisa photo at home using a smartphone. Place yourself against a white wall in good natural light, hold your phone at eye level, and use the rear camera. Avoid flash, which creates shadows. Use a photo editing app or online tool to crop and convert to JPEG if needed.
What size should my India eVisa photo be?
The India eVisa photo must be at least 350x350 pixels (square format). The file must be in JPEG format and between 10KB and 1MB. The face should occupy 70-80% of the frame from chin to top of head.
Can I wear glasses in my India eVisa photo?
No. Glasses are not permitted in the India eVisa photo, even prescription glasses. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo. This rule is strictly enforced and glasses are a common rejection cause.
