Indian Passport
Photo Requirements Australia 2026
पासपोर्ट फोटो आवश्यकताएं
Indian Passport Photo Requirements
NRI living in Australia and renewing your Indian passport or OCI card? New ICAO rules from September 2025 have changed key requirements - including a complete ban on glasses. This is the most complete, up-to-date guide for Indian expats in Australia.
Quick Reference - ICAO 2025
Photo size (print)35 × 45 mm
OCI / e-Visa size51 × 51 mm (square)
Digital (Passport Seva)630 × 810 px · JPEG <250KB
Face coverage80–85% ⚡ Updated
BackgroundPure white ONLY
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed
GlassesBanned since Sep 2025
Photo ageWithin 6 months
ColourColour only - no B&W
Photos required (VFS)2 photos
35mm
45mm
What's in this guide
September 2025 ICAO update - glasses now banned
From September 1, 2025, glasses are prohibited in all Indian passport applications at embassies and consulates worldwide - including VFS Global Australia. Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses were conditionally permitted. Any glasses now result in automatic rejection.
Three different photo formats - know which one you need
Indian passport renewal uses 35×45mm prints. OCI card and e-Visa applications use 51×51mm square photos. The Passport Seva Portal digital upload requires exactly 630×810 pixels. Different applications need different photos - PassPhoto applies the correct format automatically.
PassPhoto applies all current Indian requirements automatically
Select your application type (passport, OCI, or e-Visa), upload your photo. We apply the correct format, size, white background and ICAO-compliant specifications before expert review and printing.
Official specifications
The exact 2025 specs - ICAO verified.
These are the official requirements from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Passport Seva portal, updated September 2025 to align with ICAO biometric standards.
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo size (print) | 35mm wide × 45mm high Also accepted on some forms: 2×2 inch (51×51mm) | VFS Global in Australia accepts 35×45mm for passport renewal. Some older application forms specify 51×51mm - check your specific form before ordering. | REQUIRED |
Face coverage | 80–85% of photo height Updated from 70–80% in September 2025 | This is a significant change. Your face (chin to top of head) must now fill 80–85% of the photo. Photos with 70–80% coverage that were previously accepted will now be rejected. | UPDATED 2025 |
Background colour | Plain white ONLY No off-white, cream, or light grey | The Passport Seva portal's automated checker is strict about background uniformity. Even subtle off-white tones cause rejection. This is stricter than Australian passports which allow light grey. | INDIA SPECIFIC |
Glasses | Not permitted - banned Changed September 1, 2025 | Under the 2025 ICAO update, glasses are no longer permitted in any Indian passport photos. Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses were conditionally allowed. Any glasses are now an automatic rejection. | CHANGED 2025 |
Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Both eyes fully open, looking directly at camera. No smiling, frowning or tilting. Head must be straight. | REQUIRED |
Photo colour | Colour only Black and white not accepted | Natural, accurate skin tones required. No heavy colour casts, unusual tinting or colour manipulation of any kind. | REQUIRED |
Photo age | Within 6 months | Must represent current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly - major weight change, facial surgery, new significant facial hair - new photos required even within 6 months. | REQUIRED |
Shadows | None permitted Face or background | No shadows on the background, face, under the nose or behind the ears. Uniform lighting required. | REQUIRED |
Head coverings | Not permitted Religious coverings accepted | Full face - forehead to chin, both cheeks - must be clearly visible. Head coverings for religious reasons (turbans, hijabs) accepted but face must be fully visible. Decorative accessories are not allowed. | CONDITIONAL |
Print quality | Professional lab print Dye sublimation or equivalent quality | Polaroid photos and home inkjet prints are explicitly not accepted. Must be continuous tone professional quality. No marks, folds, tears or damage. | REQUIRED |
Digital editing | Not permitted | Beauty filters, skin smoothing, background replacement, and AI enhancement are prohibited. The Passport Seva portal and VFS automated systems flag manipulated images. | NOT ALLOWED |
Photos required (VFS) | 2 identical photos | Both photos must be identical - same session, same clothing and appearance. One is pasted to the application form; one is attached separately. | REQUIRED |
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo size (print) | 51mm × 51mm (2×2 inch) Square format - not rectangular | OCI card uses a square format, unlike the rectangular 35×45mm used for passport renewal. Submitting a 35×45mm photo to an OCI application will cause rejection. | OCI SPECIFIC |
Digital upload (OCI portal) | 200–1500 pixels (square) · JPEG · <500KB | The OCI portal accepts a square digital upload between 200×200 and 1500×1500 pixels. Separate signature image also required: 1:3 ratio, 200×67 to 1500×500 pixels, <500KB. | OCI SPECIFIC |
Face coverage | 70–80% of photo area | OCI requirements still follow the pre-September 2025 standard. However, ICAO updates may be applied - aim for 75–80% to be safe. | REQUIRED |
Background colour | Plain white ONLY | Same strict white background requirement as passport photos. No off-white, cream or grey. | REQUIRED |
Glasses | Not permitted OCI guidelines explicitly say no tinted or dark glasses, and the September 2025 ICAO update bans all glasses | OCI card photograph guidelines state "No tinted or dark glasses." Combined with the September 2025 ICAO update for overseas applications, no glasses should be worn. | NOT ALLOWED |
Different from passport photo | Must be different | OCI photo requirements specifically state the photo must be different from the one used in the passport application. It must represent your current appearance. | OCI SPECIFIC |
Photos required | 1 print + 1 digital upload | One physical 51×51mm print for the application, plus one digital upload on the OCI services portal. Both must be identical. | REQUIRED |
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Passport Seva Portal upload | Exactly 630 × 810 pixels · JPEG · <250KB Updated September 2025 | This is a non-square 7:9 aspect ratio - different from OCI (square). The portal's automated system rejects any photo outside these exact dimensions. | UPDATED 2025 |
e-Visa digital upload | Square · 10KB–1MB · JPEG Min 350×350 pixels recommended | Indian e-Visa photo is a square format. The portal accepts any square JPEG between 10KB and 1MB. Face coverage and background rules are identical to print photos. | REQUIRED |
Background | Plain white ONLY | Portal's automated checker rejects any background with patterns, shadows, gradients or off-white tones. White must be pure RGB white. | REQUIRED |
Face coverage (digital) | 80–85% of frame height | Same updated ICAO standard applies to digital uploads. Many photos that passed before September 2025 now fail. | UPDATED 2025 |
Glasses (digital) | Not permitted | The Passport Seva portal automated system flags glasses as an automatic rejection under 2025 ICAO enforcement - even without visible glare. | NOT ALLOWED |
Signature upload | 1:3 ratio · 140×60px min · JPEG · <250KB Required for Passport Seva Portal only | Separate from the photo upload. Must be a black ink signature on plain white paper, scanned at 200–300 DPI, with no shadows or background colour. | REQUIRED |
Detailed requirements
Every rule, explained clearly.
These requirements apply to Indian passport renewal through VFS Global in Australia. Updated for the September 2025 ICAO changes that affect all Indian expats worldwide.
Photo Size - 35 × 45mm
Indian passport renewal via VFS Global in Australia uses 35×45mm prints - a standard portrait format. Note that some older Indian application forms specify 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos. Always check your specific VFS form requirements before ordering. OCI cards use 51×51mm square - a completely different size.
Always confirm the size with your specific VFS form. The most common size for passport renewal in Australia is 35×45mm.
Updated Sep 2025
Face Coverage - 80–85% (Updated)
The September 2025 ICAO update increased required face coverage from 70–80% to 80–85% of the photo height. This means your face needs to fill a significantly larger portion of the frame than before. Photos that were accepted at 70% coverage before September 2025 may now be rejected.
Your face from chin to top of head must fill 80–85% of the photo height. Move closer to the camera than you would for older requirements.
Pure White Background
The background must be pure white - no off-white, cream, warm tones, or light grey. The Passport Seva portal and VFS automated systems use colour analysis to verify background purity. This is stricter than Australian passport requirements which accept light grey. Even very subtle warmth or grey cast will be flagged.
Test in daylight on a white wall or paper. If it looks even slightly grey or warm on screen, it will fail automated detection.
Changed Sep 2025
Glasses - Now Completely Banned
As of September 1, 2025, glasses are not permitted in Indian passport photos - a change from previous rules that conditionally allowed non-reflective prescription glasses. The Passport Seva portal now flags any glasses as an automatic rejection, regardless of whether there is glare. Even clear, thin-framed prescription glasses are rejected.
Remove all glasses before taking your passport photo. No exceptions exist under the 2025 ICAO rules - not even for medical necessity under the current implementation.
Neutral Expression
Completely neutral expression - no smiling, no frowning, no raised eyebrows, no exaggerated expressions. Mouth must be gently closed. Both eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera lens. Head must be straight - no tilt, no turn to either side, no looking up or down.
Look at the camera lens, not the preview screen. The lens and screen are in slightly different positions - looking at the screen means your eyes aren't directly aimed at the lens.
Clothing - No Uniforms
Civilian, everyday clothing only. Uniforms of any kind - military, police, government, school, sports - are not permitted. Casual attire such as a plain shirt, kurta, or blouse is appropriate. Avoid white or very light coloured clothing which blends with the white background and causes shoulder detection issues in automated systems.
Wear dark or clearly contrasting clothing. No uniforms, no white tops, no large graphics or logos near the collar area.
Hair - Full Face Visible
Your entire face from forehead to chin must be visible. Hair covering the forehead, falling across the cheeks, or obscuring the outline of the face will cause rejection. Long hair should be pinned back or worn behind the shoulders so it does not obscure the face outline against the white background.
Pull hair away from the face fully. Both eyebrows, both cheeks, and the full forehead must be clearly visible against the background.
No Digital Manipulation
Photos must be completely unedited. The Passport Seva portal and VFS systems use automated image analysis to detect skin smoothing, background replacement, red-eye correction, brightness adjustment, and AI enhancements. Any detected manipulation causes automatic rejection. Modern smartphones apply many of these adjustments automatically.
Turn off all phone camera enhancements: beauty mode, portrait mode, Smart HDR, skin smoothing, and AI scene detection. Use plain Photo mode only.
Lighting - Uniform, No Shadows
Lighting must be completely uniform across your face and background. No shadows on the background, under the nose, under the chin, or beside the face. Single overhead lights, direct flash, and being too close to the background wall all cause shadows. The VFS automated system flags even subtle shadow patterns.
Stand 1 metre from the wall behind you. Use two light sources at equal distance on each side, or shoot facing a large window on an overcast day.
Side by side comparison
Indian vs Australian -
key differences.
Both countries use portrait format photos, but several requirements differ - particularly the background colour and the September 2025 glasses rule change.
Indian Passport Photo (2026)
For VFS Global & Indian Consulate
Photo size (print)35 × 45 mm
Face coverage80–85% (updated Sep 2025)
BackgroundPure white ONLY
GlassesBanned since Sep 2025
Black & whiteNot accepted
Photos required2 identical prints
OCI format51×51mm (square - different)
UniformsNot permitted
Australian Passport Photo
For Australian Passport Office
Photo size (print)35–40 × 45–50mm Similar
Face coverage70–80% Different
BackgroundWhite OR light grey Different
GlassesBanned entirely Same
Black & whiteNot accepted Same
Photos requiredUsually 2 Same
OCI formatN/A - AU only N/A
UniformsNot permitted
Can I use my Australian passport photo for my Indian passport renewal?
Not reliably. Australian photos may use light grey backgrounds which Indian consulates reject. The face coverage requirement also differs (80–85% for India vs 70–80% for Australia). While the photo size is similar, the specific Indian requirements mean you should always order photos specifically formatted for Indian specifications. PassPhoto applies these automatically.
Quick reference
Do's &Don'ts - 2026 guide.
You MUST do this
Photo size: 35×45mm for passport renewal, 51×51mm for OCI
Face fills 80–85% of the photo (updated September 2025)
Pure white background - not grey, not cream, not off-white
Remove all glasses before taking the photo (changed September 2025)
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully open
Look directly at the camera lens (not the preview screen)
Uniform, shadow-free lighting across face and background
Colour photo only - black and white not accepted
Taken within the last 6 months
Professional print quality - continuous tone, no inkjet
Provide 2 identical photos for VFS passport renewal
You must NEVER do this
Wear glasses of any kind (banned since September 2025)
Use a grey or off-white background - must be pure white
Use face fill less than 80% of the photo (old standard rejected)
Wear a uniform - military, police, school or otherwise
Smile or have any non-neutral expression
Have shadows on your face or the background
Edit, filter or retouch the photo in any way
Use the same OCI photo as your passport photo
Use a 35×45mm photo for an OCI application (needs 51×51mm)
Print on an inkjet home printer
Wear white or very light clothing (blends with background)
Avoid rejection
Why Indian passport photos
get rejected in Australia.
These are the most common rejection causes at VFS Global Sydney and Melbourne, including the new 2025 ICAO-related rejections.
01
Glasses - now automatic rejection NEW 2025
Previously the most debated rule - prescription glasses without glare were conditionally permitted. Since September 1, 2025, glasses of any kind are now an automatic rejection under the new ICAO enforcement. The Passport Seva portal flags them before a human reviewer even sees the application.
Remove all glasses
02
Face coverage too small - 80% now minimum UPDATED 2025
The updated ICAO standard requires 80–85% face coverage. Many applicants use photos taken under the old 70–80% standard - even if those photos were accepted before September 2025, they now fail. The automated portal check detects photos where the face-to-frame ratio is below 80%.
80–85% face coverage required
03
Grey or off-white background
Australian photo studios typically use light grey backgrounds which pass for Australian passports. Indian consulates and the Passport Seva portal require pure white. The automated colour-checking system flags any background that deviates from pure white - including very subtle grey casts from studio lighting.
Pure white background only
04
Wrong size - 35×45mm submitted for OCI (needs 51×51mm)
This is the most common confusion for applicants who need both a passport renewal and an OCI card. The two applications need different sized photos. Submitting a 35×45mm photo to an OCI application (which requires 51×51mm square) will result in rejection of the OCI application.
Match size to application type
05
Shadows on face or background
Single-source lighting, standing too close to the background wall, or overhead lighting all create shadows. The VFS and Passport Seva automated systems flag shadow patterns even if they are subtle. Shadows under the chin, nose, or beside the head outline on the background are common rejection causes.
Stand 1m from wall, use two light sources
06
Wrong digital file specs for Passport Seva Portal UPDATED 2025
The September 2025 update changed the Passport Seva Portal digital upload requirement to exactly 630×810 pixels - a non-square 7:9 ratio - under 250KB JPEG. Photos that were accepted under the old flexible range (350×350 to 1000×1000) no longer pass the automated portal checker.
Exactly 630×810px, JPEG, <250KB
07
Digital editing detected
Skin smoothing, beauty filters, background replacement, brightness adjustments and AI enhancements are all flagged by the automated detection system. Modern phones apply these automatically unless specifically disabled. Even apps that promise "passport photo" quality often apply background removal or skin smoothing that causes rejection.
Turn off all phone beauty modes
08
Uniform or inappropriate clothing
Indian passport photo guidelines explicitly prohibit uniforms. This includes military, police, government, school and sports uniforms. Applicants who wear their work uniform for a "quick photo" frequently have their applications rejected. Casual everyday clothing is required - a plain shirt, kurta, or blouse is appropriate.
Wear civilian everyday clothing
Step by step
How to take your Indian
passport photo at home.
The 2025 ICAO update means closer framing is now required. Follow these steps for a VFS-compliant result that passes automated checking at the portal and in person.
1
Set up a pure white background
Use a white wall, hang a white bedsheet, or tape white poster board behind you. The background must be pure white - not cream, not off-white, not warm-tinted from incandescent lights. Check it looks pure white in your phone camera's preview. Even subtle warmth makes the background appear off-white to the automated system.
Pro tip: Shoot near a large north-facing window during daylight. Natural daylight gives the truest white. Warm incandescent bulbs add a yellow cast that makes white walls appear cream - always rejected by Indian consulates.
2
Stand exactly 1 metre from the wall - eliminate shadows
Shadows on the background are one of the most common rejection causes. Stand or sit at least 1 metre from the wall behind you so your body doesn't cast shadows. Use two light sources - one on each side of your face at 45° angles and equal distance. This eliminates facial shadows and creates even, uniform lighting.
Pro tip: On an overcast day, the soft diffused light from a large window creates perfect shadow-free lighting on its own. Harsh direct sunlight creates strong shadows - use it only when the sun is behind a cloud layer.
3
Remove glasses - no exceptions under ICAO rules
Since September 2025, glasses are automatically rejected regardless of glare or frame type. Remove all glasses before taking the photo. If you wear contact lenses, clear non-tinted lenses are acceptable. Coloured contact lenses that change eye colour should also be removed.
2025 change: Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses were conditionally permitted. This has changed completely. The Passport Seva portal's automated checker now flags any glasses as non-compliant, even in photos with no visible glare or reflection.
4
Frame tightly - 80–85% face coverage required (updated)
The 2025 update increased face coverage from 70–80% to 80–85%. This means you need to stand or sit closer to the camera than before, or zoom in so your face fills more of the frame. Your face (chin to the top of your head) should fill approximately 80–85% of the photo height. This is more than most people intuitively think.
Quick check: Take a test shot and look at it on a large screen. If your face seems small in the frame with lots of background above your head and below your chin, you're too far away. Move 20–30cm closer and retake.
5
Disable all phone camera enhancements
Before shooting, turn off: Portrait Mode, Beauty/Skin Smooth mode, Smart HDR, Scene Optimiser (Samsung), AI Camera, and any automatic face enhancement. These are all detected as digital manipulation. Use plain Photo mode with default settings only.
iPhone specific: Settings → Camera → Photographic Styles → set to Standard or None. Turn off Smart HDR in Settings → Camera → Smart HDR. For Samsung: Camera settings → turn off Scene Optimiser and Shooting Methods that use AI.
6
Take the photo - check expression, coverage, shadows
Neutral expression - relax your face completely, mouth gently closed, eyes fully open. Look at the camera lens, not the screen. Head perfectly straight - no tilt in any direction. Take 20+ photos. Review on a large screen: face fills 80–85% of frame, pure white background, no shadows, no glasses, wearing civilian clothing.
2025 ICAO checklist: No glasses · 80–85% face coverage · Pure white background · No shadows · Neutral expression · Civilian clothing · Taken within 6 months · No editing
7
Upload to PassPhoto - we apply the exact ICAO spec
Upload your photo to PassPhoto and select India (and your application type: Passport / OCI / e-Visa). We apply the correct dimensions (35×45mm for passport, 51×51mm for OCI), adjust for the 80–85% face coverage standard, ensure pure white background, and produce the exact 630×810px digital file if needed. Expert human review before printing.
Why PassPhoto for Indian photos: The 2025 ICAO update changes many things simultaneously. PassPhoto applies all September 2025 standards automatically → - correct size for your application type, correct face coverage percentage, pure white background, and compliant digital file specs.
VFS Global centres
Indian Passport Services in Australia.
Indian passport renewals in Australia are processed through VFS Global (India Passport and Visa Services Centre). All VFS centres require ICAO-compliant photos meeting the September 2025 standards.
Sydney
VFS Global - NSW / ACT
VFS Address
Level 5, 6 O'Connell Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Services
Passport renewal, OCI card, visas, PCC, attestation
Hours
Mon–Fri · 9:00–17:30 AEST (closed AU/IN public holidays)
Appointment
Required - book online at vfsglobal.com/india/australia
Processing time
Passport renewal: 6–8 weeks. OCI: 8–12 weeks
Serves
NSW, ACT and surrounding areas
Melbourne
VFS Global - VIC / TAS / SA
VFS Address
Suite 4, Level 12, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Also by post to
PO Box 23057, Docklands VIC 3008
Hours
Mon–Fri · 9:00–17:30 AEST (closed AU/IN public holidays)
Helpline
03 8593 9124 · 9:00–15:30 AEST business days
Processing time
Passport renewal: 6–8 weeks. Peak periods may be longer
Serves
VIC, TAS, SA and surrounding areas
Brisbane
Indian Consulate - QLD / NT
Consulate Address
12th Floor, 301 Coronation Drive, Milton QLD 4064
Important
Most services (passport, OCI, visa) are handled by VFS. Visit consulate only for life/death certificates and emergency documents
Consulate hours (Misc only)
Mon–Fri · 10:30–12:30 (life certs & attestation only)
Helpline
03 9956 3830 · 9:00–15:30 AEST
PassPhoto tip
Order ICAO-compliant Indian passport photos from PassPhoto, delivered to your Brisbane address in 1–2 days
Serves
QLD, NT (passport/OCI via VFS online)
VFS Global provides photo services on-site - but verify specs first
Unlike Japanese and Chinese consulates, Indian VFS Global centres offer ICAO-compliant photo-taking services on-site at some locations. However, the on-site photos are chargeable and appointment slots are limited. Many applicants prefer to arrive with pre-ordered PassPhoto photos to avoid any uncertainty about photo compliance on the day of their appointment.
ICAO Compliant
September 2025 standards applied - correct face coverage, no glasses, exact pixel dimensions.
Passport, OCI & e-Visa
All three Indian photo formats covered - correct size and spec for each application type.
VFS Acceptance Guarantee
Free reprint if your photo is rejected at VFS Global for any compliance reason.
Delivered Australia-Wide
Free tracked delivery to any Australian address. Digital file emailed same day.
Frequently asked questions
Indian passport photo questions answered.
Still have questions?
These are the most common questions from Indian expats in Australia about the 2025 ICAO changes, OCI card requirements, and VFS Global processes.
Need help with your specific situation? Our team reviews every photo before printing and can advise on whether your photo meets the latest requirements.
Contact our teamWhat changed for Indian passport photos in September 2025?
From September 1, 2025, all Indian embassies and consulates worldwide mandated ICAO-compliant passport photos. Key changes: glasses are now completely prohibited (previously conditionally permitted), face must cover 80–85% of the photo (previously 70–80%), and Passport Seva Portal digital uploads must be exactly 630×810 pixels (JPEG, under 250KB). Photos not meeting these standards are automatically rejected at the portal upload stage without manual review.
Can I still wear glasses in my Indian passport photo in 2025?
No. As of September 1, 2025, glasses are completely prohibited in Indian passport photos submitted at any embassy or consulate worldwide, including VFS Global Australia. Previously, non-reflective prescription glasses without glare were conditionally permitted. This has changed completely - the Passport Seva portal automated system flags any glasses as an automatic rejection, regardless of whether glare is visible.
What is the difference between Indian passport, OCI card, and e-Visa photos?
Three different formats are required: Passport renewal (VFS Global): 35×45mm print, 2 copies, 80–85% face coverage. OCI card: 51×51mm square print (different shape), 70–80% face coverage, plus digital upload (200–1500px square, JPEG, under 500KB). e-Visa: Square digital photo, 350×350px minimum, 10KB–1MB. Using the wrong size for any of these applications causes rejection. Select your application type when ordering from PassPhoto - we apply the correct format automatically.
How do I renew my Indian passport in Australia?
Indian passport renewals are processed through VFS Global (India Passport and Visa Services Centre). Apply online at passportindia.gov.in first, then book an appointment at your local VFS centre - Sydney (Level 5, 6 O'Connell Street), Melbourne (Level 12, 55 Swanston Street), or Brisbane. You'll need: current passport, completed application form, 2 ICAO-compliant 35×45mm photos (white background, no glasses, 80–85% face), and proof of Australian residence. Processing takes 6–8 weeks. Fees vary by passport type (36-page approximately AUD $103, 60-page approximately AUD $137).
Why can't I use the same photo for my passport and OCI card?
OCI card guidelines explicitly state that the photo must be different from the one used in the passport application. Even if the photos are taken on the same day, they must be distinct images. Additionally, OCI uses a different photo format (51×51mm square vs 35×45mm portrait for passport), so identical sizing isn't possible anyway. Order separate photos for each application from PassPhoto.
What is the exact digital photo size for the Passport Seva Portal?
As of the September 2025 update, the Passport Seva Portal requires photos to be exactly 630×810 pixels (JPEG format, under 250KB). This is a non-square 7:9 aspect ratio - different from OCI applications which use a square format. Photos outside these exact dimensions are automatically rejected by the portal. A separate digital signature upload is also required (140×60 pixels minimum, 1:3 aspect ratio, under 250KB). PassPhoto provides the correct 630×810px digital file with all Indian passport orders.
Can VFS Global take my passport photo on the day of my appointment?
Some VFS Global centres offer on-site ICAO-compliant photo services, but this varies by location and availability. If photos are available on-site, they are chargeable. It is generally safer to arrive with your photos already prepared so you don't risk being turned away if the on-site photo service is unavailable or busy. Order from PassPhoto before your appointment - ICAO-compliant photos delivered to your door in 1–2 days.
Can I use an Australian passport photo for my Indian passport renewal?
Not reliably. Australian passport photos often use light grey backgrounds which Indian consulates reject. The face coverage requirement also differs - Australia accepts 70–80% while India now requires 80–85%. While the physical size is similar, specific Indian requirements mean you should always order photos specifically formatted for Indian specifications and the September 2025 ICAO standards. PassPhoto applies these automatically when you select India.
My Indian passport photo was rejected at VFS - what do I do?
First, get the specific rejection reason from VFS in writing. Most common causes in Australia: glasses (post-September 2025 rule), face too small in frame (below 80% coverage), grey or off-white background, digital editing detected, wrong size for the application type. If you ordered through PassPhoto and our photo was rejected for a compliance reason, we will reprint and redeliver at zero cost under our 100% acceptance guarantee. Email us the rejection notice and we'll process a free reprint immediately.
Where can I get Indian passport photos in Sydney or Melbourne?
PassPhoto delivers expert-reviewed, September 2025 ICAO-compliant Indian passport photos to any Sydney or Melbourne address. Digital file same day from $8, printed photos in 1–2 business days from $10. The correct format (35×45mm for passport renewal, 51×51mm for OCI) is applied automatically. The September 2025 ICAO rules - including no glasses, 80–85% face coverage, and exact digital dimensions - are built into every Indian order.
Understanding Indian Passport Photo Requirements in Australia - 2025 ICAO Update
India is home to the largest diaspora in Australia - with over 700,000 Indian-born residents, the demand for Indian passport renewal and OCI card services is significant. Indian passport photo requirements are set by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, and administered through the Passport Seva portal - upgraded to Passport Seva 2.0 - which now enforces ICAO Document 9303 biometric photo standards. From September 1, 2025, this became mandatory at every Indian embassy and consulate worldwide, including through VFS Global's Sydney and Melbourne centres. These changes affect every Indian expat with a passport renewal or OCI application due on or after that date.
The most significant change is the complete prohibition on glasses. Previously, the Indian passport photo guidelines allowed non-reflective prescription glasses without glare, provided frames did not obstruct the eyes. The Ministry of External Affairs' official Guidelines for ICAO Compliant Photographs for Passport Applications - issued to every Indian mission abroad, including the consulates that serve Australia - removed that middle ground entirely. The Passport Seva portal's automated checker now flags any glasses as non-compliant, regardless of transparency, glare, or frame type, and rejects the application before it reaches a human reviewer. The only recognised exception is a genuine medical condition, supported by a doctor's certificate, where glasses cannot physically be removed for the photo.
The second major change is face coverage - now 80–85% of the photo height, up from the previous 70–80%, as specified in the Passport Seva ICAO photograph guidelines. This affects how closely the photo must be framed. Many applicants used photos where the face filled approximately 72–75% of the frame, which passed under the old rules. These same photos now fail the automated portal detection. The effect is that thousands of NRIs across Australia with recently taken photos find themselves needing to retake them, as photos that were compliant before September 2025 no longer meet the current Passport Seva standard.
The three-format complexity of Indian government photo requirements creates genuine confusion for applicants, largely because each format sits behind a different portal. Passport renewal through Passport Seva calls for a 35×45mm portrait print and an exact 630×810 pixel digital upload. The OCI card - administered separately through the OCI Services portal - calls for a 51×51mm square format instead. Indian e-Visa applications, processed through the Indian Visa Online portal, use their own square digital specification again. Submitting the wrong format to any of these applications results in rejection, and OCI applications compound this by explicitly requiring a photo different from the one used in the passport application, plus a separate signature image in a 1:3 aspect ratio.
PassPhoto's Indian passport photo service applies all of these requirements automatically. When you select India and your application type - Passport Renewal, OCI Card, or e-Visa - the system applies the correct dimensions, face coverage standard, white background requirement, and digital file specifications for that specific application - based directly on the official requirements above. Every photo is reviewed by a trained human expert before printing. Professional dye-sublimation prints are delivered to any Australian address in 1–2 business days. For Indian expats in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and regional Australia, PassPhoto eliminates the uncertainty of whether your photos will meet the latest, most strictly enforced standards.
Helpful Guides
Everything you need
to know.
Country Guide
Australian Passport Photo Requirements 2026
The official 35×45mm spec, white background rules, and what the Department of Home Affairs accepts.
Country Guide
Chinese Passport Photos in Australia
Living in Australia and renewing your Chinese passport? The 33×48mm spec and what the Sydney consulate accepts.
How-To
How to Take Passport Photos at Home
Lighting, framing, and background tips so your first upload passes compliance review every time.
Country Guide
UK Passport Photos in Australia
HMPO specs, the 1-month recency rule, and the pale grey background requirement explained.
Country Guide
Korean Passport Photos in Australia
35×45mm specs, biometric requirements, and what the Korean consulate in Sydney accepts.
Country Guide
Vietnamese Passport Photos in Australia
Size, background, and expression rules for Vietnamese passport renewals through the Sydney consulate.
Country Guide
Philippine Passport Photos in Australia
DFA specs including the both-ears-visible rule and white background requirements for Filipinos in Australia.
Country Guide
Lebanese Passport Photos in Australia
Official Lebanese General Security specs and what the Sydney consulate requires for renewals.
How-To
Passport Photos Near Me
Why ordering online beats your local chemist - faster, cheaper, and accepted on first submission.
Country Guide
Hong Kong Passport Photos in Australia
HKSAR Immigration specs, 40×50mm format, and what the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office accepts.
How-To
Why Passport Photos Get Rejected
The 13 most common rejection reasons - shadows, head size, expression, background, and more.
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ICAO compliant.
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Delivered tomorrow.
Upload your photo. We apply every September 2025 rule - correct format, 80–85% face coverage, no glasses, pure white background. Expert review, professional print, free delivery to your Australian door.