A successful application for an Indian e-Visa hinges on the precise submission of two fundamental documents: your personal photograph and your passport scan. Even minor errors in these uploads are among the most common reasons for processing delays and outright rejections. Therefore, a meticulous understanding of the official INDIAN VISA PHOTO REQUIREMENTS and INDIAN VISA PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS is the cornerstone of a smooth and stress-free application process. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to ensure your documents meet the exact specifications set by the Government of India.

Mastering the Indian Visa Photograph Specifications

The photograph you submit is not simply a picture; it is a formal biometric document used for identification at immigration. The requirements are specific and non-negotiable. First, the technical specifications: your digital photo must be square, with minimum dimensions of 350 pixels by 350 pixels, and the file size should not exceed 1 MB. Your face must cover between 50-70% of the image area, centered within the frame. Crucially, the photograph must be a recent, separate image of you. You cannot under any circumstances reuse or scan the photograph printed inside your passport, as this will lead to immediate disqualification.

Beyond size, the content and composition of the photo are critically important. The image must be in sharp focus with no blurring, taken against a plain, light-colored background—preferably white or off-white, without any patterns, shadows, or other people. You must be looking directly at the camera with a neutral facial expression, meaning eyes fully open and a closed mouth without smiling or frowning. Head coverings are only permitted for documented religious reasons, and even then, your full face from the bottom of your chin to your forehead must be clearly visible without any shadows obscuring your features. While you may wear glasses, it is strongly recommended to remove them to avoid glare or reflections that hide your eyes, which can cause requests for re-upload. The lighting must be even and uniform to avoid shadows, and the photo should be in color without any filters or editing software adjustments. Following these guidelines to the letter will ensure your photo passes the initial automated and officer-led checks.

Navigating Indian Visa Passport Scan Requirements

Your passport is the primary document verifying your identity and eligibility for travel. The scan you provide must be a flawless digital copy of the biographical data page. This is the page that contains your photograph, personal details, passport number, issue date, and expiry date. The most critical rule is that every single character of information on this passport page must match exactly what you type into your online visa application form. This includes your given name, date of birth, place of birth, and passport issuance details. Any discrepancy, no matter how small, can flag your application for manual review and cause significant delays.

For the scan itself, clarity and completeness are paramount. You must capture the entire page, ensuring all four corners are visible within the image. The scan should be in color, high-resolution, and perfectly legible with no part of the data cropped out, blurred, or obscured by glare from a camera flash. Specifically, the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)—the two lines of text at the bottom of the page—must be fully visible and clear, as this is read by automated systems. You can create this scan using a dedicated scanner or by taking a high-quality photograph with a smartphone or digital camera, provided the final image is crisp and flat without any skewing or shadows. The file size should ideally be under 1 MB for easy upload, and acceptable formats include PDF, JPG, or PNG. It is also vital to check your passport’s validity. The Government of India mandates that your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into the country. An expired passport or one with insufficient validity is grounds for application rejection.

Common Pitfalls and Pro-Tips for a Flawless Submission

Many applicants stumble on avoidable mistakes. A frequent error is using the wrong photograph, such as an old photo, a cropped passport photo, or an edited selfie with a filter. Another common issue is a mismatched passport scan where details like the place of birth (entering “New York City” when the passport states just “New York”) do not align perfectly with the application form. Applicants with religious headwear must be extra cautious to ensure their facial features from the bottom of the chin to the forehead and both edges of the face are fully visible to meet the requirements.

To ensure a seamless process, treat the document upload stage with the same seriousness as filling out the application form. Double-check the alignment of all data between your physical passport and your digital application before you submit. Use natural, even lighting when capturing both your photograph and passport scan to avoid shadows and glare. Before final upload, review your files: is the photo background plain and light? Is every character on the passport scan perfectly readable? Is the MRZ zone clear? Taking these extra few minutes to verify can save you weeks of potential processing delays. Remember, the Indian e-Visa system is designed for efficiency, but it relies on the accuracy of the information and documents you provide. By meticulously adhering to the official photo and passport scan guidelines, you transform this critical step from a hurdle into a straightforward gateway to your Indian journey.