Updated Passport Regulations for Indian Expats in Dubai
Starting from September 1, 2025, Indian expatriates in Dubai will be required to follow updated passport photo guidelines that are in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. These changes aim to ensure global acceptance and reduce rejection at immigration checks.
The new photo requirements include a color image, 2 x 2 inches (630 x 810 pixels), taken against a plain white background. The face should occupy 80-85% of the frame, with the applicant keeping their eyes open, mouth closed, and face fully visible and centred. Glasses are not permitted in passport photos.
Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, provided the face remains fully visible. No filters, digital edits, or blurring are allowed in the passport photograph. The photograph should be taken from a distance of approximately 1.5 meters.
The updated photo guidelines have been communicated to embassies and consulates globally by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Indian Consulate in Dubai advises applicants to familiarize themselves with the updated photo specifications before scheduling passport appointments.
These changes are not limited to Dubai. Indian missions abroad, including those in Kuwait and soon Abu Dhabi, are enforcing these new passport standards. The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco is expected to implement the new passport photo requirements in the near future, starting August 1, 2025, alongside a transition to VFS Global services.
The adjustment required for the new, compliant photos is a small one, with the benefit of smoother processing and fewer chances of rejection or delay at both the consular and border-control level. The changes are expected to align Indian passports with global biometric norms, enhancing their acceptance worldwide.
