New Passport Photo Rule for Indians in UAE from September 1

A major update has been announced for all Indians living in the UAE who need to apply for or renew their passports. Starting September 1, 2025, the passport application process will require new ICAO-compliant photographs. This change is being introduced after India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued fresh instructions for all embassies and consulates worldwide.

This means that almost all applicants will have to take new photographs that meet the updated international standards before submitting their passport applications. Many older photos will not be accepted anymore because they do not match the latest ICAO rules.

Why is this change happening?

ICAO stands for the International Civil Aviation Organisation. It is a global body that sets rules for travel documents, including passports. The ICAO has made strict biometric and identity requirements so that passports from every country look uniform and can be easily scanned at immigration counters worldwide.

To meet these standards, India has instructed all its embassies and consulates abroad, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait, to accept only ICAO-compliant photos.

What are the new passport photo rules?

The new guidelines are very specific and must be followed carefully:

1. Photo size: 630 x 810 pixels, in colour, with a plain white background.

2. Face size: The face should cover 80–85% of the frame.

3. Pose: Full face, front view, eyes open, mouth closed, natural expression.

4. Hair and eyes: No hair across eyes, no shadows, no red-eye, no flash reflection.

5. Lighting: Must be uniform so skin looks natural.

6. Position: Head centred, from the top of the hair to the chin.

7. Camera distance: Photo must be taken from around 1.5 meters away.

8. No editing: Picture must not be blurred, altered, or digitally changed.

9. Glasses: Not allowed (to avoid glare or reflection).

10. Head coverings: Allowed only for religious reasons, but the face must be fully visible.

What about newborn babies?

One challenge highlighted is with newborn baby passport applications. The outsourced service provider, BLS International, currently does not have facilities to photograph newborn babies in its centres. Parents will have to arrange photos for babies through private photography services that can meet the ICAO rules.

How will this affect applicants?

* Most applicants must retake photos. Even if you already have passport-size photos at home, they may not meet the new standards.

* Delays may occur. If photos do not meet requirements, applications will be rejected.

* Extra cost. At BLS centres, photography costs an additional Dh30, but not all services (like baby photography) are available.

The Indian consulates in the UAE have already updated their official websites with the new rules. However, at the time of announcement, BLS had not yet updated its website, which was still showing the old ICAO rules.

Why is this important for Indian expats in UAE?

The UAE has one of the largest Indian communities outside India. Thousands of passport applications are processed every month, including renewals, new passports for newborns, and reissues for lost or damaged documents.

If the new ICAO photo guidelines are not followed, people may face:

* Rejected applications

* Longer waiting times

* Missed travel plans (especially if urgent travel is involved)

That is why expats are being strongly advised to get their photos freshly taken according to the new standards before applying.

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Expected announcements in Abu Dhabi

So far, the new rules have been officially confirmed in Dubai and Kuwait. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is expected to make the same announcement soon, as the rule will apply across the UAE.

What applicants should do now

1. Do not use old photos. Go to a professional photo studio that can provide ICAO-compliant photos.

2. Double-check requirements. Ensure the photo meets all the points listed above before submission.

3. Plan ahead. If your passport is expiring soon, apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

4. For newborns. Parents should find studios that can take ICAO-standard baby photographs.