The Indian Consulate in Dubai has introduced a new rule for passport applications, requiring UAE-based expats to book appointments online before visiting the mission. This change aims to streamline services, reduce waiting times, and provide a more efficient experience for applicants.
Dubai, UAE: Indian expats in the UAE seeking passport services must now adhere to stricter photograph guidelines. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has announced that starting September 1, 2025, passport applications will only be accepted with ICAO-compliant photographs—a mandatory update aligned with international travel standards
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The move comes in response to a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which has mandated that all diplomatic missions worldwide adopt the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These standards ensure high quality and uniformity in biometric identification for passport holders.
With Dubai’s consulate implementing the policy first, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is expected to launch the same requirements soon.
To meet the new rules, passport photographs must adhere to the following criteria:
Parents applying for passports for newborns should be aware that the Indian Consulate’s authorized service provider, BLS International, does not offer infant photography. This means newborn passport applicants must arrange their own ICAO-compliant photos from external providers.
The consulate has communicated the new guidelines to BLS International. However, as of this announcement, the BLS website still lists the older photo standards. Applicants should therefore verify the updated requirements independently before submission—and ensure any photos taken at BLS centres meet the new guidelines, especially if opting for on-site photography services, which come with an additional fee.
With over 3.5 million Indians residing in the UAE, passport services are in high demand. Ensuring that photo submissions meet ICAO benchmarks helps streamline processing, reduces rejections or delays, and aligns India’s documentation with global travel regulations.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 630 × 810 pixels, white background |
| Framing | Head/shoulders fill 80–85% of frame, front view |
| Facial Expression | Neutral; eyes open; mouth closed |
| No Reflections/Edits | Avoid glare, red-eye, shadows, edit artifacts |
| Lighting | Uniform, natural skin tone |
| Sharpness | Clear, in-focus photo from ~1.5m distance |
| Accessories | No glasses; religious head covering allowed if face is visible |
| Infants | Must source compliant photo externally |
From September 1, 2025, passport applicants at the Indian Consulate in Dubai must submit ICAO-compliant photographs. The updated rules—covering dimensions, composition, lighting, and restrictions on glasses and editing—are designed to align with international travel document standards. Parents applying for passports for infants should prepare compliant photos externally, as BLS centres do not provide this service. Applicants are advised to review the updated guidelines on the consulate’s website before filing applications.
