One of the most common reasons for Indian eVisa delays and rejections in 2026 is a non-compliant photograph. While the application process appears simple, even small photo errors — incorrect size, poor lighting, wrong background, or heavy editing — can lead to processing issues or airline boarding complications.
If you want to avoid unnecessary re-application fees or delays, understanding the exact Indian eVisa photo requirements is critical.
Why Photo Compliance Matters in 2026
Indian immigration systems now use automated image verification. If your photo does not meet the specified biometric and digital standards:
- Your application may be put on hold
- You may receive a request to re-upload
- Your eVisa can be delayed
- In rare cases, your application may be rejected
In many cases, applicants only realize there is a problem when trying to retrieve their correct Indian eVisa copy and noticing discrepancies in the approval letter.
Official Indian eVisa Photo Requirements (2026 Updated Checklist)
Here are the current mandatory specifications:
1. Recent Photograph
- Must be taken within the last 6 months
- Should reflect your current appearance
Old passport photos reused from previous visas are frequently flagged.
2. Background
- Plain white background only
- No patterns, shadows, textures, or objects
Off-white, cream, or digitally whitened backgrounds may lead to technical rejection.
3. Facial Position & Expression
- Full front face
- Neutral expression
- Both eyes open
- No smiling or exaggerated expressions
- Face centered in frame
Head tilts and angled selfies are not accepted.
4. Photo Size & Dimensions
- Square format
- Minimum 10 KB, maximum 1 MB file size
- JPEG format only
- Clear resolution (no pixelation)
Improper cropping is one of the biggest reasons applicants later struggle to obtain the correct ETA format for India required for airline verification.
5. Glasses, Headwear & Accessories
- No tinted glasses
- No heavy frames blocking the eyes
- Religious headwear permitted only if facial features remain fully visible
- No shadows on face
6. Lighting & Image Quality
- Even lighting
- No harsh shadows
- No red-eye
- No filters or beauty enhancements
AI-enhanced or over-edited images are increasingly detected and rejected.
Common Photo Mistakes That Cause Rejection
Applicants in 2026 frequently face issues due to:
- Cropping a passport photo using mobile apps
- Uploading a blurred WhatsApp-compressed image
- Using a selfie against a wall
- Submitting a photo with uneven lighting
- Incorrect aspect ratio (not square)
Many reapplications happen simply because the uploaded image does not match biometric guidelines.
How to Ensure Your Photo Meets Indian eVisa Standards
To minimize risk:
- Use a professional digital passport photo service
- Confirm the file size before uploading
- Avoid heavy image compression tools
- Double-check square dimensions
- Review the final preview carefully before submission
If your application is already submitted and you’re unsure about compliance, reviewing your approved document through a structured Indian eVisa assistance service can help identify format inconsistencies before travel.
What Happens If Your Photo Is Rejected?
If the immigration system flags your image:
- You may receive an email requesting re-upload
- Processing time can increase
- Your travel date may be impacted
- You may need to reapply and repay the visa fee
Airlines strictly verify photo consistency against the passport and the approved ETA document. Mismatches can cause boarding issues.
Final Checklist Before Uploading Your Indian eVisa Photo
Before clicking submit, confirm:
- White background
- Square format
- Clear facial visibility
- No filters
- Correct file size
- JPEG format
Taking 10 extra minutes to verify your photo can prevent weeks of delay.
If you want to avoid technical mistakes and ensure your Indian eVisa is fully compliant, we at LeSo can help. We review your documents, make sure your photo meets all official requirements, and guide you through the correct submission format. Use our Website or WhatsApp support to access our Indian eVisa assistance service and complete your application smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the exact size required for the Indian eVisa photo in 2026?
The photo must be square format, in JPEG, between 10 KB and 1 MB, with clear resolution and a white background.
2. Can I use a passport photo taken earlier?
Only if it was taken within the last 6 months and reflects your current appearance.
3. Are selfies allowed for Indian eVisa?
Selfies are not recommended unless professionally taken against a plain white background with proper lighting and square cropping.
4. Can I wear glasses in the eVisa photo?
Clear glasses may be accepted if they do not obstruct the eyes. Tinted glasses are not allowed.
5. What if I uploaded the wrong photo?
You may receive a correction request. If not corrected in time, the application could be delayed or rejected.
