OCI Card Photo Requirements (UK)
| Size | 51×51mm (2×2 inches) |
| Background | Plain white (not off-white) |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Digital upload | 200×200 to 500×500 pixels, max 500KB, JPEG |
| Photos needed | 2 prints + 1 digital |
Note: Different from UK passport size (35×45mm). Boots: £12.99 → Our tool: £1 + printing
OCI Card Photo Requirements for UK Applicants
Applying for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) from the United Kingdom? The photo requirements differ from UK passport photos. Here's exactly what you need—and how to avoid the £12+ high street fees.
Important Difference
OCI photos are 51×51mm (2×2 inches)—a square format. UK passport photos are 35×45mm (rectangular). You cannot reuse UK passport photos for OCI. High street photo booths often don't offer 51×51mm—our tool ensures the exact spec for £1.
OCI Photo Prices in UK
Getting the specific 51×51mm size can be challenging in the UK. Many photo booths only offer standard UK passport size (35×45mm). Here's what you might pay:
| Where | Price | Photos | 51×51mm? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boots Photo | £12.99 | 4 | Ask staff |
| Post Office | £13.50 | 4 | May not offer |
| Max Spielmann | £10.99 | 4 | Yes |
| Photo booth (machine) | £6-8 | 4 | Usually no |
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo | ~£1 | 6 | Yes |
The challenge in the UK isn't just price—it's finding the correct size. Our tool guarantees exact 51×51mm formatting, which you can then print at any photo printer.
Detailed OCI Photo Requirements
The OCI photo requirements are the same as Indian passport photos. Here's exactly what you need:
Size: 51×51mm (2×2 inches)
Square format—different from UK passport photos (35×45mm). This is the same size as Indian and US passport photos.
Background: Plain white only
Must be pure white—not off-white, not light grey. UK passport photos often have light grey backgrounds, which won't work for OCI.
No glasses
Unlike UK passport rules, OCI does not permit glasses in photos—even prescription glasses. Remove them before taking your photo.
Head size: 50-69% of photo height
Face should occupy roughly half to two-thirds of the frame. Our AI automatically crops to the correct positioning.
Recent photo (within 6 months)
The photo must reflect your current appearance. If you've significantly changed your hairstyle, grown/shaved facial hair, etc., take a new photo.
Digital upload specs: For the OCI online portal, you need a JPEG file, 200×200 to 500×500 pixels, maximum 500KB, white background. Our tool provides both digital and print-ready files.
UK Passport vs OCI Photo: Key Differences
| Requirement | UK Passport | OCI Card |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm | 51×51mm |
| Format | Rectangular | Square |
| Background | Light grey or white | White only |
| Glasses | Not allowed (since 2016) | Not allowed |
Because of the different size and background requirements, UK passport photos cannot be used for OCI applications. You'll need separate photos.
How to Get OCI Photos for £1
Here's the simple process that guarantees the correct 51×51mm size:
- 1
Take a photo with your phone
Any background works—our AI removes it. Use natural light, face the camera directly, neutral expression, no glasses.
- 2
Upload to our tool (~£1)
Select "OCI Card" as your document type. AI removes background, validates head positioning, and formats to exact 51×51mm specs.
- 3
Download digital + print file
You get the digital file for the OCI portal upload, plus a 6×4 sheet with 6 photos for printing.
- 4
Print at Boots, ASDA, or Snappy Snaps
Upload the 6×4 file to any photo printing service. Select "6×4 print" on photo paper. Cut out your photos.
Then print at any photo service
VFS Global UK Appointment Tips
VFS Global operates OCI application centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh. When you visit, bring:
- ✓ 2 physical photos (51×51mm) printed on photo paper
- ✓ Printed application form with barcode from the OCI portal
- ✓ Original documents plus self-attested copies
- ✓ Payment receipt from online fee payment
Pro tip: Bring extra photos. VFS occasionally requests additional photos, and it's better to have spares than to delay your application. With our 6-photo sheet, you'll have plenty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for OCI card in UK?
OCI card photos for UK applications must be 51×51mm (2×2 inches)—the same size as Indian passport photos. For digital upload on the OCI portal: minimum 200×200 pixels, maximum 500KB, JPEG format, white background.
Can I use my UK passport photo for OCI application?
No, UK passport photos (35×45mm) are a different size from OCI photos (51×51mm). You'll need a new photo in the correct square format. OCI also requires a white background and no glasses.
Where can I get OCI photos in UK?
You can get passport photos at Boots (£12.99), Post Office (£13.50), or Max Spielmann (£10.99). However, you'll need to specify the 51×51mm OCI size. Or use our online tool for £1, then print at any photo printer.
How many photos do I need for OCI application?
You need 2 physical passport photos (51×51mm) for the VFS appointment, plus a digital photo for the online application. Our £1 download includes both the digital file and a printable sheet with 6 photos.
Will VFS Global UK accept photos I print myself?
Yes, VFS Global accepts self-printed photos as long as they meet the specifications: 51×51mm size, white background, correct head positioning, printed on photo paper. We recommend printing at Boots Photo, Snappy Snaps, or ASDA Photo.
Related Pages
Skip the High Street Fees
Get 6 compliant OCI photos for ~£1. Guaranteed 51×51mm size, white background, accepted at VFS Global.
Get Started
Select country and document type
Only $1 - Free preview before payment
Works for OCI and Indian passport