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 51x51mm (2x2 inches) — a square format. UK passport photos are 35x45mm (rectangular). You cannot reuse UK passport photos for OCI. High street photo booths often don't offer 51x51mm.
OCI Photo Prices in UK
Getting the specific 51x51mm size can be challenging in the UK. Many photo booths only offer standard UK passport size (35x45mm):
| Where | Price | 51x51mm? |
|---|---|---|
| Boots Photo | £12.99 | Ask staff |
| Post Office | £13.50 | May not offer |
| Max Spielmann | £10.99 | Yes |
| Photo booth (machine) | £6-8 | Usually no |
| 1 Dollar Passport Photo | ~£1 | Yes |
The challenge in the UK isn’t just price — it’s finding the correct size. Our tool guarantees exact 51x51mm formatting, which you can then print at any photo printer.
UK Passport vs OCI Photo: Key Differences
| UK Passport size | 35x45mm (rectangular) |
| OCI Card size | 51x51mm (square) |
| UK Passport background | Light grey or white |
| OCI Card background | White only |
| Glasses | Not allowed for either |
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
Take a photo with your phone
Any background works — our tool removes it automatically. Use natural light, face the camera directly, neutral expression, no glasses.
Upload to our tool (~£1)
Select 'OCI Card' as your document type. Automatic background removal, head positioning validation, and formatting to exact 51x51mm specs.
Download digital + print file
You get the digital file for the OCI portal upload, plus a 6x4 sheet with 6 photos for printing.
Print at Boots, ASDA, or Snappy Snaps
Upload the 6x4 file to any photo printing service. Select '6x4 print' on photo paper. Cut out your photos.
VFS Global UK Appointment Tips
VFS Global operates OCI application centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh. When you visit, bring:
- 2 physical photos (51x51mm) 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.
Official source
For the latest OCI card requirements, visit the OCI Services Portal and the Indian High Commission London for UK-specific application procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for OCI card in UK?
OCI card photos for UK applications must be 51x51mm (2x2 inches) — the same size as Indian passport photos. For digital upload on the OCI portal: minimum 200x200 pixels, maximum 500KB, JPEG format, white background.
Can I use my UK passport photo for OCI application?
No, UK passport photos (35x45mm) are a different size from OCI photos (51x51mm). 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 51x51mm 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 (51x51mm) 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: 51x51mm size, white background, correct head positioning, printed on photo paper. We recommend printing at Boots Photo, Snappy Snaps, or ASDA Photo.
Skip the High Street Fees
Get 6 compliant OCI photos for ~£1. Guaranteed 51x51mm size, white background, accepted at VFS Global.
Create OCI Photo — ~£1Works for OCI and Indian passport