UK Visa Photo Requirements (for Indian Applicants)

Size	35×45mm (rectangular, NOT square)
Background	Plain white, cream, or light grey
Glasses	Not permitted
Head height	29-34mm from chin to crown
Recency	Within last 6 months

⚠️ Different from Indian passport (51×51mm)—the #1 reason for rejections.

UK Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Applicants

Applying for a UK visa (visitor, student, work, or family) from India? The photo requirements are different from Indian and US documents. Here's exactly what you need—and the common mistake that causes rejections.

⚠️ Critical Difference

UK visa photos are 35×45mm (rectangular). Indian passport photos are 51×51mm (square). These are NOT interchangeable. Using the wrong size is the #1 reason for photo rejection at VFS Global.

UK vs Indian Photo Size Comparison

Document	Size	Shape
UK Visa	35×45mm	Rectangular (taller)
Indian Passport	51×51mm	Square
US Visa	51×51mm (2×2")	Square
Schengen Visa	35×45mm	Rectangular

UK and Schengen visas share the same 35×45mm size—different from Indian/US documents. If you're applying for both UK and Schengen visas, you can use the same photos.

Photo Requirements for All UK Visa Types

The same 35×45mm photo specifications apply for:

Standard Visitor

Tourism/Business

Student Visa

Tier 4

Skilled Worker

Work permit

Family Visa

Spouse/Partner

Graduate

Post-study

Global Talent

Exceptional

Detailed UK Visa Photo Requirements

Size: 35×45mm (rectangular)

Taller than wide. This is different from Indian and US photos. Our tool auto-crops to exact UK specifications.

Head height: 29-34mm from chin to crown

More specific than Indian requirements. The head must occupy a larger proportion of the frame.

Background: Plain white, cream, or light grey

More flexible than US (white only). No patterns or textures. Our tool replaces any background with compliant white.

No glasses allowed

Since 2016, glasses are prohibited—even clear prescription lenses. Remove them before taking your photo.

Neutral expression, mouth closed

No smiling with teeth showing. Natural, neutral expression with both eyes clearly visible.

Digital upload: For online UK visa applications, upload a JPEG file, minimum 600×750 pixels. Maximum file size is generous at 10MB, so quality is rarely an issue.

Where to Get UK Visa Photos in India

VFS Global centres: Available at your biometric appointment (35×45mm guaranteed)
Local photo studios: Specify "UK visa 35×45mm"—many default to Indian passport size
Online tools: Upload a selfie, get formatted 35×45mm photo

Warning: Many local studios in India default to Indian passport size (51×51mm). Always specify "UK visa photo, 35×45mm" before they take your photo.

VFS Global India Tips

VFS Global operates UK visa application centres in major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune, Kochi, Jaipur, Jalandhar). For your appointment:

✓ Digital photo uploaded to your online application before appointment
✓ Printed photos optional but recommended as backup (2 copies, 35×45mm)
✓ Passport valid for at least 6 months
✓ Appointment confirmation printout
✓ Supporting documents (financial, travel itinerary, etc.)

Note: VFS centres can take photos on-site (₹250-350), but queues can be long. Taking your own compliant photos saves time at the centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size photo do I need for UK visa from India?

UK visa photos must be 35×45mm—a rectangular format that is DIFFERENT from Indian/US passport photos (51×51mm square). This is critical: the wrong size will be rejected.

Can I use my Indian passport photo for UK visa?

No. Indian passport photos are 51×51mm (square), while UK visas require 35×45mm (rectangular). You need a separate photo taken to UK specifications.

Can I wear glasses in my UK visa photo?

No. Since 2016, glasses are not permitted in UK visa photos. This applies even to prescription glasses with no tint.

What background is required for UK visa photos?

Plain light-coloured background—white, cream, or light grey. No patterns or textures. Unlike US visas which require strictly white, UK accepts cream and light grey.

Where can I get UK visa photos in India?

VFS Global centres take photos on-site (₹250-350), local studios (₹80-200) if they know UK specs, or online tools like ours ($1/~₹83). Most local studios default to Indian passport size, so specify "UK visa 35×45mm".

How many photos do I need for UK visa application?

For most UK visa applications, you upload a digital photo online. However, some categories or biometric appointments may require 2 printed photos. Check your specific visa type requirements.

Create UK Visa Photo