UK Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Applicants
Applying for a UK visa (visitor, student, work, or family) from India? UK visa photos are 35×45mm — the same size as the new ICAO Indian passport (mandatory since September 2025). Here's everything else you need to know.
Size
UK visa photos are 35×45mm — the same size as the new ICAO Indian passport. Pre-September 2025 Indian passport photos at 51×51mm cannot be used. UK visas also ban glasses.
| Size | 35×45mm (same as the new ICAO Indian passport) |
| Background | Plain white, cream, or light grey |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head height | 29-34mm from chin to crown |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
UK vs Indian Photo Size Comparison
| UK Visa | 35×45mm — Rectangular |
| Indian Passport (ICAO 2025) | 35×45mm — Same size |
| US Visa | 51×51mm (2×2 inches) — Square |
| Schengen Visa | 35×45mm — Rectangular |
UK and Schengen visas share the same 35×45mm size as the new ICAO Indian passport. 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 35x45mm photo specifications apply for Standard Visitor (Tourism/Business), Student Visa (Tier 4), Skilled Worker (Work permit), Family Visa (Spouse/Partner), Graduate (Post-study), and Global Talent visas.
Detailed UK Visa Photo Requirements
- Size: 35×45mm (rectangular) — Same dimensions as the new ICAO Indian passport (mandatory since September 2025)
- Head height: 29-34mm from chin to crown — More specific than Indian requirements
- Background: Plain white, cream, or light grey — More flexible than US (white only)
- No glasses allowed — Since 2016, glasses are prohibited, even clear prescription lenses
- Neutral expression, mouth closed — No smiling with teeth showing
Digital upload
For online UK visa applications, upload a JPEG file, minimum 600x750 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 (35x45mm guaranteed)
- Local photo studios: Specify “UK visa 35x45mm” — many default to Indian passport size
- Online tools: Upload a selfie, get formatted 35x45mm photo
Warning
Some local studios in India still default to the legacy 51×51mm Indian passport size. 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, 35x45mm)
- 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.
Sources: GOV.UK: Get a passport photo, VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre India
Frequently Asked Questions
What size photo do I need for UK visa from India?
UK visa photos must be 35×45mm — the same size as the new ICAO Indian passport (mandatory since September 2025). The older 51×51mm Indian passport photos and US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) photos are not accepted.
Can I use my Indian passport photo for UK visa?
Only if it was taken under the new ICAO 35×45mm spec (September 2025 onwards). Older 51×51mm Indian passport photos cannot be used. Even if your new passport photo is the right size, taking a fresh photo for the visa is safer to ensure recency and exact compliance.
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 '35x45mm UK visa'.
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
Take a photo with your phone and get a 35x45mm UK visa photo in under 3 minutes. Guaranteed correct size.
Create UK Visa Photo$1 (~₹83) · 35x45mm format