The Consulate General of India in Dubai has announced a new regulation that will impact thousands of Indian expats applying for passports in the UAE. Starting 1 September 2025, officials will accept only those applications that include photographs meeting ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards.
This adjustment, introduced at the direction of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, ensures that passports issued in Dubai align with international biometric and identity requirements followed by global aviation authorities.
Applicants Need Fresh Photographs
The update means that most applicants will no longer be able to use previously clicked passport photos. Instead, applicants must take new ICAO-compliant photographs to meet the latest standards.
Consulate officials announced they will reject any application that includes non-compliant images once the new rule takes effect. The embassy in Abu Dhabi plans to adopt the same requirement soon, reinforcing the policy across the UAE.
The Updated Photo Guidelines
Applicants submitting passport applications in Dubai from September must ensure their pictures follow the newly released guidelines:
- Colour photograph with a plain white background.
- Image size of 630 × 810 pixels.
- Close-up showing head and shoulders, with the face covering 80–85% of the frame.
- Full-face, front-view position with eyes open, mouth closed, and a neutral expression.
- No hair covering the eyes, no shadows, glare, or red-eye.
- Even lighting to maintain natural skin tones.
- Head centred in the frame, from the top of the
- hair to the chin.
- Taken from a distance of about 1.5 metres, sharp and unaltered.
- Glasses must be removed to avoid reflections.
- Head coverings are allowed only for religious reasons, but facial features must remain fully visible.
Role of BLS International
The Indian Consulate has conveyed the new requirement to BLS International, its authorised service provider handling passport applications across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. While the rule is already listed on the Consulate’s official website, BLS centres were still displaying the older ICAO specifications at the time of the announcement.
Currently, BLS offers a photography service for an additional Dh30, but this service does not extend to newborns. Parents applying for passports for infants will need to arrange ICAO-compliant photos from independent studios that specialise in catering to young children.
Given the stricter enforcement starting in September, applicants are advised to double-check with BLS centres before their appointments to avoid delays or rejections.
How the New Rule Impacts Indian Expats in the UAE
The Indian community in the UAE, which is the largest expatriate group in the country, will be directly affected by this change. With thousands of passport applications filed every month, even minor errors in photographs could result in rejected submissions and longer processing times.
For many residents, especially those with upcoming travel plans, adhering to the ICAO standards will now be a crucial step in ensuring smooth processing. Families applying for passports for their children and first-time applicants will need to be particularly careful in following the updated guidelines.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
To help applicants avoid unnecessary setbacks, experts recommend the following:
- Choose professional studios that are familiar with ICAO standards. Avoid instant booth-style photographs that may not meet the specifications.
- Carry printed copies as well as soft copies of the compliant photo in case the application centre requires both.
- For newborns and children, check specialised studios that can provide ICAO-approved infant photos.
- Cross-check before visiting BLS to ensure the specifications match the Consulate’s published guidelines.
- Allow extra time in case you need to retake photographs.
By preparing in advance, applicants can save themselves the hassle of rejected submissions and multiple visits.
With ICAO-compliant photographs becoming mandatory for Indian passport applications in Dubai from 1 September, Indian expats are urged to update their documents accordingly. The change is aimed at aligning Indian passports issued in the UAE with global aviation security standards, making them universally accepted and biometric-ready.
Applicants are encouraged to act early, get their compliant photographs ready, and confirm requirements with BLS International to avoid last-minute issues.
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