Digital or morphed photographs are not accepted, and in most cases a consular officer or a VFS officer will ask you for a negative

The photograph must be a full-face front view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly.

The applicant's head, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, should be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches. The head should be centered in the photo. The head of the person being photographed should not be tilted up, down or to the side.

The photograph may be in color or black and white, but must have only a white or off-white background. Photos with dark, busy or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted.

In general, the applicant's head, including both face and hair, should be shown from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.

The photo should show a clear, front view, full face of the applicant. The applicant should be in normal street attire, without hat or dark glasses against a plain white or off-white background. The applicant should have a natural expression, mouth closed, and eyes open and looking directly ahead.

Photos in which the face of the person being photographed is not in focus will not be accepted.

Head coverings and hats are only acceptable due to religious beliefs, and even then, may not cover any portion of the applicant's face.

Eyeglasses worn on a daily basis can be worn for the photo. However, there should be no reflections from the eyeglasses that obscure the eyes.

Sunglasses or other wear, which detracts from the face, are not acceptable unless required for medical reasons (an eye patch, for example). A medical certificate may be required.

A photograph depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable.

Photos of military, airline or other personnel wearing hats are not acceptable. Photographs of applicants wearing tribal, national costume, or other headgear not specifically religious in nature are not acceptable.

For a minor child, only the child must be the subject in the photo. Nothing used to support the minor child, whether by mechanical or human means, should be in the camera's frame.

Only original photographs are acceptable. Copied or digitally scanned photos of photos will not be accepted. In addition, photos must not be retouched to alter the customer's appearance in any way.

Group photos are NOT accepted for a party applying for a visa together. Since a separate visa is issued to each qualified applicant, an individual photo is required in all cases.

Staple or glue one photograph in the designated space in the visa application form. If the photograph is stapled, staples should be placed as far away as possible from the applicant's face.