The Indian Consulate in Dubai has introduced a new requirement for passport applications by Indian expatriates in the UAE, mandating updated photograph standards that will take effect from 1 September.
As a result, the majority of applicants will be required to submit newly taken photographs when applying for their passports.
The consulate has outlined new specifications for photographs that comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) rules. ICAO, the global aviation authority, establishes biometric and identity criteria for travel documents used internationally.
This update comes in line with instructions from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which issued the directive through its Passport Seva portal to embassies and consulates abroad.
According to the directive, “From 1 September 2025, ICAO-compliant photographs will be mandatory for all passport applications.”
The Press Wing of the Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed that applications will only be accepted if the submitted photographs meet ICAO standards, emphasising that this is part of the organisation’s global travel regulations.
