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For your Indian passport to be considered valid, a passport size photo with specific dimensions and other necessary specs is mandatory. Further, if you wish to travel the world and explore its many wonders, your visa needs to have the prescribed visa photo size of the country you are travelling to. Some of the destinations you will travel to from India do not require a visa for entry or exit. In such cases, you will be relieved of the visa formalities. However, as many of the destinations do need a visa for Indian citizens, here is a guide to the photo specs for an Indian passport and the visa photo size requirements of some major travel destinations.

Popular Read: How to apply for Visa?

Indian Passport – Photo Specs 

• Quantity needed for application – 2 
• Size – 51mm x 51mm or 2 x 2 inches 
• Colour – Natural colour for clear visibility of skin tone 
• Head size and position – 35mm – 40mm; Centered position with eyes looking at the camera 
• Recency – Taken within the last 6 months 
• Background – Plain white 
• Smile – None; Neutral expression 
• Eyes – Open, towards the camera 
• Spectacles – Prescription spectacles only 
• Headgear – Religious purposes only with clear visibility of the face 
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – 10KB – 300 KB and 350 x 350 px – 1000 x 1000 px 
• Dress code – Casual or professional 
• Beard – Optional

Read: Visa Interview – Questions, Answers, Tips

Guidelines to Indian Passport Photo

• Each application must have 2 photos as per the specifications 
• Filtered photos and photos older than 6 months will not be accepted. 
• Ensure that your eyes are clearly visible, without sunglasses or tinted prescription glasses 
• In case of thick lenses that obstruct the view of your eyes, remove them; any glare in the photo will not be accepted
• No headwear except for religious purposes will be permitted; any shadows in the photo will entail rejection
• Avoid red-eye
• Keep your hair pulled back 
• Clarity in lighting is key 
• Dress appropriately 

Visa Photo Size for Europe / the Schengen Area, US, Thailand, Singapore, China, UK, and Dubai

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements 

The Schengen area is one of the most frequently visited areas by Indians. It is crucial to know the Schengen visa photo requirements as the Schengen visa grants you access to 26 countries that form the Schengen area. These include – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. If you are travelling to Europe, the Schengen visa is the most commonly used one. Your search for the Europe visa photo size is right here!

Know in-depth: How to get your Schengen visa from India?

Here are some photo specs as per the rules of the Europe visa photo size / Schengen visa photo size – 

• Quantity needed for visa application – 2
• Size – 35mm x 45mm
• Head size and position – 32mm – 36mm; Facing forward 
• Recency – Taken within the last 6 months 
• Background – Bright coloured; light grey preferred
• Smile – None; neutral expression 
• Eyes – Open, towards the camera
• Spectacles – Prescription glasses only 
• Headgear – For medical or religious purposes only 
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – Not specified
• Dress code – Avoid colours matching the background

Guidelines to Europe visa photo size / Schengen visa photo size – 

• Head size should meet the mentioned requirements; this is measured from the chin to the top of your head
• Blurred photos will not be accepted
• If you usually have a bear, it is accepted; if not, avoid growing it out 
• Any headwear or fancy jewellery worn not for medical or religious reasons will not be accepted; even for the accepted reasons, your face must be clearly visible
• Sunglasses, tinted lenses, glare or thick-rimmed spectacles will not be accepted; eyes must be clearly visible 
• Hair must be kept off the face 
• Lighting must portray your natural skin tone; overexposed or underexposed photos and shadows in the photo must be avoided 
• Background must be bright-coloured, preferably grey; white must be avoided 
• Avoid smiling; have a relaxed look

Known: France Visa From India: Explained

US Visa Photo Requirements 

The United States of America is a popular destination for Indians to travel to, a study in, and work at. Indian citizens must obtain a US visa before travelling. To make the visa formalities details easier to understand, we have compiled a list of quick rules regarding the US visa photo size. The dimensions and specifications of the US photo size need to be clearly understood to avoid rejection of your visa application due to the photo given.

Know: Tourist Visa for USA from India

Here are some photo specs as per the rules of the US visa photo size – 

• Quantity needed for visa application – 2
• Size – 2 x 2 inches 
• Colour – Visa photo to be in colour; not black and white 
• Head size and position – Your head must be between the size of 1 and 1 3/8 inches from the chin to the top of your head 
• Recency – Taken within the last 6 months 
• Background – Plain, solid white or a shade of off white 
• Smile – Neutral expression; a soft smile is accepted
• Eyes – Open and clearly visible, towards the camera
• Spectacles – None to be worn 
• Headgear – Allowed for religious purposes only 
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – 600 x 600 px – 1200 x 12000 px
• Dress code – No uniform will be accepted; most other clothing is accepted 
• Beard – If you usually have a beard, it is accepted; if not, avoid growing one for the photo

Also read: 10 Amazing Countries That Offer Visa On Arrival For Indians

Guidelines for US visa photo size – 

• Ensure that the lighting is correct because both, overexposed and underexposed photos will not be accepted 
• Your visa photo needs to be recent, and not older than 6 months before the time of visa application 
• An easy way to know if your head position is correct is to ensure that your nose is the centre point of the photo
• Use a solid white or off white background only; designs or coloured backgrounds are not permissible 
• Avoid any work uniform; religious clothing is accepted
• Any eyewear is not permitted
• Wired or wireless headphones, Bluetooth, or other devices that are not regularly used hearing aids are not accepted 
• The photos must be on glossy or matte paper 

If you are taking the photo yourself or scanning an existing one, the following rules need to be adhered to- 

• No digital enhancing or alteration 
• Use a plain background for the photo
• Your face must cover about 55 % of the photo and must be positioned in the centre
• Use correct pixel dimensions as mentioned above 

You can also use the government’s free tools to aid you in getting the correct photo for your visa application to the US. 

Thailand Visa Photo Requirements 

A much-visited tourist destination for Indians, Thailand is a spectacular place of visit. However, Indian citizens need to avail a visa on arrival if they are planning for a stay duration of no more than 15 days for tourism purposes. For a longer stay duration, you will need to apply for the regular visa. However, both, the visa on arrival and the regular visa have similar guidelines to be met with respect to the Thailand visa photo size. 

Read: Thailand Tourist Visa for Indians: Explained

Here are some photo specs as per the rules of the Thailand visa photo size – 

• Quantity required for visa application – 2 
• Size – 40mm x 60mm 
• Colour – Photo must be in colour; black and white will not be accepted 
• Head size and position – Head should occupy 70 – 80 % of the photo; centred and looking forward 
• Recency – Taken within the last six months 
• Background – Solid white colour only; no designs will be accepted 
• Smile – Neutral expression must be maintained; teeth must not be visible 
• Eyes – Open and clearly visible; toward the camera
• Spectacles – Allowed if only the eyes are clearly visible 
• Headgear – Accepted for religious or medical purposes only 
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – 1200 dpi minimum 
• Dress code – Avoid light-coloured clothing 
• Beard – Not specified

Guidelines for Thailand visa photo size – 

• The exact measurements of the visa photo size are non-negotiable 
• Lighting must be correct in order to avoid overexposure or underexposure of the photo 
• Smiling is not accepted for the visa photo; ensure to maintain a neutral expression 
• Spectacles are accepted only if the frames are not thick, lenses do not have glare and are not tinted
• Avoid red-eye 
• Digital alterations will not be permitted 
• No headwear except for religious and medical purposes will be allowed; in any case, your face and ears must be clearly visible  
• No uniforms or light-coloured clothing must be worn 
• Your head position needs to be squared off with the camera and your upper shoulders in view 
• Ensure that there is no glare on the background caused due to a flash 

Singapore Visa Photo Requirements

One of the most commonly visited countries for tourism and work purposes, Singapore is frequented by many Indians. It is essential to know the details of the Singapore visa photo size before applying for the Singapore visa. 

Here are some photo specs as per the rule of the Singapore visa photo size – 

Also read: Covering Letter For Visa: What it is and how you can make one

• Quantity needed for visa application – 2
• Size – 35mm x 45mm
• Colour – Natural skin tone needs to be visible 
• Head size and position – 25mm x 35mm; centred and forward-looking 
• Recency – Taken within the last 3 months
• Background – Solid white 
• Smile – Neutral expression 
• Eyes – Open and clearly visible 
• Spectacles – Prescription glasses only 
• Headgear – For religious purposes only 
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – Not bigger than 150KB and a camera of 2 megapixels or higher must be used 
• Dress code – Not specified 

Guidelines for Singapore visa application – 

• No kind of filtered photo is permitted
• Any photo older than three months will not be accepted
• Glasses are allowed only if you wear them on a daily basis; eyes should be clearly visible 
• Headwear allowed only for religious purposes 
• Hair can be let down as long as it does not cover your face 
• Avoid wearing white clothes as they will not be in contrast to the background 
• Photos must be printed on a good, semi-matte paper
• Neutral expression to be maintained with a closed mouth
• Lighting needs to be correct to avoid any shadows, overexposure, or underexposure
• The camera is to be set 0.5 – 2 metres away from you

Know: What is a Sponsorship Letter for Visa?

China Visa Photo Requirements

China is a country visited by Indians for tourism and study purposes. It is essential to know the specifications of the China visa photo size. 

Here are some photo specs as per the rule of the China visa photo size –

• Quantity for visa application – 2 
• Size – 33mm x 48mm
• Colour – Natural skin tone must be seen 
• Head size and position – 15mm – 22mm; centred 
• Recency – Taken within the last 6 months
• Background – Solid plain white or light blue only 
• Smile – Neutral expression 
• Eyes – Open and clearly visible 
• Ears – Clearly visible 
• Spectacles – Thin rimmed eyewear only
• Headgear – For religious purposes only
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – Not specified 
• Dress code – Clothing to not be the same colour as the background 
• Beard – Optional

Write your own Self-introduction letter!

Guidelines for China visa photo size – 

• Beards accepted if it reflects the everyday look 
• Headwear worn for religious purposes must not block the face
• Portraits or side shots are not permitted
• A 3mm – 5mm of plain white space between the top of your head and the top of the photo must be maintained 
• Lighting must be evenly distributed 

UK Visa Photo Requirements

A very popular destination for studying and work, the United Kingdom attracts many Indians. 

Here are some photo specs as per the rules of the UK visa photo size – 

• Quantity needed for visa application – 2
• Size – 45mm x 35mm 
• Colour – Only colour photos are accepted
• Head size and position – 29mm – 34mm; squared with upper shoulders visible
• Recency – Taken in the last 30 days 
• Background – Cream or light grey 
• Smile – Neutral expression 
• Eyes – Open and visible
• Spectacles – Only if prescribed 
• Headgear – For religious and medical purposes only
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – Not specified 
• Dress code – Not specified
• Beard – Optional

Guidelines for UK visa photo size – 

• The size 45mm x 35mm cannot be from a larger photo 
• True colours with no digital enhancements will be accepted 
• If you are on a wheelchair, it must be covered with a sheet so that it is not visible 
• Ensure to maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed 
• Prescription glasses are allowed only if eyes are clearly visible 
• Headwear worn for religious or medical purposes must not cover the face 
• Letting your hair down is allowed as long as your face is clearly visible

Dubai Visa Photo Requirements

A country often visited by Indians for tourism, study, and work purposes, Dubai offers several growth opportunities. 

Here are some photo specs as per the rules of the Dubai visa photo size –

• Quantity needed for visa application – 2
• Size – 43mm x 55mm 
• Colour – Only colour photos are accepted
• Head size and position – Head should occupy 60 – 70% of the photo area; centred
• Recency – Taken within the last 6 months 
• Background – Plain white or off white
• Smile – Neutral expression 
• Eyes – Open and visible
• Spectacles – None to be worn 
• Headgear – For religious purposes only
• Dimensions and size (pixels) – Not specified 
• Dress code – Not specified
• Beard – Optional   

Guidelines for Dubai visa photo size – 

• The size 43mm x 55mm cannot be from a larger photo 
• True colours with no digital enhancements will be accepted 
• Ensure to maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed 
• No spectacles are allowed
• Headwear worn for religious purposes must not cover the face 
• Letting your hair down is allowed as long as your face is clearly visible

Ensure to check these lists before you head to your desired travel destination!

Further read: New Zealand Tourist Visa for Indians: Explained

Visa is an official document required to enter and exit the country. When you apply for a visa, visa interview play a key role in determining whether you’re granted a visa or not.

Visa Interview is a scheduled meeting between the applicant and the official of the respective country. The official determines your eligibility for granting visa by asking detail-oriented and specific questions to understand your purpose of visit.

Through the intensive interview, process officials want to ensure that you’ll return home in the expected time and will not be part of any illegal activities during your visit. The questions may vary from basic to slightly personal. An ideal candidate would be someone who answers them without hesitation and with ease and accuracy.

Read: How to apply for Visa? In focus – Schengen visa, H1B visa

Common Visa Interview Questions

Now there can be a variety of questions that might be asked depending from person to person. But here is a list of questions that would help you prepare for your work, study, tourist or visitor visa interview. 

This list covers the majority of questions that might be asked in a visa interview . Keep in mind that not all the questions would be asked to the same individual.

1. What is the purpose of your visit?

In reply to this question, tell why you are travelling to the destination country whether it’s for work, family visit, study or vacation.

2. Who is sponsoring your trip?

Mention the name of person/agency sponsoring your trip. If it’s a self-sponsored trip, make sure you have the bank statements to show sufficient funds. 

3. Are you Married? If so, how long have you been married? What does your spouse do?

If you’re not married state that you’re single/divorced. Else mention the name of spouse and exact marriage date.

4. Do you have children? What do they do?

Mention the number of kids you have and their names. If they’re studying in school, provide complete information. If your children are working, mention their respective companies and job titles. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to recall the details; hence, you should be prepared in advance for such questions.

Know In-Depth: Covering Letter For Visa: What it is and how you can make one  

5. Do you know the Annual income of your Son/Daughter?

Prepare in advance for such questions and give the annual income details to the official.

6.  Are you travelling with someone?

Answer in yes or no, If you’re traveling with someone clarify your relationship with that person.

7. Why are you traveling alone?

If the answer to your previous question is no, then they may ask your reason to travel alone.

Also Read: Self Introduction letter for Visa: All you need to know

8. Do you have health insurance to cover this journey?

Show the documents to provide proof of health insurance for the journey.

9. Do you pay Income tax? When was the last time you paid tax?

This is asked to check your financial status and honesty. Answer this accordingly with income tax statement proof.

10. Is this your first time in the country?

Answer yes or no. 

11. Have you traveled to other countries?

Answer with a yes or no. If you have traveled to other countries, tell them the name of the countries you have been to.

12. How do we know you’ll return back within said time?

The officials just want to see whether you have plans to come back or not . Give them a detail of your work commitments and family responsibilities back home. You can mention your ongoing job, business or property etc.

13. Do you have a Job Leave Approval letter from the employer?

If you’re a working professional, make sure you have a leave approval letter from HR. Share it with the official when asked. 

14. Where do you stay in the residing country?

Give your complete home address in the country.

15. What would you do if your visa gets rejected?

Tell them that you have commitments in the home country and you’ll go back to that. Mention your job and family which you would attend if visa gets rejected.

Popular Read: 10 Amazing Countries That Offer Visa On Arrival For Indians

16. Why should we grant you a visa?

This is an important one. If you’re traveling to the country, mention how you are interested in their culture and what their country has to offer in terms of tourism. If you’re going for work or study, you can share how the visit would help you professionally with your career, why you have chosen their country for work or study. 

Visa Interview Tips 

Visa Interviews are an important step in acquiring your visa for the destination country. In 2018, 9.6% of the total visa application for Schengen area were rejected. Which makes it necessary to be well prepared before appearing for a visa interview. Here are a few visa interview tips that would help you clear the interview process. 

1. Ensure to be on scheduled date and time to the embassy/consulate of the country.
2. Have a checklist of required documents and keep them handy before going for the interview.
3. Explain strong ties to your home country and why you would come back to your home after the agreed date.
4. The interview would be conducted in English and not your native language, so make sure you practice with someone beforehand.
5. Be clear and concise about your purpose of visit and plans in the country. If you have relatives in the destination country, keep their information handy.
6. If you have dependents at home or property, explain who will take care of them while you are gone. 
7. Answer all the questions with confidence. Do not hesitate as that would be taken as a sign of hiding information.
8. Dress up appropriately and smile. 
9. Do not argue or ask irrelevant questions to the official.
10. Verify the name, date, address etc. on your documents matches with the details on your passport.

H1B Visa Interview

The H1B visa allows employers in the US to hire foreign workers temporarily for speciality jobs. It’s issued for 3 years which can be extended up to a maximum of 6 years. It’s essential for an individual to have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent to be eligible for that job. There is a yearly cap of 65000 on H1B visas hence the visas are allocated based on a lottery system. An additional cap of 20,000 visas for those who completed their masters from a US university. You can read all about the lottery process here.

H1B Visa Interview Process

Book an Appointment online to your nearest consulate according to your convenience. Make sure you have all the necessary documents. 

• Arrive for Interview – Arrive 10-15 mins early at the consulate. Keep your original passport, appointment letter and visa application fee receipt ready to show to officials if asked.
• Security check – Security check will be done upon entrance.
• Fingerprint scan – Post security check you’ll be given a token determining your interview number. You’ll be taken for fingerprint scanning where the scans will be matched with the prints taken at Visa Application center.
• Wait for your call – Wait patiently and move to the assigned window when your name is called. Smile and be seated, follow the instructions given by official.
• Interview process – Be ready with all the documents and answer the questions in a clear and concise manner. You’ll immediately get to know if your visa gets approved and passport will be delivered to you in 3-4 days.
• Visa Denied – In case of rejection, you’ll be handed over your passport immediately.

H1B Visa Interview questions 

Some of the questions which were not covered as part of basic interview questions. These might specifically be asked to H1B visa applicants.

• What would be your role in the company you’ll be working for in the US?
• Which company do you currently work for?
• How long have you been working here?
• Please show us your experience letter?
• What is your role in the current company?
• How will you survive for the first month before getting your paycheck?

Related: Tourist Visa for USA from India

• Questions regarding your sponsoring companies interview process, annual turnover, no of employees, salary, clients, CEO, projects, technologies etc.
• Questions regarding your education like educational qualifications, projects, technologies and software you are aware of, certifications, university name, research process, internships, prior work experience etc.

B1 visa Interview

B1 visa is a non-immigrant US visa granted to individuals for business purposes. It allows the visa holder to negotiate contracts, settle estates, consult with US business associates and attend conferences and business events.

The B1 visa holder can visit the US as many times required and hold business relations with the US.

B1 Visa Interview Process

Eligibility

Check your eligibility for the visa. An individual should have business intent, sufficient finances to cover their stay and should intend to home country after work is done.

Form DS-160

Fill up the form with all the relevant information. Find the section for B1 visa and fill the form. Submit it online, and you’ll get the confirmation page and number which is required later during the interview process.

Visa Fee

The application fee for the B1 visa is $160. Along with the application fee, you might also have to pay the Visa Issuance fee, which depends on your home country.

• B1 visa documents file

1. DS-160 Form confirmation page and code.
2. Passport with 6 months validity beyond your stay in the US.
3. Photo
4. Interview confirmation page
5. Bank statements.
6. Letter with the purpose of the trip.
7. Letter from Employer and payslips from last three months.
8. If you have visited the US before bring documents supporting that.
9. Ties to home country such as job, property, business etc.
10. Letter from Authorities stating you do not have any criminal records.

Interview

On the interview, date be present on time with all the required documents. Be prepared to answer all the questions and present relevant documents when asked. 

B1 Visa Interview Questions

Here are some B1 visa specific questions that might be asked during your visa interview.

• What is the name of your company?
• How many employees are travelling with you?
• Are there any specific dates for your conference or business meetings?
• Can you show your business/visiting card?
• What is your annual income?
• Do you have a credit card?
• Who will look after your business in your absence?
• Are you planning to work in the US?
• Are you planning to extend your stay?

Schengen Visa Interview

To stay or transit through member countries of the Schengen Agreement, one must apply for a Schengen visa. It allows access to 26 member countries. Schengen zone is defined by the Schengen Agreement that allows free and unrestricted movement of goods, services and people among these countries.

Read: How to get your Schengen visa from India?

Schengen Visa Interview Process

• Type of Schengen visa– Figure out the type of visa you want to apply for e.g. Transit, tourist, Business, Study etc
• Where to Apply – Apply in the consulate of the country you’ll spend maximum time in or the country from where you are starting your trip.
• Appointment – Book an appointment based on your convenience.
• Visa Application Form (Download the form here.)
• Required Documents – Ensure you have all the documents before appearing for the interview.
• Interview – Attend the interview and answer questions with honesty and confidence.
• Visa Fee – Schengen visa fee is €60 per person. To get a list of Schengen visa fee for kids and special categories, check here.
• Wait for the Visa status – The approval period may take 15-30 days. So be patient and wait for your Visa status.

Schengen Visa Interview Questions

List of questions that would help you in clearing your interview.

• Which countries do you intend to visit and why?
• Have you visited Schengen countries before?
• Are you aware of what countries your visa covers?
• Will you study in a Schengen country?
• Stay and flight details.

FAQs for Visa Interview process

1. How Long does a visa interview take?

Although the interview process doesn’t last for more than 5 minutes, the entire process takes 2-3 hours in completion.

2. What should I bring to my visa interview? 

Keep a checklist ready to ensure you have all the required documents. Bring your original passport and visa fee receipt along with the Visa Interview appointment Letter.

3. How can I pass my visa interview?

Stay relaxed and answer all questions honestly. Keep all the documents handy and provide proof wherever required.

4. How should I dress for a visa interview?

“First Impression is the Last Impression”. Make sure you look presentable at the interview. Wear smart formals like Blazer, trousers, salwar suit, business suit etc.

Further Read: Australian Visa For Indians: A complete guide