Indian Embassy in Kuwait announces stricter passport photo guidelines
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The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has announced that, starting September, passport applications will only be accepted with photographs that comply with international aviation standards.
The move aligns the requirements with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which sets biometric and identity benchmarks for travel documents worldwide.
According to the new guidelines, applicants must submit a colour photograph sized 630 by 810 pixels. The image must show the full face from the front, with the head occupying 80–85 percent of the frame, against a plain white background free of shadows or reflections. Eyes must be open and unobstructed, without glare or “red eye”, and the mouth must remain closed and level.
The embassy clarified that photographs altered using editing software will not be accepted. Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons.
By enforcing ICAO standards, officials said the update aims to ensure Indian passports remain compliant with global security and identification protocols. This strengthens their validity and acceptance in international travel.
