Compare · 
UK · 
India
UK vs India visa photo: 35 × 45 mm vs 51 × 51 mm
UK: 35 × 45 mm. India: 51 × 51 mm. Head height, background, glasses and file rules for the visa photo, side by side from each issuing authority.
Can you use the same photo for both?
No — the print sizes differ. UK requires 35 × 45 mm, while India requires 51 × 51 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: UK expects 600 × 750 px, India expects 600 × 600 px.
In short
UK requires 35 × 45 mm while India requires 51 × 51 mm. The two specifications are NOT interchangeable — a photo accepted for one will be rejected by the other.
Specification table
Every value in this table is taken from the official publications of the two issuing authorities. Open either country page for the full rule set, the printable layout and the source links.
| Attribute | UK | India |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size≠ differs | 35 × 45 mm | 51 × 51 mm |
| Digital photo (px) | 600 × 750 px | 600 × 600 px |
| File size limit | ≤ 6 MB | 10–300 KB |
| File format | The authority does not publish this detail | JPEG |
| Head height≠ differs | 64–76% (29–34 mm) | 49–69% (25–35 mm) |
| Background | Plain neutral background in a light grey or cream shade with clear contrast against the face. | White or off-white background. |
| Glasses | Eyes must be fully visible; no tinted lenses or strong reflections. | Glasses prohibited. |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. |
| Head covering | Religious or medical reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. | Religious reasons only; must not cover the facial oval. |
| Pose | Face strictly straight; entire head visible; no other people or objects in the frame. | Full face, head centred, no tilt or rotation. |
| Lighting / shadows | Photo must be clear, well-lit, and without digital alterations. | Shadows on the face and background not permitted. |
| Authority | UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office), GOV.UK | Government of India / Bureau of Immigration |
| Last verified | 1 Oct 2026 | 17 May 2026 |
Read each rule set in full
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same photo for UK and India?
No — the print sizes differ. UK requires 35 × 45 mm, while India requires 51 × 51 mm, so one print cannot satisfy both specifications. You will need a separate photo set for each document. The digital uploads also differ: UK expects 600 × 750 px, India expects 600 × 600 px.
Which photo is larger — UK or India?
India uses the larger photo: 51 × 51 mm versus 35 × 45 mm for UK.
What background colour do UK and India require?
UK requires: Plain light. India requires: White or off-white. A plain white background satisfies both.