Photograph Requirements

Applying for an Irish Visa - Photograph Requirements

A new computerised visa system has been implemented at the Irish Visa Office New Delhi. A new development within this system is that a visa now contains a photograph of the holder.

The photograph provided by a visa applicant will be scanned for this purpose. It is therefore essential that the photograph meets the Visa Photograph Requirements as set out below.

Photographs which do not meet these requirements will NOT be accepted and this will delay the processing of the visa application.

One colour photograph is required. This should not be more than 6 months old.

Photograph Quality

The photograph should be printed on photographic paper. Reverse of photograph should be white and unglazed. It should be taken against a plain white or light grey background, in sharp focus and correctly exposed.

There should be no shadows or glare on the image or background. The photograph should have a good colour balance, natural flesh tones and no 'Red Eye'.

Size

Photograph should be 45-50mm in height and 35-38mm in width. It should show a close up of your face and the top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70-80% of the frame.

Pose

Your head should be centred in the image. A frontal pose looking directly at the camera and showing full face must be used. Rotation or tilting of the head either in an up/down or left/right direction must be avoided. There should be a marked contrast between your facial features and the background of the photograph.

Expression

Your expression should be neutral with both eyes open and mouth closed. There should be no hair covering your eyes. Contrived expressions such as raised eyebrows, squinting or frowning are not acceptable.

Glasses

Sunglasses are not acceptable. If glasses are worn they should be of clear glass so that the eyes are clearly visible.

Head Coverings

Only head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted. Hair bands should not be worn.

Submitting Photograph

The name of the visa applicant should be printed clearly on the back of the photograph. If you are applying online you will be issued with a Visa Reference Number. This number should also be printed on the back of the photograph.

Do not attach the photograph to your application form. It should be submitted with your form and supporting documentation to the relevant Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office.