Philippines Visa Photo Requirements for Indians 2026

The Philippines, known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, is a popular travel destination for Indian tourists. However, before you can soak in the beauty of this island nation, one critical aspect of the visa application process is often overlooked: the Philippines visa photo requirements for Indians. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to delays or even rejection of your visa application.

In this guide, we’ll explain all the essential details, including photo size, background, attire, and much more.

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Philippines Visa Photo Format Requirements for Indians

Visa Type	Photo Form	Quantity	Format	File Size
Tourist Visa	Physical	2 Photos	JPG/JPEG	High Resolution (600 dpi)
Tourist (Digital Visa Applications)	Digital	1 copy	JPG/JPEG	Max 1 MB

Philippines Visa Photo Size, Age & Background

Photo Size in MM, CM, Inch, and Pixels

To ensure your photo for the Philippines visa application meets the necessary criteria, adhere to the following Philippines visa passport photo size requirements:

• Photo Size in MM: 45 mm x 35 mm
• Photo Size in CM: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm
• Photo Size in Inch: 1.77 inches x 1.38 inches
• Photo Size in Pixels: 1062 x 826 pixels
• Resolution: 600 dpi, which guarantees that the photo is of high quality and sharp enough for immigration purposes.

Age of the Photo

As outlined in the Philippines visa photo guidelines, the photograph must have been taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance. Older photos may result in rejection.

Color

The photo must be in color; black-and-white photos will not be accepted. It should present a natural skin tone without any filters or enhancements.

Background

• Background Colour: The background should be plain white with no shadows, patterns, or objects in the background. A colored or patterned background will result in immediate rejection.
• Lighting: The lighting should be evenly distributed across the face and background to avoid shadows. Proper lighting helps to highlight your facial features clearly.

Facial Appearance/Size

The head should occupy 70-80% of the total photo area. From the top of the head to the chin, your face must take up a significant portion of the image, ensuring it is easily identifiable.

Face Orientation

Your head must be centered and facing the camera directly without tilting. Both sides of the face must be clearly visible without obstruction.

Expression

The photo must capture a neutral facial expression. Smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is prohibited. Your eyes must be open, and you must look directly at the camera to maintain eye visibility and ensure an accurate representation of your face.

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Philippines Visa Photo Attire & Accessories

Attire

When taking your Philippines visa photo, your clothing choice is crucial for ensuring that your face is clearly visible and distinguishable. Here are the attire guidelines:

• Color of the Clothes: Wear colored attire that contrasts with the white background. Avoid wearing white, as it will blend with the background and make your photo unacceptable.
• Type of Clothing: Casual or formal clothing is acceptable. However, avoid excessively bright colors, busy patterns, or uniforms. Clothes should be simple and everyday wear.
• No Uniforms: If you wear a uniform for work, remove it from the visa photo unless it is for religious purposes.

For more cultural insights, you can visit the official website of the Embassy of the Philippines.

Accessories

Glasses/Spectacles

• Allowed: Prescription glasses are allowed, provided they do not cause any glare or shadows that obscure your eyes. The frames should not cover any part of your eyes.
• Not Allowed: Sunglasses or tinted glasses are prohibited as they obscure the clarity of the eyes, which is vital for identification.

Health Accessories

• Hearing Aids: Health accessories like hearing aids are allowed if they are regularly worn. Ensure they do not obstruct any part of your face.

Jewelry

• Small Jewelry: Small, non-intrusive jewelry, such as simple earrings, are permitted as long as they do not cover any part of your face.
• Large Jewelry: Avoid wearing large, flashy accessories like big earrings or necklaces that may cause shadows or cover parts of your face, as this could lead to photo rejection.

Headwear

• Religious Headwear: If you wear head coverings for religious reasons, they are allowed, provided they do not cover your face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead. The face should be fully visible from both edges.
• Fashion Headwear: Hats, caps, or other fashion headgear are not permitted in your visa photo. Only medically or religiously required head coverings are acceptable.

Makeup for Philippines Visa Photo Requirements for Indian Tourists

• Subtle Makeup: Minimal, natural makeup is allowed but should not alter your appearance. The purpose is to maintain a clear representation of your daily look.
• Avoid Heavy Makeup: Avoid heavy makeup, such as fake eyelashes, dark lipstick, or anything that could change your face’s natural contours.
• Wigs/Colored Hair: Hair wigs or colored hair are acceptable as long as they don’t obscure the facial features and provide a clear representation of your natural appearance.

Suggested Read: How to check Philippines visa status online

Philippines Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 1 Year

Taking a visa photo of a baby under 1-year-old for the Philippines visa application can be challenging, but it must meet specific requirements:

• Eyes Open/Closed: It is ideal for the baby’s eyes to be open and looking directly at the camera, though a slight leniency is allowed for newborns if their eyes are closed.
• Visible Support: No visible support, like hands or objects holding the baby, should appear in the photo. You can lay the baby on a plain white sheet to meet the background requirements or position it in a baby seat.
• Parent’s Support: If a parent is holding the baby, ensure that no part of the parent (hands, arms, or clothing) is visible in the photo.

Philippines Visa Photo Requirements for Children under 10 Years

The visa photo requirements for children under 10 years old in the Philippines are somewhat relaxed but must still meet the basic guidelines:

• Eyes Open/Closed: The child should have their eyes open and look directly at the camera. Closed eyes or blurred images can lead to rejection.
• Visible Support: Any visible support (e.g., parent’s hand, chair back) must not appear in the photo. Ensure the child is positioned independently without extra objects in the background.
• Posture: The child should maintain a neutral expression with their head positioned straight, facing the camera. Smiling or showing teeth is not allowed, and their facial features must be clearly visible.

Reasons for Philippines Visa Photo Rejections

There are several common reasons why a Philippines visa photo might be rejected:

• Incorrect Photo Size: Photos that do not meet the required dimensions (e.g., 45mm x 35mm) may be rejected.
• Blurry or Low-Quality Photos: Photos that are pixelated, blurry, or of poor quality will not be accepted.
• Improper Lighting: Shadows or poor lighting can obscure your facial features, leading to rejection.
• Incorrect Background: Any background that is not plain white or includes patterns, objects, or shadows can lead to photo rejection.
• Non-Neutral Expression: Smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is not permitted, and failure to comply will result in rejection.
• Obstructed Face: Wearing glasses with glare, tinted lenses, or any accessories (hats, jewelry) that block facial visibility will result in photo rejection.

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FAQs

What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens traveling to the Philippines?

For Indian citizens applying for a Philippines visa, the standard photo size is 45mm x 35mm. This is a common size used in many visa applications to ensure a clear and identifiable image.

Can I use a photo with a colored background for my Philippines visa application?

No, the background for the Philippines visa photo must be plain white. Immigration authorities will reject photos with colored, patterned, or distracting backgrounds.

Are glasses allowed in Philippines visa photos?

Prescription glasses are allowed as long as there is no glare or obstruction on the lenses. However, tinted or dark-colored glasses are strictly prohibited. The glasses must not obscure the eyes or any part of the face.

What facial expression should I have in my Philippines visa photo?

For the Philippines visa photo, you must have a neutral expression. Smiling, frowning, or showing teeth is not permitted. Ensure your eyes are fully open and your face is directly facing the camera.

Are there specific requirements for infant visa photos?

Yes, for babies, it is preferred that their eyes are open, and there should be no visible support (such as a parent’s hand) in the photo. A neutral expression is also recommended, and any background distractions like toys must be avoided.

What should I do if my Philippines visa photo is rejected?

If your Philippines visa photo is rejected, you’ll need to retake it, ensuring it adheres to the Philippines visa photo requirements for Indians, including size, background, expression, and attire. It’s recommended that you follow the exact guidelines to avoid delays.