Quick answer
Do Indians need a photo for a UK visitor visa?
No printed photo is needed. Indian nationals apply online on GOV.UK and then attend a visa application centre, where their fingerprints and a photo are taken. The UK Immigration: ID Check app works only with EU, EEA, Swiss, BNO or Hong Kong passports or an expired BRP.
India is on the UK's visa national list, so Indians need a visa to visit the UK, not an ETA. You apply online on GOV.UK, then go to a visa application centre (VAC), where your photo and fingerprints are taken. That means no printed photo and no photo upload. You can apply up to 3 months before you travel, a decision usually takes about 3 weeks, and if you are approved you get an eVisa that you view in your UKVI account.
UK visa photo rules for Indian applicants
| Printed photo | Not needed |
|---|---|
| Photo upload | Not needed |
| Where the photo is taken | At the visa application centre, with your fingerprints |
| Application | Online on GOV.UK, then an appointment at a visa application centre |
| When to apply | Up to 3 months before you travel |
| Decision | Usually within 3 weeks |
| ID Check app | Not available with an Indian passport |
The photo maker button above makes a 35 × 45 mm print in the UK passport style. Your visa application does not need one; use it only if another form asks you for a UK-size photo.
Get ready for the camera at the centre
Your photo is taken on the spot, so prepare as you would for a passport photo: hair away from your eyes, no hat unless you wear it for religious or medical reasons, and glasses you can take off if the lenses reflect light.
How the UK visitor visa process works from India
GOV.UK says you must apply online before you travel and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. At the appointment you:
- prove your identity with your passport
- have your fingerprints and a photo taken (your biometric information)
- hand in your supporting documents
A GOV.UK announcement names VFS Global as the company that runs UK visa application centres in India; check your appointment details after you apply online.
Why the ID Check app is not an option
Some applicants can prove their identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead of going to a centre, and take a selfie in the app. GOV.UK limits this to biometric passports from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, to BNO, Hong Kong and EEA passports on the BNO route, and to an expired biometric residence permit where the application route allows it. An Indian passport is not on that list, so Indian applicants go to a visa application centre. If you hold an expired UK biometric residence permit, check whether your route lets you use it.
After the decision: your eVisa
If your application is approved, you get an eVisa: a digital record of your immigration status that you access through a UKVI account.
How to get through the UK visa photo step
- Apply online on GOV.UK. Fill in the Standard Visitor visa application online, up to 3 months before you travel. You do not upload a photo.
- Book your visa centre appointment. After you apply, book an appointment at a visa application centre in India.
- Prepare for the photo. Keep your hair away from your face, wear a head covering only for religious or medical reasons, and be ready to take off glasses that reflect light.
- Give your photo and fingerprints. At the centre, prove your identity with your passport, have your photo and fingerprints taken and hand in your documents.
- Check your eVisa. A decision usually comes within 3 weeks. If you are approved, view your eVisa in your UKVI account.
Sample photos
Samples show pose, lighting and background. Crop your own photo to the United Kingdom visa size.
United Kingdom visa photo FAQ
No. Your photo is taken at the visa application centre, along with your fingerprints. You do not print or upload a photo for a Standard Visitor visa.
No. India is on the UK's visa national list, so Indian passport holders need a visa instead, and the visa application centre takes your photo.
No. The app only works with biometric passports from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, with some passports on the BNO route, or with an expired biometric residence permit where the route allows it.
Up to 3 months before you travel. GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
Not for the visa application, because the photo is taken at the centre. A 35 × 45 mm print is only useful if another form asks you for a UK passport-size photo.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Standard Visitor visa – apply
- GOV.UK: Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app
- GOV.UK: Immigration Rules, Appendix Visitor: visa national list
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.