Nepal Visa Photo Requirements (2026)
Whether you are applying for a Nepal tourist visa, a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), or submitting an advance application through the official Department of Immigration portal, your visa photo must meet strict official specifications. A non-compliant photo is one of the leading causes of visa application delays and rejections. This comprehensive guide covers every official Nepal visa photo requirement for 2026.
Photo Size and Dimensions
The Nepal visa photo must measure exactly 35 mm ร 45 mm (3.5 ร 4.5 cm), the same standard size as the Nepal passport photo. This is equivalent to approximately 1.37 ร 1.77 inches. Photos submitted for visa on arrival at TIA or via the online immigration portal must conform to these precise dimensions. Incorrect sizing will trigger rejection at the immigration counter or during the online form validation process.
Background Color
The background must be a plain white or very light grey color โ uniform, smooth, and completely free of patterns, textures, gradients, or any other distractions. No objects, furniture, or other people should be visible in the background. Shadows cast on the background by the applicant are not acceptable and will lead to the photo being refused. The background should be evenly lit to ensure a clean, professional appearance throughout the entire image.
Head Size and Facial Framing
The head must be centered within the frame and occupy 70% to 80% of the total image height, measured from the crown of the head to the bottom of the chin. The face must be positioned straight and looking directly into the camera. The top of the shoulders must be visible at the lower portion of the frame. Neither the face nor the head should be cut off at any edge of the photograph. Both ears should ideally be visible in the photo.
Facial Expression and Eye Position
A neutral, relaxed facial expression is required โ mouth closed, no smiling, no frowning, and no raised eyebrows. Both eyes must be wide open and clearly visible, looking directly at the lens. The eyes should be positioned in the upper half of the image. Ensure there are no reflections or glare on spectacle lenses. Squinting or partially closed eyes will result in the photo being declined.
Photo Quality and Technical Specifications
The Nepal visa photo must be in full color. The image must be sharp, properly focused, and free of blur, noise, or pixelation. No digital editing, retouching, beauty filters, or artificial enhancements are permitted. Lighting must be even across the face โ avoid harsh direct flash that creates hot spots or deep shadows around the nose and chin. For digital/online submissions, the photo file format must be JPEG with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI and a maximum file size of 5 MB. For printed physical submissions, use high-quality glossy or matte photo paper to ensure accurate color reproduction and sharpness.
Clothing and Accessories
Wear your regular, everyday clothes that contrast clearly with the white or light grey background. Avoid clothing that is entirely white or very light, as it may blend into the background and create compliance issues. Hats, caps, and head coverings are not permitted, unless worn for verified religious or medical reasons โ in both cases, appropriate documentation must be provided, and the full face must remain clearly visible with no shadows. Sunglasses are strictly prohibited. Regular prescription eyeglasses are generally discouraged; if worn, they must not produce glare or obscure the eyes in any way. Accessories such as small jewelry are acceptable provided they do not cast shadows on the face or obstruct facial features.
Children and Infants
Children applying for Nepal visas must have individual photos that meet the same specifications as adults. The photo must show only the child โ no hands, toys, or supporting adults should be visible. For infants, closed eyes may be acceptable given the difficulty of keeping very young children still, but open eyes are always preferred. The child's head must be straight and fully visible, with the face centered within the frame.
Photo Recency
Visa photos must have been taken within the past six months of the date of application. This requirement applies to both online applications through the Department of Immigration portal and physical applications submitted at Nepalese embassies or consulates abroad, as well as visa-on-arrival applications at TIA.
Visa on Arrival โ Photo Tips
For travelers applying for a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, having your compliant photo prepared in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn) when queues at the immigration kiosks can be long. The kiosk machines at TIA also accept digital photo uploads when completing the arrival form online in advance via the Department of Immigration's official website.
Common Reasons for Nepal Visa Photo Rejection
Frequent rejection reasons include: photo older than six months, incorrect dimensions, colored or patterned background, shadows on the face or background, excessive digital retouching, file size exceeding 5 MB for online submissions, non-JPEG file formats, sunglasses or non-permitted head coverings, and poor print quality on the physical copy.
Summary Checklist
Before submitting your Nepal visa application, verify: โ Size is 35 ร 45 mm โ Background is plain white or very light grey โ Head occupies 70โ80% of image height โ Face is centered, straight, and looking at the camera โ Both eyes are open and visible โ Neutral expression, mouth closed โ No sunglasses or non-religious head coverings โ Full color, no retouching or filters โ Photo taken within the last 6 months โ JPEG format, minimum 300 DPI, under 5 MB for online submission