With this article, let’s cover the essential Malaysia visit visa photo requirements to get your visa processed without any complications.
When applying for a Malaysian tourist visa, Indian citizens need to be aware of the specific Malaysia visa photo requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown for both electronic (e-visa) and printout applications:
| Specification | Malaysia Visa |
| Width × Height | 35 mm × 50 mm |
| Face Size | 60–70% of the photo area |
| Face Orientation | Front-facing, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Background | Plain white, no shadows or patterns |
| Photo File Size and Format | JPEG format, with a maximum size of 240 KB. |
| Quantity | 1 (for digital) and 2 (physical) |
| Accessories | No hats/caps; religious headgear allowed if it doesn’t obscure the face. Glasses are allowed if not tinted/no glare. |
| Photo Age | Taken within last 3–6 months |
| Extra Tips | No borders, sharp focus, natural skin tones |
Malaysia strictly enforces its 35 mm x 50 mm size to facilitate seamless biometric identification at its borders, a specification that differs from the standard 35 mm x 45 mm used by many other nations.
- Specifically, the chin-to-crown measurement must fall between 30 mm and 35 mm, ensuring correct scale.
- This specific dimension is crucial for the e-visa application’s digital cropping.
- For digital submissions, the file must not only be in JPEG format but also have a precise aspect ratio of 413 pixels by 591 pixels to maintain the correct 300 DPI resolution.
- Ignoring these precise dimensional and technical requirements is the single most frequent reason for application delays.
Photo Size
Photo Size in MM
The standard Malaysia visa passport photo size is 35 mm wide by 50 mm high.
Photo Size in CM
In centimeters, a tourist passport-size photo in Malaysia should measure 3.5 cm wide by 5.0 cm high.
Photo Size in Inch
For those more familiar with inches, the photo dimensions are approximately 1.38 inches wide by 1.77 inches high.
Photo Size in Pixels
For your e-visa application, the digital photo should be 413 pixels wide by 591 pixels high, maintaining a 35 mm x 50 mm dimension at 300 dpi.
Photo Color & Recentness
Age of the Photo
The photo must be recent, taken within the last three to six months. Outdated photos are a common reason for visa rejections.
Colour
All Malaysia visa photos must be in full color. Black and white photos are not accepted.
Photo Background & Lighting
Background
The background must be plain white for Malaysian visa photos. Ensure there are no patterns, shadows, or objects visible and that it’s evenly lit to provide clear contrast with your face.
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial. The photo should have even lighting across your face and the background. Avoid harsh shadows or overexposure. Natural, soft lighting works best to capture your features accurately.
Photo Matte or Glossy
It’s recommended to use photos with a matte finish to reduce glare and reflections. However, glossy photos are acceptable if they meet all other requirements.
Face Visibility & Expressions
Facial Appearance/Size
Your face should occupy 60% to 70% of the photo’s height. This means the distance from the top of your head to your chin should be about 30-35 mm in a 50 mm high photo.
Face Orientation
Your head must be centered and straight, facing the camera directly. Avoid tilting or turning your head to either side. Both ears should be visible unless naturally obscured by hair.
Expression
One of the essential passport photo requirement for a Malaysia visa is to maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. Smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions are not allowed. Your eyes must be open and clearly visible, looking straight at the camera.
Attire & Accessories
Attire
Choose dark or contrasting clothing to ensure a clear distinction from the plain white background. Avoid wearing white or light-colored tops that might blend with the background. It’s advisable to wear black attire that covers your shoulders for optimal contrast, as this will help your photo meet the standard requirements.
Accessories
Glasses/Spectacles
If you normally wear glasses, you can keep them on in your visa photo. However, ensure there’s no glare on the lenses and that your eyes are clearly visible. Avoid tinted lenses or sunglasses. If your glasses have thick frames that obscure your eyes, it’s better to remove them for the photo.
Health Accessories
Essential health accessories like hearing aids are generally permitted in visa photos. These should be visible if they are part of your everyday appearance.
Jewelry
While small, simple jewelry is acceptable, it’s best to avoid large or flashy pieces that could distract from your facial features. Small earrings and thin necklaces are usually fine, but large pendants or chunky necklaces should be avoided.
Headwear
Head coverings are only allowed for religious reasons and must not obscure any part of your face. The face must be fully visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and from ear to ear.
Makeup
Natural, subtle makeup is acceptable. Avoid heavy or dramatic makeup that significantly alters your appearance. Your photo should represent how you look on a daily basis.
Suggested Read: Malaysia Visa Extension for Indians | A Visa Guide
Malaysia Visa Photo Requirements for Children
Here are the photo specifications for a Malaysia visa:
Requirements
- The child must be the only subject in the photo.
- For children above the age of 10, the child must be alone in the photo, just like in adult photos.
- Eyes should be open, with a neutral expression.
- A supporting hand or chair can be in the background to keep the baby upright, but it should not be visible in the photo frame.
- Parents or other people should not appear in the photo.
- The same background and lighting requirements apply as for adult photos.
Suggested Read: Check Malaysia Visa Status Online With Passport Number
Common Reasons for Malaysia Visa Photo Rejections
1. Incorrect Photo Size or Format
One of the most common reasons for Malaysia visa photo rejections is not meeting the correct dimensions or format. For both physical and e-visa applications, the photo sizes of Malaysia visa must be 35 mm wide by 50 mm high. For e-visas, the file size should be up to 240 KB in JPEG format, with high-resolution pixel dimensions.
2. Inappropriate Background
The background for a Malaysia visa photo must be plain white. Ensure it is solid and evenly lit, with no patterns or shadows, to provide a clear contrast with your face.
3. Poor Photo Quality
Photo quality is another critical factor that can lead to rejections. Poor quality photos can result from various issues like low resolution (especially for e-visa applications), blurry or out-of-focus images, over or underexposed photos, or photos with visible pixels or digital noise.
4. Incorrect Facial Expression or Pose
The Malaysia visa photo guidelines are specific about facial expression and pose. Rejections often occur due to smiling or other non-neutral expressions, closed eyes or looking away from the camera, a tilted or turned head, a face not centered in the frame, or not showing frontal view of the face.
5. Inappropriate Attire or Accessories
What you wear in your visa photo can also lead to rejections. Common issues include wearing white or light blue clothing that blends with the background, uniforms or clothing with visible logos or text, wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses, heavy makeup that alters natural appearance, large or distracting jewelry, or headwear that isn’t for religious purposes or that obscures the face.
6. Outdated Photo
Submitting an old photo is another common reason for rejection. The Malaysia visa photo specifications for Indians specify that the photo must be recent, taken within the last three to six months. This ensures that your current appearance matches the photo in your visa application.
7. Incorrect Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for a good visa photo. The lighting must be evenly distributed, with no harsh shadows or overexposure. Avoid photos that create uneven lighting, as this can lead to glare or hotspots. Both overexposed and underexposed photos can cause facial features to become indistinct, which may result in rejection.
8. Digital Alterations or Enhancements
In the age of digital photography and editing software, it’s tempting to touch up photos. However, any noticeable digital alterations can lead to visa photo rejections. This includes removing blemishes or wrinkles, changing eye or hair color, adjusting skin tone, or using filters that alter the photo’s natural appearance.
9. Incorrect File Specifications for E-Visa
For Malaysian visa applications, the physical photo should measure 35 mm x 50 mm. For e-visa applications, the digital photo should also be 35 mm x 50 mm in JPEG format, with a file size of up to 240 KB.
10. Visible Support for Children or Infants
When submitting photos for children, especially infants, it’s important that no support is visible in the photo. Rejections can occur if a parent’s hands or body are visible holding the child, a chair or other support object is seen in the frame, or the background shows any indication of a supporting structure. While it’s understood that young children may need support to sit upright, this support should be out of frame.
Suggested Read: Malaysia Visa Rejection for Indians: Causes & Solutions
FAQs
What is the standard size for visa photos for Indian citizens in Malaysia?
The standard size for Malaysia visa photos is 35mm in width and 50mm in height. Your face should be centered and occupy about 30-35 mm of the picture’s height. There should be a 5 mm distance from the top of your head to the top of the picture and 5-10 mm from your chin to the bottom.
Can you use a photo with a coloured background for my Malaysia visa application?
No, you cannot use a photo with a colored background for your Malaysia visa application. A photo required for Malaysia visa must have a plain background.
Are glasses allowed in visa photos?
Prescription glasses are allowed in visa photos as long as they do not obstruct your face. However, if the glasses have a thick rim or there is glare on the glass, you must remove them. Sunglasses or any other tinted glasses are not permitted in visa photos.
What facial expression should I have in my visa photo?
Your facial expression in the visa photo should be neutral. You must not smile, frown, or grimace. Your mouth should be closed, and you should look straight ahead with your head not tilted or turned away.
What should I do if my visa photo is rejected?
If your visa photo is rejected, you need to resubmit photos that meet the specified requirements. Ensure that the new photos comply with all guidelines, including correct dimensions, appropriate background, good image quality, neutral facial expression.
Disclaimer: Visa requirements can change over time. While we strive to provide the most current information, it’s always best to verify the latest Malaysia visa photo requirements directly with the Malaysian embassy or consulate before submitting your application.
