I wonder why …

….. Every country has a “different” photo requirement for processing their visa. Why ? I get the logic of needing a photo for providing their visa, but why have a different size specification ?

The tourist has to keep taking different sized pictures every time they visit a different country. Cant the UN resolve this small issue ? Just have a standard size, standard background, standard timeline within which the photo should have been taken and thats it. With increasing tourism, these are small things that solve a lot of heartburn and running around.

Its also a waste of photo paper, time and effort. Its fascinating to see how different countries specify the size and background and how much of the area should be covered by the face etc. A few pictures of different photo size requirements for visa applications to different countries –

And our own beloved country, India has a different requirement and has a dedicated page for what kind of photo one has to submit when applying for a visa.

A few things that I notice as common features –

1. A clear background
2. Recent photograph
3. Face to be clearly visible without shadows
4. No eye-glasses to be worn

Just agree on the size and every country is done! I know so many people travel constantly for work, for a holiday etc, and its a welcome change, as travel widens ones perspectives. Why not make the process safe and at the same time customer friendly across countries ?

Maybe our rockstar Minister for External Affairs, Sushma ji can pick this up and get all countries to agree :).