Do you have Malaysia travel plans shortly? For a Malaysia visit, if you are required to apply for a Malaysia visa, then you need to know one component of the visa application in detail – The Malaysia visa photo requirement. Bookmark this post as a reference to know all about Malaysia visa photo specifications which will ensure that your application sails through seamlessly.
Malaysia Visa Photo Size Requirements
Malaysia’s visa application process should be meticulous, starting with specific photo dimensions and pixel requirements. Check that your photo fulfils the requirements set forth by the Malaysian visa and immigration authorities before you submit it for your Malaysian visa. The Malaysia visa photo size should have the standard dimensions of 35mm width by 50mm height. Apart from the photo size for Malaysia visa, you also need to keep in mind the specification of the head measurement in the photograph. The measurement of the top of the head to the bottom of the chin must be 25mm width x 30mm height. There should be at least 10 mm space left between the head and the top of the photograph. The photograph should consist facial image from the crown of the head to the shoulder. These dimensions should be precise as they serve a purpose: they ensure uniformity in the application process. Therefore, when you visit the photo studio, kindly request a photo that adheres to the 35mm by 50mm dimensions.
What Are The Malaysia Visa Photo Specifications?
Background:
The photograph taken should be a colour photograph. Your photo’s backdrop plays a crucial role. A visa photograph is always taken against a neutral, plain background allowing your features to take centre stage. For a Malaysia visa, a plain white background is mandatory. The photograph should not have any frames or borders.
Facial Features:
Beyond technical specifications, the right facial expression is pivotal. Make sure you keep a relaxed, neutral facial expression in the photograph. Do not smile, grin or frown. Eyebrows should not be raised. Frame the face in the centre of the photograph. The body, face and eyes should be angled straight to the camera. The face or eye view should not be tilted. The photograph should be 180 degrees in rotation. All your facial features must be clearly visible. Ensure your entire face is flawlessly captured and yhe forehead and ears should be visible.
For a quick recap, the summary of the specifications for Malaysia visa photos is as follows:
- Photo size and colour: 35mm width x 50mm height, recently clicked colour photograph.
- Head Measurement specifications: 25mm x 30mm (from top of head to bottom of chin)
- Background: Plain white without any patterns
- Facial Expression: Neutral, with both eyes open and mouth closed.
- Visibility: The forehead and ears must be exposed.
Malaysia Visa Photo Size Requirements For Children
For those applying for a Malaysia visa on behalf of a child, the same stringent photo specifications that apply to adults also apply to the child.
- The photograph’s dimensions should measure 35mm x 50mm, and the head measurement should fall within the range of 25mm to 30mm. Similar to adult applications, the background should be plain white.
- The child should be seated upright, neck and face should be straight, facing the camera. The child’s full face, with a neutral expression, must be clearly visible.
- In case there is hair falling on the face, it should be held in place with a hair clip, headbands or hair ties. The ears of the child must be visible.
- It is alright if the mouth is slightly open, however, the child should have a calm expression. In case the child is fussy, it is best to try calming before taking the photograph.
- Only the child should be visible in the photograph. If someone is holding the baby upright during the photo capture, the limbs of the other person should not be visible in the photograph. The photograph should not consist of toys, pacifiers or feeding bottles used to pacify the child while taking the photograph.
Malaysian Passport Photo Rules And Guidelines
In addition to the general photo specifications, several rules and guidelines must be followed as well:
- All the photographs submitted with the application must be identical.
- Photographs should be recently clicked or should not be more than 6 months old.
- The photos must be clear, in focus, and should not be blurred or damaged. The brightness and contrast must neither be too high nor too low. There should be a perfect balance in lighting.
- The photo for a Malaysia visa must be taken in a photo studio by a professional photographer. Photoshopped, photocopied or photographs captured using a scanner apps etc are not allowed. Digitally enhanced photographs and photos taken with filters will be rejected.
- Red-eye in the photograph will lead to rejection of the visa application. If the photograph has a red-eye, re-take the photograph. Edited photographs are rejected.
- For those with long hair, it should be neatly tied up, ensuring ears and forehead visibility.
- The wearing of hats or head coverings that obscure hair or hairline is not allowed except for those worn daily for religious purposes. Even so, the headgear should not cover the facial features. Eyes, forehead and ears should be clearly visible in the photograph even after wearing the headgear. Those who have a beard can click the photograph with the beard. It is advised to wear simple jewellery. Flashy or heavy jewellery can disguise the appearance of a person and can also obstruct the facial features if it glitters or reflects light from the camera flash.
- Dark-coloured head covers are permissible, provided they do not cast shadows on the face.
- Remove eyeglasses, hair or head accessories, and jewellery that might obscure facial features during the photo capture. If possible, take the photograph without wearing spectacles. If this is not possible, caution should be taken to ensure that there is no glare in the photograph because of the reflection of a flash on the eyeglasses.
- Colour plays a significant role in the visual appeal of your photo. Know the specifics of colour correction which will help address common issues such as red-eye and shadows. The attire worn by the applicant should comprise dark-coloured clothing that covers the shoulders and chest. The attire should be modest and should be in contrast to the white colour background.
- The photograph must be printed on high-quality picture paper. The photograph should not be stapled with the application, should be submitted separately in an envelope.
- If you are applying for an eVisa, the digital resolution must also be taken into consideration. For the Malaysia eVisa, a photograph should be uploaded while submitting an application form. The photograph for the same should adhere to all the required visa photo specifications as well as 600 dpi resolution. The file should not be very large. It should be under 350 kb and saved in JPEG format.
Conclusion
The visa photo for Malaysia visa application is the identity element and hence attention to detail is immensely required to ensure a smooth process. Following these exact standards will make sure that your visa application does not get denied due to a poorly taken photo. The stated specifications and guidelines are unalterable. By paying close attention to these specifics, you can ensure a smooth Malaysia visa application process that will save you time and avoid hassles and challenges in acquiring a valid Malaysia visa.
Santosh Kadam is a travel lover and a full-time expert visa consultant. He has all kinds of visa related information on his fingertips and loves to blog about visa processes during his free time.