Malaysia Visa Photo Size - Requirements and Specification

All set to travel to Malaysia for business or to spend your vacation this year? The Malaysia visa is the next item you should cross off your travel list as soon as you can, before you book your flights and accommodations. Amongst the many supporting visa documents, the requirements for the Malaysian visa photo are an important consideration. Following the Malaysian government’s instructions is crucial to ensuring a smooth application process for a Malaysia single entry visa, multiple entry and even transit visas, as is the case with all international travel. This includes adhering to the requirements regarding the visa photo.

You may have correctly and completely filled out your Malaysia visa application, as well as arranged all of the necessary supporting documentation, before submitting it. Still, you may be surprised that your visa was denied – and the reason, if you think about it carefully, –it could be the visa photograph you submitted with your application.

So, to get an in-depth idea, here is a comprehensive guide on Malaysian visa photo requirements that you can use as a future travel reference.

Malaysia Visa photo specification

Applications for all visas, irrespective of where you are applying from, must be accompanied by supporting documents, including a passport-sized photo. This applies to Malaysia visa from Dubai as well. The photograph serves as proof of identity. The photo for a Malaysian visa must adhere to certain requirements in order to be accepted. Your travel plans may be impacted if the requirements are not met, which could cause delays or even the rejection of your visa application. All applicants, regardless of nationality, gender, or age, must submit the required photo for the Malaysia visa.

Things to take into account when submitting a photograph for a Malaysian visa are:

Recent Photograph:

Photo should have been taken within the last three months.
It is best to take a photograph right before applying for a visa to Malaysia.

Photo Size and Format:

Malaysia visa photo must be in colour and printed on high-quality paper.
The photo should be 35mm x 50mm in size.
The head should be centred and the face should take up 70% of the image.

Facial Features:

Expression: Maintain neutral facial expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
Attire: Wear modest attire with no accessories such as hat, sunglasses, or scarfs that obscure the face or create shadows.
Headwear: It is allowed for religious purpose but must not cover the face and facial features.
Pose: Full-face view facing straight to the camera with a neutral expression and open eyes.
Eye Contact: Look straight at the camera, do not look away.
Facial aspects: Face should be visible from the chin to the crown, showing a natural skin tone under proper lighting. The full face of the applicant must be visible in the photo without any unbalanced colour or filters.
Composition: Close-up of head and the top of shoulders should be seen.
Visibility: The applicant’s face should be clearly visible against the background, without any reflections or shadows.

Background:

The Malaysia visa photo should have a plain coloured background, preferably white, with no patterns or shadows.

Accessories:

In case the applicant wears glasses, they should be clear and without tinted lenses or frames. Taking the visa photograph without glasses is preferable to avoid glare.
Eyes should be fully visible with no reflections or glare.
Facial features like birthmarks or scars should be visible and not covered by hair or accessories.
Hats or head coverings that obscure hair or hairline should not be worn unless for religious purposes.
Hair should be pinned properly to show all facial features, including ears.

Children and Infants:

Children and infants must have their own Malaysia visa photo that meets the same requirements as an adult.
There shouldn’t be anyone else holding or cradling the child in the image; only the child should be visible.
Adult hands should not be visible, even if they are supporting the child’s head.
It is best to take the photo of the infant lying on a plain white or light-coloured background if they are too young to support their heads.
Toys and pacifiers are not permitted in the photo.
Older children should adhere to the same standards for facial features as adults.
Children under the age of six can submit photos that do not show them looking directly at the camera or maintaining a neutral expression.

Special Needs:

Applicants with special needs should ensure their Malaysia visa photo meets the above-mentioned requirements.
Specific circumstances, such as disabilities or medical conditions, are considered. For example, if a person requires a head covering due to a medical condition, provide a medical certificate explaining the condition.
Submit a photo with the head covering in accordance with the guidelines.

Photo Clarity

Clarity: The photograph should be clear and in sharp focus.
Colour: A matte-finished colour photograph is required. There should be the same(continuous) tone throughout the photo.
Distance: The picture should be taken at a distance, without any glare or tilting, and with the face clearly visible.
Selfies: Selfies are not permitted for Malaysia visa applications.
No border: There should be no borders on the image.
High quality: The photo should be in excellent condition with no creases or ink smudges.

Digital Photograph Specification for Upload:

Resolution: The digital format must have the specified resolution and must not be in any way pixelated, stretched, or contoured.
Size of the photo must be 99 x 142 pixels.
File size of the photo must be less than 20kb.
File format must be in JPEG only.

Conclusion

To ensure a smooth visa application process, complying with the Malaysia visa photo specifications is crucial. The likelihood of receiving a visa will increase if the applicant follows the Malaysia visa requirements regarding size, format, expression, clothing, background, glasses, and facial features. Remember, a well-prepared and compliant photo is a small but significant step towards enjoying your trip to Malaysia hassle-free!