Malaysia Visa Photo Size and Face Guidelines You Must Know

Are you all set to travel to Malaysia for business or to spend your vacation this year? The Malaysia visa is the next step you should cross off from your travel checklist as soon as you can, before you book your flights and accommodations. Amongst the many supporting visa documents, meeting the requirements for the Malaysia visa photo size and other specifications is 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 visa, 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.

What to Check Before Submitting Your Visa Malaysia Photo

Recent Photograph:

The 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 35 mm x 50 mm in size.
The head should be centered, and the face should take up 70% of the image.

Facial Features:

Expression:Maintain a neutral facial expression with eyes open and mouth closed.
Attire:Wear modest attire with no accessories such as hats, sunglasses, or scarves that obscure the face or create shadows.
Headwear:It is allowed for religious purposes 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 the head and the top of the 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.
Take off any medical equipment that might conceal your face, such as a hearing aid.
Jewelry that could hide your face from the camera should be avoided.
Avoid wearing makeup that alters your appearance, wigs, and fake eyelashes.
During your photo session, avoid using wireless earphones or headphones.

Dress:

There is no clothing code for the picture. However, bear the following points in mind.

Wearing white could blend in with the white background, so stay away from it.
Avoid clothing with patterns, logos, or graphic designs and stick to plain hues.
Avoid wearing camouflage clothing or uniforms.
Stay away from formal accessories that could draw attention away from your face, such as bow ties and ties.

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 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 and are not able to support their heads.
Toys and pacifiers are also 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 from 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 pixelated, stretched, or contoured.
The size of the photo must be 99 x 142 pixels.
The file size of the photo must be between 10 KB and 120 KB.
The file format must be JPG, JPEG, or PNG format

Tips for taking a Compliant Malaysia Visa Photo

Make sure the Malaysia visa photo size for your passport is appropriate and fits the specifications.
Examine the specifications. Before you take your picture, make sure you review the photo specifications.
Verify the background to make sure it is completely white, uniformly lighted, and shadow-free.
Employ a Skilled Photographer. To get a picture that meets the requirements, go to a professional studio.
Avoid taking selfies. Selfies frequently fall short of the necessary requirements; therefore, avoid using them.
Avoid wearing any accessories. You should take off any caps or sunglasses that could cover your face.
See that the print quality is good. If a hard copy is needed, make sure the picture is printed on good photo paper.
Update your photograph. Choose a current image that was taken no more than six months ago.

FAQs for Malaysia Visa Photo

What attire should be worn for a photo for a Malaysian visa?

Wear clothing that contrasts with the white background, such as dark clothing. To avoid fading into the background, steer clear of white or extremely light-colored tops. Camouflage clothing or uniforms are prohibited.

Can photographs for a Malaysian visa be enhanced digitally?

Photographs must be original and free of computer editing. Any enhancements, filters, or modifications to facial features or backdrop are not authorized and may lead to your application being declined.

Are smartphone images or selfies allowed when applying for a Malaysian visa?

Photos taken with a mobile device or a selfie are not allowed. The visa photo needs to be properly taken and adhere to all requirements, such as having the right background, lighting, size, and clarity.

Do I need a digital copy or a real photo to apply for a Malaysian visa?

It depends on how you are applying. You must have a digital JPEG photo, less than 120KB, for online eVisa applications. A printed photo that satisfies the required size must be submitted for manual or embassy submissions. Checking the most recent regulations on the official Malaysian visa portal or embassy website is always preferable.

Can I wear the headgear or spectacles for my Malaysia visa photo?

Glasses are generally not advised unless absolutely necessary for medical reasons. Steer clear of glare and eye-covering thick frames if you wear them. Headgear is only permitted for medical or religious purposes; nonetheless, your entire face, including your chin and forehead, must be visible.

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!