Traveling abroad can be thrilling, but the paperwork? Not so much. Whether you’re planning a spiritual retreat in India or a scenic escape to Canada, understanding the fine print of your visa or travel authorization can make or break your journey. Two questions often trip up travelers: What are the India visa photo requirements? and How do I find my Canadian eTA number? Let’s unpack both with clarity and a dose of practical advice.
Getting It Right: India Visa Photo Requirements
Applying for an Indian visa—especially online—sounds easy until you hit the photo upload stage. Many travelers get stuck here, either because their image doesn’t meet the official standards or it’s rejected for technical reasons. To save yourself that frustration, it’s essential to know exactly what’s expected.
Size, Background, and Quality
Your photo for the Indian visa application must be recent, colored, and clear. The image should have a white or light-colored background with your face fully visible—no shadows, no sunglasses, and no hats (unless worn for religious reasons). The photo dimensions are typically 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), though the digital upload size for eVisa applicants should be between 10KB and 1MB.
Make sure your face takes up about 70–80% of the frame and that both eyes are open. Think passport photo, but sharper and more evenly lit. Avoid selfies—they rarely meet the standards. Instead, head to a photo studio or use an online visa photo service that guarantees compliance.
Why It Matters
The Indian authorities are particular about photo clarity because it’s linked to biometric identification at entry points. If your photo doesn’t meet the requirements, your application might get delayed—or worse, denied. Spending an extra five minutes double-checking your photo details can save you days of hassle later.
How Do I Find My Canadian eTA Number?
Switching gears to Canada—if you’ve applied for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), your approval usually lands in your inbox within minutes. But what if you can’t find your eTA number when you need it? It happens more often than you’d think.
Retrieving Your eTA Number
If your confirmation email has gone missing, don’t panic. You can retrieve your Canadian eTA number directly from the Government of Canada’s website. You’ll just need to enter:
Your passport details (number, issue date, and expiry date)
Your country of issue
The email address you used for your application
Once you submit that info, your eTA status—and number—will appear instantly on the screen.
A Quick Tip
Always save your eTA number offline—either as a screenshot or printed copy. It’s linked electronically to your passport, so you won’t need to show it at the airport, but having it on hand can prevent confusion during check-in or if you renew your passport later.
Final Thoughts
Visa details might seem like minor logistics, but getting them right can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful delay. Whether you’re perfecting your India visa photo requirements or trying to figure out how to find your Canadian eTA number, the key is preparation.