Compliance Guide · Updated May 2026
Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements 2026: The Complete Official Guide
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Checked against the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), KSA Visa portal, and official Saudi visa guidelines
Quick answer: The Saudi Arabia visa photo size requirement in 2026 is 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (standard) or 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) for some applications. Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the frame height. For online applications via the MOFA or KSA Visa portal, submit a JPEG file under 2 MB. The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white or cream. Glasses are not permitted. Important: Modest dress is required, and religious head coverings must follow specific guidelines.
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Quick reference: Saudi Arabia visa photo specifications
Before submitting your application via the MOFA or KSA Visa online portal or at a Saudi embassy/consulate, ensure your photo meets every parameter in this table.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 mm wide × 45 mm high (standard) |
| Alternative size (some applications) | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 31–36 mm (70–80% of frame height) |
| Digital format (online) | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| Digital file size | Under 2 MB (recommended) |
| Minimum DPI (print) | 300 DPI |
| Background | Plain white (uniform, shadow-free, no patterns) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at lens |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Colour | Full colour — no black & white or sepia |
| Quantity (paper) | 2 identical photos |
| Retouching | Not permitted in any form |
Official Saudi Arabia visa photo dimensions
Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements specify either 35 mm wide and 45 mm high (standard) or 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) for some applications. Your face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (crown) must occupy between 70% and 80% of the total photo height. The face must be centred within the frame both horizontally and vertically.
Important Note
Saudi Arabia uses both 35 × 45 mm and 2 × 2 inch formats depending on the visa type.Always check the specific requirements for your visa type on the MOFA or KSA Visa portal. For Umrah and Hajj visas, the 2 × 2 inch format is commonly required.
For online submissions via the MOFA or KSA Visa portal, no specific minimum pixel count is published, but a resolution of at least 600 × 800 pixels is recommended. Aim for 900 × 1200 pixels or higher for best results, ensuring the JPEG file stays under 2 MB. For print submissions, a minimum of 300 DPI is required.
Saudi Arabia visa photo size in mm, cm, inches, and pixels
| Unit | Width | Height | Face height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres (mm) — Standard | 35 mm | 45 mm | ~70–80% of height |
| Inches — Alternative | 2 in | 2 in | ~70–80% of height |
| Centimetres (cm) — Standard | 3.5 cm | 4.5 cm | ~70–80% of height |
| Centimetres (cm) — Alternative | 5.1 cm | 5.1 cm | ~70–80% of height |
| Pixels (recommended) | 600+ px | 800+ px | ~70–80% of height |
Print vs. digital: what changes between paper and online applications?
If you apply online for a Saudi Arabia visa via the MOFA or KSA Visa portal, you upload a single digital JPEG file as part of your application. If you apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate with a paper application, you will typically be required to attach two identical printed photos to your application form. The face position, expression, and background rules are identical for both — only the output format differs.
| Aspect | Print (embassy / consulate) | Digital (MOFA/KSA Visa) |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 35 × 45 mm or 2 × 2 inches | Same proportions; JPEG under 2 MB |
| Format | Colour print on photo paper | JPEG (.jpg / .jpeg) |
| File size | N/A | Under 2 MB (recommended) |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos attached to application form | 1 file upload via the online portal (MOFA/KSA Visa) |
| Paper type | Glossy or matte photo paper | N/A |
| Background | Plain white, shadow-free, no patterns | Plain white, shadow-free, no patterns |
Background requirements for Saudi Arabia visa photos
The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. It must be uniform in colour with no shadows, patterns, textures, gradients, or objects visible.
Do not use a background removal tool to digitally replace a coloured wall with white. Saudi visa processing can detect composite images. Shoot in front of a genuinely pure white surface.
Face position, expression, and lighting requirements
Your face must be centred in the frame, looking directly at the camera lens with your head level and upright — not tilted, not turned, chin neither raised nor lowered. Both sides of your face must be equally visible. Hair must not cover your eyes, eyebrows, or the edges of your face. Your eyes must be fully open and directed at the lens. Your mouth must be closed with a neutral, relaxed expression — no smile, no frown, no raised eyebrows.
Lighting must be even and diffused across the entire face. No harsh shadows should appear on your face — including under the chin, beside the nose, or in the eye sockets — or on the white background behind you. Avoid direct flash.
Glasses policy for Saudi Arabia visa photos
Glasses are not permitted in Saudi Arabia visa photos. This applies to all types of eyewear — prescription glasses, clear frames, tinted lenses, and rimless frames. Remove all glasses before taking the photo.
Contact lenses that do not visibly alter the colour of the iris are acceptable.
Saudi Arabia visa photo checklist: do's and don'ts
Review these requirements carefully before uploading to the MOFA or KSA Visa portal.
Do
- Use a plain white background that is evenly lit and free of shadows, patterns, or textures
- Ensure your face is centred, forward-facing, and fully visible from chin to crown
- Keep your eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera lens
- Maintain a neutral, relaxed expression with your mouth closed
- Use even, diffused lighting with no shadows on your face or background
- Include the tops of both shoulders and the base of the neck in the frame
- Ensure hair does not obscure your eyes, eyebrows, or the edges of your face
- Submit a JPEG file under 2 MB for online submissions
- Have the photo taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Wear modest, everyday clothing that contrasts well with the white background
Don't
- Wear glasses — they are not permitted in Saudi Arabia visa photos
- Smile, frown, tilt or turn your head, or allow your eyes to be partially closed
- Use a coloured, patterned, textured, or off-white background — only plain white is accepted
- Retouch, filter, adjust brightness/contrast, or digitally alter the photo in any way
- Submit a scanned photo or a picture of a printed photo
- Upload a JPEG file above 2 MB to the online portal
- Wear hats, caps, or fashion headwear (religious head coverings permitted with conditions)
- Allow hair, large jewellery, or accessories to cover your eyes or face
- Use a photo older than 6 months
- Use a black-and-white, sepia, or heavily compressed image
- Wear revealing or immodest clothing — modest dress is required
How to take a correct Saudi Arabia visa photo at home (step-by-step)
Following these six steps will produce a photo that meets Saudi Arabia visa requirements.
Set up a plain white background
Stand or sit in front of a plain white wall or surface. The background must be pure white with no shadows, patterns, textures, or objects. If you do not have a suitable wall, hang a plain white sheet without wrinkles. Avoid off-white, cream, or grey backgrounds — only pure white is accepted.
Set up balanced, diffused lighting
Use natural daylight from a large window, or two balanced artificial lights at equal height and distance on either side of your face. Avoid direct flash, which creates harsh highlights, red-eye, and shadows. Soft, even lighting is crucial for a pure white background and a well-lit face without shadows.
Position your head and body correctly
Face the camera directly with your head level and upright — not tilted, not turned. Your chin should be neither raised nor lowered. Both sides of your face should be equally visible. Your shoulders and the base of your neck should appear at the bottom of the frame. Position yourself approximately 45–60 cm from the camera.
Take the photo
Open your eyes fully and look directly into the lens. Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed — no smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Remove all glasses before the shot. Ensure you are dressed modestly with shoulders covered. Ask someone else to take the photo for better framing and sharpness.
Crop and size the image
For paper submissions, crop to exactly 35 × 45 mm (or 2 × 2 inches) at 300 DPI minimum, ensuring the face occupies 70–80% of the height. For online submissions via MOFA or KSA Visa portal, export as a JPEG file under 2 MB. Resize or compress the image if necessary.
Check before submitting
Verify the background is pure white and shadow-free, no glasses are in the photo, eyes are fully open with a neutral expression, the face occupies 70–80% of the frame, hair does not obscure the face, clothing is modest, and the JPEG file is under 2 MB before submitting.
Common Saudi Arabia visa photo rejection reasons in 2026
The MOFA/KSA Visa portal and Saudi embassy processing check biometric compliance, image quality, and file specifications.
Incorrect photo dimensions
Saudi Arabia requires either 35 × 45 mm or 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) depending on the application. Always check the specific requirements for your visa type on the MOFA or KSA Visa portal.
Incorrect background colour or shadows
Saudi Arabia requires a plain white background — not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. Any shadows, patterns, textures, or non-white backgrounds will lead to rejection.
Glasses in the photo
Glasses are not permitted in Saudi Arabia visa photos. This applies to all types of eyewear including prescription glasses. Remove all glasses before taking the photo.
Non-neutral expression or head position
Smiling, open mouth, tilted head, head turned to the side, raised eyebrows, or partially closed eyes will cause rejection. Your head must be level and upright with a neutral expression and mouth closed.
Face proportion out of range
Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the photo height. A face that is too small or too large will be rejected.
Immodest clothing or improper head covering
Saudi Arabia requires modest dress in visa photos. Women may need to ensure their clothing covers shoulders and is not revealing. Religious head coverings must follow specific guidelines.
Photo older than 6 months
The photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and reflect your current appearance. Older photos will be rejected.
Hair or accessories obscuring the face
Hair covering the forehead, eyebrows, or eyes, and large earrings or accessories casting shadows on the face, are common causes of rejection.
Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements for babies and children
Children of all ages, including newborns, must have their own separate visa photo.
For very young infants who cannot support their own head, lay them on a plain white sheet on a flat surface and photograph from directly above.
Religious head coverings in Saudi Arabia visa photos
Religious head coverings (hijab) are permitted for women provided the full face from chin to crown remains clearly visible. The covering must be plain material with no patterns, must not cast shadows on your face or background, and both side edges of the face must be visible.
Fashion hats, caps, and decorative headwear are not permitted. Men should not wear head coverings except for religious purposes.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions: Saudi Arabia visa photo 2026
What is the Saudi Arabia visa photo size requirement in 2026?
Saudi Arabia visa photos are typically 35 mm wide by 45 mm high. Some applications use the standard 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) format. Your face from chin to crown must occupy 70–80% of the photo height. The background must be plain white. For online applications, submit a JPEG file under 2 MB.
What is the Saudi Arabia visa photo size in pixels?
The MOFA/KSA Visa portal does not specify a fixed minimum pixel count, but a resolution of at least 600 × 800 pixels is recommended. Aim for 900 × 1200 pixels or higher for best results, ensuring the JPEG file stays under 2 MB.
What is the Saudi Arabia visa photo size in cm and inches?
The standard size is 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm high (approximately 1.38 inches × 1.77 inches). Some applications use 2 × 2 inches (5.1 cm × 5.1 cm). Always check your specific visa type.
What colour must the background be for a Saudi Arabia visa photo?
The background must be plain white — pure white, not off-white, cream, light grey, or beige. It must be shadow-free with no patterns or textures.
Can I wear glasses in a Saudi Arabia visa photo?
No. Glasses are not permitted in Saudi Arabia visa photos. This applies to all types of eyewear — prescription glasses, clear frames, tinted lenses, and rimless frames. Remove all glasses before taking the photo.
Can I smile in a Saudi Arabia visa photo?
No. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed and eyes fully open. Smiling, frowning, raised eyebrows, head tilt, and any non-neutral expression will cause your photo to be rejected.
How recent must a Saudi Arabia visa photo be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. Photos that are older will be rejected.
What is the file size limit for Saudi Arabia visa online photo upload?
The MOFA/KSA Visa online portal recommends JPEG files under 2 MB. Files larger than this may cause upload issues. Aim for a file between 100 KB and 2 MB for best results.
What should I wear for a Saudi Arabia visa photo?
Wear modest, everyday clothing that clearly contrasts with the white background. Avoid white or very pale tops that blend with the background. Women should ensure shoulders and chest are covered. Men should wear appropriate formal or semi-formal attire. Do not wear uniforms or anything that obscures the face or neck.
Are religious head coverings allowed in a Saudi Arabia visa photo?
Yes, provided the covering is worn daily for religious reasons and your full face from chin to crown remains clearly visible. The covering must be plain material with no patterns, must not cast shadows, and both side edges of the face must be visible. For women, the hijab is permitted but should not obscure the face.
What are the Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements for women?
Women must ensure their hair is pulled back from the face, and if wearing a hijab, the full face must remain visible from chin to crown. The hijab should be plain white or modest colour that contrasts with the background. Makeup should be natural and not alter facial features.
Can I retouch or edit my Saudi Arabia visa photo?
No. Any form of digital retouching or editing is prohibited. This includes skin smoothing, blemish removal, background replacement, and brightness or contrast adjustments. The submitted file must be the original, unaltered digital capture.
What are the Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements for babies and children?
Children of all ages, including newborns, must have their own separate visa photo. For infants who cannot support their head, lay them on a plain white sheet on a flat surface and photograph from directly above. All standard requirements apply, with some flexibility on expression for very young infants.
Should a Saudi Arabia visa photo be matte or glossy?
For paper submissions, either matte or glossy photo paper is acceptable. For digital submissions via the online portal, paper finish is irrelevant. Ensure printed photos are on high-quality photo paper.
Can I use a photo taken on my phone for a Saudi Arabia visa?
Yes, provided the photo meets all requirements: plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses, face occupying 70–80% of the frame, correct dimensions (35×45 mm or 2×2 inches), JPEG format under 2 MB. Have a second person take the photo for better framing.
What is the difference between MOFA and KSA Visa?
MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and KSA Visa are Saudi Arabia's online visa application systems. Both require the same photo specifications. Always check the specific requirements on the portal you are using for your visa type.
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