Select File
or drag and drop files here
The Challenge
Morocco requires 35×45mm biometric photos for passports, visas, CNIE national ID, and eVisa applications—4 photos for passport, 2 for CNIE. Background must be white or light blue. Professional services charge MAD 50–150. Incorrect dimensions or background = rejection at prefecture or consulate.
One photo format for Moroccan passports, visas, and CNIE
Morocco uses standardised 35×45mm photos for biometric passport applications, all visa types (tourist, work, student, transit), eVisa digital submissions, and CNIE (Carte Nationale d'Identité Électronique) national ID applications. Same dimensions and head height requirements across all document types. The key difference is quantity: passport applications require 4 identical photos, CNIE requires 4, and visa applications typically require 2. Create one compliant photo and print the number needed for your specific application.
Moroccan passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 35×45mm dimensions with head height 32–36mm from chin to crown
- White or light blue background—plain, no patterns, no shadows
- Face occupies 70–80% of photo frame
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Face centred, neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and fully visible—no hair covering eyes or eyebrows
- No glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's statement
- No sunglasses, tinted lenses, or dark glasses under any circumstances
- Religious head coverings (hijab) allowed—face from chin to forehead must be visible
- Colour photo with natural skin tones—no black and white
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI minimum for print quality
- Even lighting without shadows on face or background
- No digital retouching, filters, or beauty mode
- Shoulders visible, head straight and not tilted
Common rejection reasons at Moroccan prefectures and consulates
- Wrong number of photos (passport and CNIE require 4, not 2)
- Head height outside 32–36mm range
- Background not white or light blue—coloured or patterned backgrounds rejected
- Shadows on face or background from uneven lighting or flash
- Wearing glasses (no longer accepted without medical documentation)
- Dark sunglasses or tinted lenses (rejected outright, no exemptions)
- Face partially obscured by hair, headgear, or accessories
- Photo older than 6 months
- Black and white photo instead of colour
- Low resolution causing pixelation when printed
- Over-exposed or under-exposed—skin tone must appear natural
- Head tilted, rotated, or not facing camera directly
Head coverings and hijab in Moroccan passport photos
Morocco allows religious head coverings including hijab in passport, visa, and CNIE photos. This is an important distinction from some other countries. The requirement is that your entire face—from chin to forehead and from ear to ear—must be clearly visible with no shadows cast by the covering. The head covering must not obscure any facial features. For non-religious headgear (hats, caps, headbands), you must remove them unless you have medical documentation. If you wear a hijab, ensure it does not cast shadows on your face and that the background remains visible on both sides of your head.
How to print Morocco passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper—matte or glossy both accepted by Moroccan authorities.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4–6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm before submission.
- Quantity: Print at least 4 copies for passport applications, 4 for CNIE, 2 for visa.
- Alternative: Print at local photo shop. In Morocco: studios near prefectures charge MAD 30–50. Abroad: specify '35×45mm photo d'identité fond blanc ou bleu clair'.
Good vs bad Morocco passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on plain white or off-white sheet on floor. Cover car seat with white sheet as alternative.
- Photograph from directly above with baby's face centred in frame.
- Use natural window light or even overhead lighting. Avoid direct flash.
- Baby's eyes must be open (Moroccan requirement for infants).
- Only the child should be in the photo—no hands, toys, bottles, or pacifiers visible.
- Same 35×45mm dimensions and 32–36mm head height apply for children.
- Children's passport validity is 3 years (under age 3), so photos needed more frequently.
- Take 10–20 shots to get one compliant photo—normal for babies.
Morocco eVisa photo requirements
Morocco's eVisa system accepts digital photo uploads for eligible nationalities. The photo specifications are identical to printed passport photos: 35×45mm dimensions, face occupying 70–80% of frame, white or light-coloured background. For digital upload: JPEG format, file size typically 200–500KB. The eVisa portal validates dimensions and quality automatically—non-compliant photos trigger immediate error messages. This tool generates both print-ready sheets and single digital files suitable for eVisa upload.
CNIE (National ID Card) photo specifications
The CNIE (Carte Nationale d'Identité Électronique) uses the same 35×45mm photo format as passports. CNIE applications require 4 identical colour photographs on a white background (or light colour as accepted by local authorities). No dark glasses or face coverings permitted. The CNIE is mandatory for all Moroccan citizens aged 16 and over, valid for 10 years. Applications can be submitted at registration centres throughout Morocco or at Moroccan consulates abroad. CNIE processing takes 6–8 weeks when filed through consular services.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Morocco and abroad
- Photo studio near prefecture (Morocco): MAD 30–50 (€3–5) for set of photos
- Photo booth in Morocco: MAD 20–40 (€2–4)
- Moroccan consulate photo service (abroad): $15–20 / €10–15
- Professional photographer (abroad): €10–20 / $12–25
- This tool: Free—download and print at home or at photo shop
- Home printing cost: €0.30–0.60 / MAD 3–6 per sheet
- Savings: €10–20 per application. Family of four needing passports saves €40–80.
Applying from abroad—consular photo requirements
Moroccans living abroad (MRE—Marocains Résidant à l'Étranger) can apply for passports and CNIE at Moroccan embassies and consulates. Photo requirements are identical to domestic applications: 35×45mm, white or light blue background, 4 identical photos for passport and CNIE. Some consulates offer on-site photo services. A prepaid self-addressed envelope (registered post) is required for passport delivery. Passport processing through consulates typically takes 4–8 weeks. CNIE processing takes 6–8 weeks through consular services as cards are issued centrally in Rabat.
Official Moroccan Government Resources
- Biometric Passport – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official passport requirements including photo specifications from Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Passport Application Portal – passeport.ma Official Moroccan passport application website for online form submission
- CNIE Renewal – Consular Services National ID card renewal requirements and procedures
- Consular Personal Documents Overview of CNIE, passport, and other personal document services
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm
- Resolution
- 827×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32–36 mm (71–80% of frame)
- Background
- White or light blue (plain, no shadows)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Photo-quality paper (matte or glossy accepted)
- Photos Required
- 4 for passport, 4 for CNIE, 2 for visa
- Valid For
- Passport, visa, eVisa, CNIE national ID
Best Practices
- Morocco requires 4 identical photos for passport and CNIE applications—print extra copies
- Background must be white or light blue—not grey, cream, or patterned
- Hijab and religious head coverings are explicitly allowed—face must remain fully visible
- Glasses are not permitted unless you have a signed doctor's statement
- Same 35×45mm format works for passport, visa, eVisa, and CNIE—one photo covers all
- For eVisa, download single JPEG file (200–500KB)—no printing needed
- Children's passports valid only 3 years (under age 3)—plan photo sessions accordingly
- Use crop guidelines to ensure head height is 32–36mm (automatic rejection if outside range)
- MRE (Moroccans abroad): include prepaid self-addressed envelope with consular applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Morocco passport photo requirements?
Moroccan passport photos must be 35×45mm, taken within the last 6 months, with white or light blue background. Head height must be 32–36mm from chin to crown (70–80% of frame). Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses. Four identical colour photos required per application.
What background colour for Morocco passport photos?
The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifies white or light blue background. Both are accepted. The background must be plain with no patterns, shadows, or objects. The competitor claim of 'white only' is incomplete.
Can I wear hijab in Moroccan passport photos?
Yes. Morocco allows religious head coverings including hijab in passport, visa, and CNIE photos. Your entire face from chin to forehead and ear to ear must be clearly visible. The covering must not cast shadows on your face.
How many photos do I need for a Moroccan passport?
Four identical colour photographs for passport applications. CNIE (national ID) also requires four photos. Visa applications typically require two. Always print extras in case of issues.
Can I use the same photo for Moroccan passport and CNIE?
Yes. Passport, CNIE, visa, and eVisa all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo session covers all applications if submitted within 6 months. Print the required quantity for each application.
Can I wear glasses in Morocco passport photos?
No, unless medically required with a signed doctor's statement. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted under any circumstances. Even with medical exemption, lenses must be clear with no glare and eyes fully visible.
What are Morocco eVisa photo requirements?
Same 35×45mm dimensions as passport photos. Digital format: JPEG, 200–500KB file size. White or light-coloured background, face 70–80% of frame. Upload directly to eVisa portal—no printing needed for online applications.
How recent must Morocco passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. If your appearance has significantly changed (facial surgery, major weight change, large piercings added/removed), new photos are required regardless of age.
Where can I get passport photos in Morocco?
Photo studios near prefectures (MAD 30–50), photo booths (MAD 20–40), or DIY at home. Most Moroccan cities have multiple studios near government offices specifically serving passport photo needs. Abroad: Moroccan consulates, professional photographers, or DIY with this tool.
Do babies need eyes open in Moroccan passport photos?
Yes—Moroccan authorities require babies' eyes to be open, unlike some European countries that relax this rule for infants. Only the child should appear in the photo with no visible hands, toys, or props.
What is the CNIE photo requirement?
CNIE photos are identical to passport photos: 35×45mm, white background (or light colour), 4 identical colour photos. No dark glasses, face fully visible. CNIE is mandatory for Moroccan citizens aged 16 and over.
How long does Moroccan passport processing take?
Domestic (at prefecture in Morocco): approximately 1–2 weeks. Through consulate abroad: 4–8 weeks. CNIE through consulate: 6–8 weeks. Ensure photos are fully compliant to avoid resubmission delays.