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The Challenge
Saudi Arabia requires 40×60mm photos for passports and national ID cards — NOT the 2×2 inch format used for visas. Saudi dress is mandatory for adult passport photos. Wrong dimensions or dress code = automatic rejection through Absher or at Jawazat offices.
Saudi passport photo is NOT the same size as visa photo
- Passport / ID: 40×60mm (4×6cm) — this tool
- Visa (embassy): 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — use Saudi visa photo tool
- eVisa (online): 200×200px digital only — use Saudi visa photo tool
- Using visa-sized photos for passport applications will be rejected
Saudi passport and ID photo requirements
Saudi Arabia uses 40×60mm photos for passports issued through the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and the Absher platform, as well as for national ID cards (Iqama for residents, citizen ID for nationals). This is significantly larger than the 2×2 inch visa format. Photos must have a pure white background with no exceptions, face occupying 70–80% of the frame, and must be taken within the last 6 months. Adult Saudi citizens must wear Saudi dress in passport photos unless they are minors without a Government ID card.
Saudi passport photo requirements – will your photo be accepted?
- 40×60mm (4×6cm) dimensions — NOT 2×2 inches
- Pure white background — no exceptions, no patterns, no shadows
- Face occupying 70–80% of frame, head centred
- Taken within last 6 months reflecting current appearance
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open and visible
- Saudi dress worn by adults with Government ID (thobe and ghutra for men)
- No glasses unless medical exemption with doctor's letter — frames must not obscure face
- No headwear except for religious reasons — face from chin to forehead must be visible
- No retouching, red-eye, glare, or blurry areas
- Good contrast and even lighting — no dramatic shadows
- 945×1417 pixels at 600 DPI for print quality
- Only the applicant in the photo — no other persons or objects
Common rejection reasons
- Using 2×2 inch visa format instead of required 40×60mm passport format
- Not wearing Saudi dress (mandatory for adult citizens with Government ID)
- Background not pure white or has visible shadows/patterns
- Head size outside 70–80% range — face too small or too large in frame
- Glasses causing glare or reflections over eyes
- Red-eye from flash photography
- Photo older than 6 months or appearance has significantly changed
- Blurry, pixelated, or low-resolution image
- Shadows on face from uneven lighting
- Other persons or objects visible in photo
- Digital retouching or beauty filters applied
Saudi dress requirement for passport photos
Saudi Arabia requires adult applicants with a Government ID card to wear Saudi dress in passport photos. For men, this means a thobe (white robe) with ghutra (headscarf) and iqal (headband). For women, appropriate Islamic dress covering hair is expected, though the full face from chin to forehead must remain visible. Children and minors without a Government ID card are exempt from the Saudi dress requirement. This is a unique Saudi requirement not found in most other countries — failure to comply results in automatic rejection.
How to print Saudi passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photo-quality paper — both glossy and matte are accepted.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 2–3 photos, or A4 for 4–6 photos.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 40×60mm (4×6cm). Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at local photo studio. Specify '40×60mm Saudi passport format on photo paper'.
Good vs bad Saudi passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of babies and children
- Lay baby on white blanket or sheet on floor.
- Photograph from directly above with face centred.
- White background mandatory — cover surfaces with white fabric.
- Eyes must be open (child must be awake).
- If using car seat, cover back with plain white cloth.
- No other persons, hands, toys, or objects visible in frame.
- Children without Government ID are exempt from Saudi dress requirement.
- Same 40×60mm dimensions and white background rules apply as for adults.
Absher passport renewal process
Saudi passports can be renewed electronically through the Absher platform (absher.sa) without visiting a government office. For renewals, applicants upload a digital photo meeting the 40×60mm specifications. First-time passport applications also use Absher but may require an in-person visit to Jawazat. The Absher platform validates photo dimensions and quality automatically — non-compliant photos are rejected at upload. Ensure your photo meets all specifications before attempting to upload.
Iqama and national ID photo requirements
Saudi national ID cards (for citizens) and Iqama residence permits (for expatriate residents) use the same 40×60mm photo format as passports. Applications are processed through Civil Affairs offices or the Absher and Muqeem platforms. The same white background, dress code, and quality requirements apply. One photo set works for passport, national ID, and Iqama applications if taken within 6 months.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in Saudi Arabia
- Professional photo studio: SAR 20–50 per set
- Jawazat office photo service: SAR 30–60
- Photo booth in malls: SAR 15–30
- This tool: Free — download and print at home or at local shop
- Home printing cost: SAR 2–5 per sheet (paper + ink)
- Savings: SAR 15–55 per application
Official Saudi Government Resources
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 40×60 mm (4×6 cm)
- Resolution
- 945×1417 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- ~38 mm minimum (63–80% of frame)
- Background
- White (strictly enforced)
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Dress Code
- Saudi dress required for adults with Government ID
- Paper Type
- Glossy or matte photo paper
- Photos Required
- 2 identical photos
- Valid For
- Passport, national ID card, Iqama, work permit
Best Practices
- Saudi passport photos are 40×60mm — NOT 2×2 inches. The 2×2 inch format is for visas only
- Saudi dress is mandatory for adults with Government ID — thobe and ghutra for men
- White background is strictly enforced — no off-white, grey, or coloured backgrounds
- Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame — use crop guidelines to position correctly
- Remove glasses unless medically required with doctor's letter
- No retouching, beauty filters, or red-eye — photo must show natural appearance
- Children without Government ID are exempt from Saudi dress requirement
- Same photo works for passport, national ID, and Iqama if taken within 6 months
- For Absher uploads, ensure photo meets digital specifications before attempting submission
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Saudi Arabia passport photo?
Saudi passport photos must be 40×60mm (4×6cm). This is different from visa photos which are 2×2 inches (51×51mm). Using the wrong size will result in rejection.
Do I need to wear Saudi dress in passport photos?
Yes. Adult Saudi citizens with a Government ID must wear Saudi dress — thobe with ghutra and iqal for men. Children without Government ID are exempt. This is strictly enforced.
Can I use the same photo for passport and visa?
No. Passports require 40×60mm and visas require 2×2 inches (51×51mm). They are different formats. Use the dedicated tool for each document type.
What background for Saudi passport photos?
Pure white only. No exceptions. No off-white, grey, or any other colour. No patterns, no shadows on the background.
Can I wear glasses in Saudi passport photos?
No, unless medically required with a signed letter from a registered medical practitioner. If wearing glasses: no glare, no tinted lenses, frames must not obscure the face.
How recent must Saudi passport photos be?
Within the last 6 months. The photo must reflect your current appearance. Significant changes (weight loss/gain, beard changes) require a new photo.
Can I renew my passport photo through Absher?
Yes. Passport renewals through Absher (absher.sa) accept digital photo uploads. The platform validates photos automatically. First-time applications may require an in-person visit to Jawazat.
Does this photo work for Iqama applications?
Yes. National ID, Iqama, and work permit applications all use the same 40×60mm format with identical requirements. One photo set works for all if taken within 6 months.
How many photos do I need?
Two identical photos for passport and ID applications. Print multiple copies from the sheet to have extras for other document applications.
How do I attach photos to the application?
Use tape, a paper clip, or ONE staple only. Do not use glue. Do not place staples on the applicant's face, forehead, or clothing — place at the top or side edge of the photo.