Saudi Arabia Passport Photo

Saudi Arabia Passport Photo -- Everything You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia uses a 40x60mm passport photo format -- taller and narrower than the 35x45mm standard found across most of Europe and Asia. This non-standard dimension catches many applicants off guard, particularly expatriates applying for an Iqama (residency permit) for the first time. The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) enforces these specifications strictly, and the Absher platform -- which handles most passport and residency transactions digitally -- runs automated photo validation that rejects non-compliant uploads immediately.

As of 2025, the Kingdom has digitized nearly all passport and Iqama processes through the Absher platform, and the Tawakkalna app is increasingly integrated into identity verification workflows. Physical photo submissions are still required for first-time passport issuance at Jawazat offices, but renewals and many Iqama updates can be completed entirely online with a compliant digital photo.

Official Photo Requirements

Physical dimensions:

• 40 x 60 mm -- this is mandatory for both passport and Iqama applications
• Head height: approximately 34 to 40 mm (face occupying 60-70% of the frame vertically)
• Eyes positioned roughly in the upper third of the photo

Digital specifications (Absher upload):

• Format: JPEG or PNG
• Minimum resolution: 472 x 709 pixels (300 DPI equivalent of 40x60mm)
• File size: under 1 MB for Absher uploads
• Color photo only -- no black-and-white or sepia

Background and lighting:

• Plain white background only -- no off-white, cream, or light gray
• Uniform lighting with no shadows on the face or behind the subject
• Natural skin tones with accurate color reproduction

Expression and pose:

• Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
• Face squarely facing the camera with no head tilt
• Full face visible from hairline to chin, ear to ear

Clothing and head coverings:

• Men: traditional ghutrah and agal are permitted but the face must remain fully visible from forehead to chin
• Women: hijab is allowed and must be a solid color (no patterns or embellishments). The face must be completely visible -- forehead to chin, cheek to cheek. No portion of the face may be covered or shadowed by the fabric
• No eyeglasses of any kind, including prescription lenses
• No sunglasses, tinted lenses, or colored contact lenses
• No headphones or earbuds

Recency: Must be taken within the last 6 months and accurately reflect your current appearance.

Iqama vs Passport Photo Differences

The photo specifications for an Iqama (residency permit) and a Saudi passport are identical: 40x60mm, white background, same posing rules. However, the submission process differs. Iqama photos are submitted through the employer's Absher Afrad (Business) portal, and the employer is responsible for uploading a compliant photo. For passport applications, Saudi nationals submit directly through their personal Absher account or at a Jawazat office.

One critical difference: Iqama photos for expatriates are tied to the kafeel (sponsor) system, meaning the employer or sponsor initiates the photo upload. If you are renewing your Iqama independently through the Absher Individuals portal, ensure the photo matches exactly what was used on your current Iqama, or submit a new compliant photo if your appearance has changed.

Absher and Tawakkalna Digital Photo Upload

The Absher platform accepts digital photo uploads for passport renewals, Iqama renewals, and family visa applications. The system performs automated checks on upload -- verifying background color, face detection, dimension compliance, and image quality. Photos that fail these checks are rejected instantly with an error code.

The Tawakkalna app, originally launched for COVID-19 health passes, has expanded into a broader digital identity platform. While Tawakkalna itself does not currently accept photo uploads for passport applications, it pulls identity photos from Absher and displays them on your digital ID. Ensuring your Absher photo is current and high-quality means your Tawakkalna digital identity will also reflect an accurate image.

Women's Passport Photos in Saudi Arabia

Saudi regulations explicitly permit hijab in passport and Iqama photos. The fabric must be a solid, non-reflective color -- black, white, navy, or dark gray are most commonly accepted. Patterned fabrics, sheer materials, or decorative pins near the face can trigger rejection. The key requirement is that the entire face is visible: both ears do not need to be exposed, but the oval of the face from the hairline (or where the hairline would be under the hijab) to the chin must be unobstructed.

Niqab is not permitted in passport or Iqama photos. The full face must be visible regardless of personal or religious preference for the purposes of identity documentation.

How to Take Your Saudi Passport Photo at Home

Camera setup: Use a smartphone with at least 5 megapixels (virtually any phone from the last decade). Position it on a tripod or stable surface at face height. Stand 1.2 to 1.5 meters from the camera. Use the rear-facing camera for sharper results and have someone else take the photo or use a timer.

Background: A plain white wall works well. In many Saudi homes, tiled walls can create visible grout lines -- hang a white bedsheet or large white poster board to ensure a seamless background. Stand 15-20cm away from the wall to avoid casting shadows.

Lighting: Natural daylight from a window is ideal. Position yourself facing the window. If shooting at night or in a room without good natural light, use two desk lamps at 45-degree angles. Avoid relying on overhead fluorescent lighting alone, which creates harsh shadows under the eyes and nose.

Framing for 40x60mm: The 2:3 aspect ratio is critical. Frame the shot with your head occupying roughly two-thirds of the vertical space. Leave a small gap above your head. After taking the photo, crop precisely to a 2:3 ratio before uploading to Absher.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Saudi Arabia

• Photo studios near Jawazat offices -- Every major city has clusters of photo studios within walking distance of the local Jawazat (passport office). In Riyadh, studios around the Jawazat building on King Fahd Road charge SAR 30-50 for a set of 4-6 printed photos. In Jeddah, similar studios operate near the Jawazat office in Al Sharafiyah.
• Shopping mall photo booths -- Instant photo kiosks in malls like Riyadh Gallery, Red Sea Mall (Jeddah), and Al Noor Mall (Medina) offer passport photo services for SAR 25-40. Quality varies -- check the print before leaving.
• Jarir Bookstore -- Many Jarir locations offer passport photo printing. Bring a compliant digital file and they can print to the exact 40x60mm specification.
• Pharmacies and supermarkets -- Some Nahdi and Al Dawaa pharmacy locations with photo printing services can produce passport photos, though staff familiarity with the 40x60mm format varies.

Umrah and Hajj Visa Photo Requirements

The photo specifications for Umrah and Hajj visa applications are identical to Saudi passport photo requirements: 40x60mm, white background, same posing and clothing rules. Visa applications submitted through authorized travel agents or the Nusuk platform require a digital photo upload. The same Absher-compliant photo works for both purposes.

For applicants from countries that use different photo dimensions (such as the US 51x51mm or European 35x45mm), your home country passport photo will not work for a Saudi visa application. You must obtain a photo in the 40x60mm Saudi format specifically.

Photos for Children

Children of all ages require their own passport photo. For infants, a common technique is to lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. The child must be the only subject in the frame -- no parent hands, toys, or pacifiers visible.

For children under 6, a guardian's written consent (available through Absher) is required as part of the passport application. The photo requirements remain the same as for adults: 40x60mm, white background, neutral expression. For very young children, slightly open eyes and a relaxed (rather than strictly neutral) expression are generally accepted.

Common Rejection Reasons

1. Wrong dimensions -- The 40x60mm format is the single most common source of rejection for expatriates accustomed to 35x45mm or 51x51mm formats. Absher's automated system rejects incorrect aspect ratios immediately.
2. Background not pure white -- Off-white walls, cream-colored surfaces, and shadows on the background all trigger rejection.
3. Face obscured by head covering -- The face must be fully visible from forehead to chin. Hijab that casts a shadow across the forehead or cheeks will fail validation.
4. Glasses worn -- No exceptions for prescription eyewear.
5. Digital alterations -- Beauty filters, skin smoothing, and background replacement are detected and rejected.
6. Photo too old -- Must be taken within 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Saudi passport photo 40x60mm instead of 35x45mm? A: Saudi Arabia has historically used the 40x60mm format for all identity documents, predating the widespread adoption of the ICAO 35x45mm standard. The Kingdom has maintained this dimension for consistency across passports, Iqamas, and national ID cards.

Q: Can I use the same photo for my Iqama and my home country's passport? A: Only if your home country also uses the 40x60mm format. Most countries use 35x45mm or 51x51mm (US), so you will likely need separate photos.

Q: Does Absher accept photos taken with a phone? A: Yes, as long as the photo meets all technical specifications. Phone cameras with 5+ megapixels produce sufficient resolution. The automated system evaluates the image quality, not the device used to capture it.

Q: Can men wear the ghutrah in their passport photo? A: Yes. Traditional Saudi headwear (ghutrah and agal) is permitted for men. The face must remain fully visible.

Q: What happens if my Absher photo upload is rejected? A: The system displays an error code indicating the specific issue (background, dimensions, face detection failure, etc.). Correct the issue and re-upload. There is no penalty for failed uploads, and you can retry immediately.

Q: Are the photo requirements the same at Saudi embassies abroad? A: Yes. Saudi embassies and consulates, coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follow the same 40x60mm specification. Some consulates have on-site photo services; call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.