Syria Passport Photo

Syrian Passport Photo -- Larger Format and Consular Processing Realities

Syria uses a 40 x 60 mm passport photo -- taller than the international 35 x 45 mm standard and one of the largest passport photo formats in the Middle East. The Directorate of Immigration and Passports (Mudiriyyat al-Hijra wal-Jawazat -- مديرية الهجرة والجوازات), operating under the Ministry of Interior, sets photo specifications. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates consular passport services for all Syrian travel documents. The ongoing conflict has displaced millions of Syrians, and the vast majority of passport applications are now processed through Syrian consular missions abroad rather than domestic offices.

Syrian passport renewal and issuance have become one of the most challenging bureaucratic processes facing any national population globally. Embassy processing times, fees, and even the availability of passport booklets vary dramatically by location. Photo standards, however, remain consistent across all processing points. Regardless of whether you apply in Damascus, Beirut, Istanbul, Amman, Berlin, or Stockholm, the same 40 x 60 mm specification applies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is at mofa.gov.sy.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions:

• 40 x 60 mm (472 x 709 pixels at 300 DPI) -- the standard Syrian passport photo size
• Syria also uses a 51 x 51 mm format for certain identity documents, but the passport requires 40 x 60 mm
• Head height from chin to crown: approximately 30-40 mm within the 60 mm vertical space
• Face centered in the frame with balanced margins

Background:

• White background, uniform and unbroken
• No shadows, no gradients, no wall texture visible
• Must extend cleanly to all edges of the photo

Expression and pose:

• Neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed
• Face directly facing the camera with no tilt or rotation
• Full face visible from chin to hairline
• Natural, relaxed expression -- not strained or forced

Syria-Specific Photo Regulations

Head coverings and hijab: Women wearing hijab may do so in passport photos. The requirement is that the full face from chin to forehead remains clearly visible, and the covering does not produce shadows across any facial feature. This applies equally to all types of Islamic head coverings. No additional documentation or religious declaration is required.

Glasses: Prescription glasses are technically allowed if lenses are clear and no glare or reflection is present. The frames must not obstruct the eyes. In practice, Syrian consular officers frequently ask applicants to resubmit photos without glasses, so removing eyewear before the photo session avoids delays.

Male facial hair: Beards and mustaches are common and fully permitted. The face outline from ear to ear must remain clearly defined despite facial hair.

Military and uniform restrictions: Syrian passport photos must show the applicant in civilian clothing. Military uniforms, police uniforms, and other official attire are not permitted. This rule is strictly enforced.

Photo recency: The photo should be taken recently and represent the applicant's current appearance. Given the potentially long processing times at Syrian embassies, aim for photos taken within 3 months of the application date.

Syrian Passport Types and Validity

Syria issues several categories of travel documents, all requiring the 40 x 60 mm photo format:

• Ordinary passport (jawaz safar 'adi): The standard civilian travel document. Previously valid for 6 years, now typically issued with shorter validity periods depending on the processing location and applicant category.
• Service passport (jawaz khidma): For government employees traveling on official business.
• Diplomatic passport (jawaz diblumassi): For diplomats and senior officials.
• Emergency travel document: A temporary single-use document for citizens in urgent need of travel. Same photo specification.

The overwhelming majority of applicants are seeking ordinary passports. Due to the conflict, Syrian passport demand has vastly outstripped the government's processing capacity. Embassy appointments may have waiting lists of weeks to months. Having compliant photos prepared before securing an appointment prevents wasting a hard-won time slot on a rejected submission.

Currency note for domestic applicants: Syria's currency situation is extremely volatile. The SYP prices quoted in this guide are approximate and subject to rapid change. Embassy fees abroad are typically quoted in USD, EUR, or local currency, which provides more stability.

Where to Get Passport Photos in Syria and Abroad

Studios in Damascus: Photo studios (istidyuhat taswir -- استوديوهات تصوير) in central Damascus, particularly around the Sha'lan neighborhood, the old city area near Bab Touma, and near the Immigration Directorate offices, are experienced with the 40 x 60 mm format. A set of photos costs approximately 30,000-60,000 SYP, though prices are volatile due to currency fluctuations. Specify "suwar jawaz safar" (passport photos) and confirm the 40 x 60 mm dimensions.

Studios serving diaspora communities:

• Istanbul/Gaziantep/Mersin (Turkey): Syrian photo studios in the Aksaray and Fatih districts of Istanbul, and in the Sehitkamil district of Gaziantep, are highly familiar with the 40 x 60 mm specification. Prices range from 30-75 TRY.
• Beirut/Tripoli (Lebanon): Studios in the Hamra, Verdun, and Cola areas of Beirut, and in central Tripoli, handle high volumes of Syrian passport photos. Cost: 100,000-300,000 LBP or $3-5 USD equivalent.
• Amman (Jordan): Studios in the Sweileh and Marka areas serve the large Syrian community. Cost: 2-5 JOD.
• Berlin/Stockholm/The Hague: European photo studios can produce the 40 x 60 mm format if you specify the dimensions. Cost: 10-20 EUR. Bring a written specification or sample to avoid receiving the default European 35 x 45 mm format.

At Syrian embassies: Some Syrian embassies offer on-site photo services, though this is not universal. Check with your specific embassy before your appointment. Availability varies by location and may change without notice.

Baby and Child Photos

Syrian children's passports are typically added to a parent's passport or issued as separate documents depending on the application type. Photo rules for children:

• The child must be the sole subject in the frame with no parent or other person visible
• Infants should be positioned on a white surface and photographed from above
• Open eyes are preferred but not strictly required for infants under 6 months
• No pacifiers, bottles, hats, or decorative headwear
• Girls wearing hijab from a young age follow the same covering rules as adult women
• Children over age 6 must meet full adult photo specifications

Common Rejection Reasons

Syrian consular officers and Immigration Directorate staff reject photos for:

1. Wrong dimensions -- submitting 35 x 45 mm photos instead of the required 40 x 60 mm is extremely common, especially among Syrians applying from European countries where the smaller format is standard
2. Hijab shadow on face -- head coverings sitting too far forward or wrapped tightly, casting shadows across the forehead
3. Military or official clothing -- uniforms of any type are prohibited in civilian passport photos
4. Background not white -- colored walls, outdoor backgrounds, and off-white tones
5. Glasses glare -- overhead lighting reflecting in lenses
6. Photo quality issues -- low resolution, poor focus, or faded prints from aging inkjet printers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Syrian passport photo 40 x 60 mm instead of the standard 35 x 45 mm? A: Syria has maintained this larger format as its national standard. Several Middle Eastern and North African countries use non-standard photo dimensions that predate ICAO harmonization efforts.

Q: Can I use my European 35 x 45 mm passport photo for a Syrian passport application? A: No. Syrian embassies strictly enforce the 40 x 60 mm specification. The photo will be rejected if it is the wrong size, regardless of how otherwise compliant the image is.

Q: How many photos do I need for a Syrian passport application? A: Most Syrian embassies require 4-6 identical photos. Requirements can vary by embassy, so check with your specific consulate before your appointment.

Q: I cannot return to Syria -- can I renew my passport entirely through a consulate? A: Yes. Syrian embassies and consulates listed on mofa.gov.sy process passport renewals for citizens abroad. The photo requirements are identical to those applied domestically. Processing times and fees vary by location.

Q: What is the current fee for a Syrian passport? A: Fees have changed multiple times in recent years and differ between domestic and consular applications. Consular passport fees can range from $300-800 USD depending on the embassy location and processing speed. Contact your nearest Syrian embassy for the current fee schedule.

Q: My old Syrian passport photo was in color. Does the new one need to be color as well? A: Yes. All Syrian passport photos must be full-color (not black and white or sepia). The image should accurately represent your natural skin tone, hair color, and eye color.

Q: I am in Turkey and my passport has expired. Can I still renew? A: Expired Syrian passports can be renewed through the Syrian consulate in Istanbul or the embassy in Ankara. Expired passports do not prevent renewal -- the old passport is submitted as part of the application. Photo specifications remain the same regardless of how long the passport has been expired.

Q: Can I print the 40 x 60 mm photo on a 4x6 inch (10x15 cm) paper? A: Yes. The 40 x 60 mm photo fits comfortably on standard 4x6 inch photo paper. Position the image correctly on the print template, print at 300 DPI, and trim precisely to 40 x 60 mm. This is the most practical approach when studios do not have a 40 x 60 mm template pre-configured.