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UAE Visa Photo (43×55 mm) Requirements and Size Guide

Everything you need to know about UAE visa photo requirements, including physical photo specs for embassy submission and digital photo specs for online e-Visa applications.

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UAE Visa Photo Specifications

RequirementSpecification
CountryUnited Arab Emirates (الإمارات العربية المتحدة)
Document TypeVisa / Entry Permit (تأشيرة)
Photo Size (Physical)43 × 55 mm (1.69 × 2.17 inches)
Head Size70–80% of the photograph (~40 mm head height)
Background ColorWhite or light-colored
ColorColor only
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months

Digital Photo Requirements for UAE e-Visa

For online visa applications through the ICP Smart Services portal or travel agencies, your digital photo must meet these specifications:

RequirementSpecification
File FormatJPEG / JPG
File Size10 KB – 300 KB
BackgroundWhite or light (#FCFCFC)
Face Coverage70–80% of the photo
ColorColor, no filters

UAE Visa Photo Size Diagram

UAE Visa Photo Size Diagram - 43x55mm portrait format
Key measurements: The physical photo must be 43×55 mm. Your head should occupy 70–80% of the photograph, with approximately 5 mm of space from the top edge to the top of your head.
Don't worry about getting the perfect photo. Upload any photo taken at home, and our AI-powered tool will automatically crop to the correct 43×55 mm size, remove and replace the background with white, and ensure your photo meets all official UAE visa requirements.

Detailed UAE Visa Photo Requirements

The UAE issues various types of entry permits and visas. All require a passport-style photograph meeting ICAO standards.

Visa Types

  • Tourist Visa — 30-day or 60-day single/multiple entry for tourism purposes
  • Visit Visa — For family or friend visits, sponsored by a UAE resident
  • Work Permit / Employment Visa — For foreign nationals employed in the UAE
  • Transit Visa — 48-hour or 96-hour for travelers transiting through UAE airports
  • e-Visa — Electronic entry permit applied online through ICP or authorized travel agencies

Photo Basics

  • Your photo must be in color — black and white photos are not accepted
  • Must be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months
  • The photo must be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or pixelation
  • No filters or editing — do not digitally alter your appearance
  • Printed on normal photographic paper (for embassy/consulate submission)

Pose and Expression

  • Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed
  • Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
  • Ensure your face is fully visible from chin to forehead, ear to ear

Background

  • Use a plain white or light-colored background
  • No patterns, textures, or objects visible behind you
  • No shadows on your face or behind your head

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in UAE visa photos. You must remove all eyewear, including sunglasses and tinted lenses.

Head Coverings

  • No hats or head coverings are allowed, unless worn for religious purposes
  • If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be clearly visible
  • The head covering must not cast shadows on your face

Clothing

  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Do not wear uniforms
  • Avoid wearing white tops that blend with the white background

Source: ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security

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How to Take a UAE Visa Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these steps to take a compliant UAE visa photo at home.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera works well. Make sure the lens is clean and set to the highest resolution. Ask someone to take the photo for you — selfies have the wrong angle.

Taking visa photo
2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows. Use multiple indoor light sources if needed.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically replace it.
Lighting setup
3

Pose and Expression

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera. Face directly forward with a neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed. Keep your head level — not tilted.

Correct posing

Good and Bad Examples of UAE Visa Photos

Good and bad visa photo examples

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a UAE visa photo?

A UAE visa photo must be 43×55 mm (1.69×2.17 inches) for physical submission. For online e-Visa applications, the digital photo must be in JPEG format, 10–300 KB, with a white background.

What types of UAE visas require a photo?

All UAE visa types require a passport-style photograph: tourist visa, visit visa, work permit, transit visa, and e-Visa. The photo requirements are the same across all visa categories.

Can I wear glasses in my UAE visa photo?

No. Glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses are not permitted in UAE visa photos. You must remove all eyewear before taking the photo.

What are the digital photo requirements for UAE e-Visa?

For online UAE visa applications, the digital photo must be in JPEG format, between 10–300 KB file size, with a white or light background, in color, and taken within the last 6 months.

Can I take my UAE visa photo with my phone?

Yes! Upload your photo to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all UAE visa requirements.

What background color is required?

The background must be plain white or very light-colored. No patterns, objects, or shadows. Our tool will automatically replace your background with white.

Can I wear a head covering in my UAE visa photo?

Head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons. Your full face must be clearly visible from chin to forehead.