Saudi Arabia Passport Photo Specifications

Saudi Arabia Passport Photo Size Diagram

40×60 mm rectangular photo format — head height ~38mm, top margin ~6mm

Detailed Saudi Arabia Passport Photo Requirements

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strict requirements for passport photos submitted through the Absher platform or Jawazat (Passport Department) offices. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.

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 apply social media filters or digitally alter your appearance
• Must reflect your current appearance

Size and Dimensions

• Photo size: exactly 40 × 60 mm (4 × 6 cm)
• At 600 DPI: 944 × 1417 pixels
• Head height: approximately 38 mm from chin to top of hair
• Top margin: approximately 6 mm from the top edge to the top of the head
• Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper

Pose and Expression

• Face the camera directly — your head must not be tilted or turned
• Maintain a neutral facial expression — no smiling or frowning
• Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Keep your mouth closed
• Ensure your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and ear to ear

Background

• Use a pure white background
• The background must be uniform with no patterns, textures, or objects
• No shadows on your face or behind your head
• Sufficient contrast between your face and the background

Saudi National Dress Code (REQUIRED)

For domestic Saudi passport applications, wearing Saudi national dress is mandatory:

• Men: Must wear the Ghutra (also called Shemagh or Igals) — the traditional white head covering
• Women: Must wear the Hijab — the Islamic head covering
• Your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
• Both ears should be visible or minimally covered

Glasses

Glasses are generally NOT allowed in Saudi Arabia passport photos. Exceptions are made only for medical purposes.

• Glasses are only permitted with a doctor's letter stating medical necessity
• If permitted, eyes must be clearly visible through the lenses
• No tinted glasses or sunglasses
• No reflections from the lenses or frames
• No colored contact lenses

Clothing

• Saudi national dress is required for passport photos
• The Thobe (white robe) is standard for men
• The Abaya is standard for women (along with Hijab)
• Do not wear casual or Western-style clothing for domestic passport photos

Children and Baby Photos

• The child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands or arms visible
• The child's eyes must be open and visible
• No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible in the photo
• A plain white background must be used for babies
• The photo must show the child's full face from chin to top of head

Source: General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) — Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

How to Take a Saudi Arabia Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Saudi passport photo at home using your smartphone.

1

Use a Smartphone or Digital Camera

Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking a passport-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.

Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.

2

Find Good Lighting

Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.

Tip: Don't worry if your background isn't perfectly white. Our AI tool will automatically remove and replace the background with pure white.

3

Wear Saudi National Dress

For domestic Saudi passport applications, you must wear Saudi national dress. Men should wear the Ghutra (white head covering) and Thobe. Women should wear the Hijab and Abaya. Make sure the head covering does not cast shadows on your face and your full face is visible.

Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.

4

Pose Correctly

Stand about 1.5 meters in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.

5

Maintain a Neutral Expression

Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.

Good and Bad Examples of Saudi Arabia Passport Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable passport photos

Frequently Asked Questions