Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Specifications

Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Size Diagram

2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square photo format — head height ~33mm, eye line ~30mm from bottom

Detailed Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements

Saudi Arabia visa photos follow the standard 2×2 inch format commonly used for international visa applications processed through VFS Global and Saudi embassies. 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 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
• At 300 DPI: 600 × 600 pixels
• At 600 DPI: 1200 × 1200 pixels
• Head height: approximately 33 mm (1–1⅜ inch)
• Eye line: approximately 30 mm (1⅛–1⅜ inch) from the bottom
• 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

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed in Saudi Arabia visa photos. You must remove all eyeglasses before taking the photo. This is a strict requirement with no exceptions.

• No eyeglasses of any kind
• No sunglasses or tinted lenses
• No colored contact lenses
• If you have a medical condition that requires glasses, contact the Saudi embassy for guidance

Head Coverings and Hats

• Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons
• Your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
• Both ears must be visible
• The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
• No headphones, earbuds, or wireless hands-free devices

Clothing

• Wear normal everyday clothing
• Do not wear uniforms, except religious clothing worn daily
• Avoid wearing tops that blend with the white background

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: VFS Global — Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Specifications

How to Take a Saudi Arabia Visa Photo at Home

You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant Saudi visa 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 visa-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

Dress Appropriately

Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and tops that blend with the background. If you wear religious head coverings daily, you may keep them on as long as your full face and both ears are 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 Visa Photos

Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable visa photos

Frequently Asked Questions