The United Arab Emirates passport/visa photo requirements and size

The United Arab Emirates passport is among the most powerful passports in the world. Are you planning on applying for one? Then all you have to do is put together a few documents and go to the issuing authority to submit an application.

More often than not, traveling abroad implies getting a visa as well. Use our visa checker to find out which visa you need to apply for to travel to your desired destination.

Photo specifications

• Required photo size: 4.5 cm in height and 3.5 cm in width
• The submitted photos must be in color
• Head position: straight
• Recency: taken no more than 6 months ago
• Background: white
• Smile: no
• Eyes: must be clearly visible
• Blurred pictures will be rejected
• Glasses: acceptable only if they do not obscure the eyes and there is no glare in the photo
• Headwear: not allowed. Exceptions are made for religious/cultural purposes
• Resolution (pixels): at least 600 dpi
• Dress code: the colors of your clothes must be in contrast with the background. Do not wear white tops
• Beard: permitted if it represents your everyday appearance
• Number of photos necessary: 2

The United Arab Emirates passport photo size requirements guide

United Arab Emirates passport photos and visa photo requirements – Rules, guidelines, and specifications

Taking your passport photo or visa photo at home is somewhat similar to taking a selfie, but not entirely. There is a set of rules you have to follow in order to do it right. Below, we list all the guidelines you have to follow when taking your picture.

• As mentioned above, the background of your passport photo or visa photo has to be entirely white. It cannot have any patterns, colors, or shadows on it. Most people use a white wall as a prop, but if you do not have one, we recommend taking a white sheet and hanging it on the wall behind you.
• Make sure that the lighting is appropriate. If it’s too dark, your picture will be rejected. Overexposure is not acceptable, either. You should choose a frontal source of light so that you do not appear with shadows on your face.
• When you take your picture, make sure that both sides of your face are equally visible. Keep your head straight and face the camera. Do not submit a portrait-style photo. It will be rejected.
• It is not permitted for you to smile or to make any other facial expressions in your passport photo or visa photo. The only allowed expression is neutral.
• It is essential that your eyes are perfectly visible in your passport or visa photo. For that reason, take your glasses off and remove your hair from your face. Needless to say, sunglasses are not allowed.
• Headwear is permitted for religious purposes. Nevertheless, remember that your face has to be visible from top to bottom. Also, your headwear must not create shadows on your face.
• As long as your beard is a part of your everyday look, you are not obligated to shave it before you take your passport photo or visa photo.

Rules and requirements for babies, infants, and newborns

Want to travel with your children too? Then you'll probably have to apply for passports and visas for them as well. Here are some tips:

• Since children’s eyes must be visible as well, you have to photograph them when they are awake.
• You cannot appear in your child’s passport photo or visa photo. Many parents hold their babies during the photo session. If you do the same, your hands cannot appear in the shot.
• You have to remove your child’s headwear and/or pacifier before you take the photo.
• If you want, you can put your child in a car seat for the photo. Remember to cover the backrest of the chair with a white layer to ensure a white background.
• If you think it's more convenient, you can put the baby on his/her back so that you can take the picture from above. Again, you have to put a white layer underneath the baby to ensure a white background.

References

• https://gdrfad.gov.ae/ar/passport-services
• iVisa Photos
• iVisa.com

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