Qatar passport & visa photo requirements

When applying for a Qatari passport or visa, your passport photo needs to meet specific guidelines.

This seemingly small detail can have a big impact on the processing of your travel documents. A photo that doesn't meet the specific requirements set by the Qatari government could lead to delays or even the rejection of your application.

That's why it's important to get it right the first time. We've put together this guide to walk you through the exact photo requirements needed for Qatari travel documents. Whether you're applying for a visa for the first time or need to renew your passport, this guide will ensure your photo checks all the right boxes.

Guidelines for Qatar passport and visa photos

If you need a Qatari passport or visa, your photo must meet these specifications:

• Recent photo: The picture must be taken within the last six months to accurately represent your current appearance.

• Photo dimensions: The photo should be 38 mm x 48 mm, and the distance from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin should be about 34mm. For an eVisa application, the digital photo should measure 30mm x 40mm, and the file size should not be greater than 2 MB.

• Quality: The photo must be in color, clear, and in sharp focus. It must also be printed on high-quality photographic paper with no ink marks or creases. The image must not be retouched or digitally altered and should clearly show your natural skin tone. Digital photos taken for eVisa applications should have a minimum resolution of 720 px.

• Background: Use a plain, light-colored background (white or light gray) for passport applications and a plain white background for visa applications with no patterns or shadows. There should be a clear contrast between your face and the background.

• Head position: Look directly at the camera without tilting your head. Your head and shoulders should be level and centered in the frame.

• Facial expression: You should have a neutral expression with your eyes open and visible and your mouth closed.

• Lighting: Make sure the light is even and doesn’t cast shadows or create glare on your face or in the background.

• Eyeglasses: If you must wear glasses, choose thin frames that don’t block your eyes. Your eyes should still be clearly visible, and there must be no glare on the lenses. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are not allowed.

• Head coverings: Hats and head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons, in which case documentation may be needed. They should not cast a shadow on your face, and your facial features, including the edges of your face, must still be visible.

• Hair and clothing: Wear regular, everyday clothes that contrast with the white background. Avoid bold patterns or logos that distract from your face. Your hair shouldn’t cover your eyes or hide your face. Minimal jewelry is allowed as long as it doesn’t obscure your face.

Taking passport & visa photos for infants and children

When taking passport and visa photos for infants and children, extra care is needed. While the basic criteria for photo quality, background, and how recent the photo must be are the same as for adults, the other guidelines are more flexible to manage the challenges of photographing young children.

• Eyes visibility: The child's eyes should be open and clearly visible. This might require patience with infants, as capturing them with their eyes open can be tough. Glasses should only be worn if necessary, and there should be no glare on the lenses.

• Facial expression: Infants aren't expected to maintain a neutral expression like adults. Aim to photograph them looking calm with their mouths closed.

• Clothing: Dress your child in simple, everyday outfits that don’t cover their face. Avoid hats and pacifiers. If a child must wear headwear for religious purposes, their face must still be fully visible​.

• No visible support: If you need to hold the child to keep them upright, make sure that your hands or any part of your body are not showing in the photo. ​

• Focus on the child: Do not use any props. The photo should only include the child, without other people or distractions.

For infants who are unable to sit or stand on their own, a photo can be taken from above while they lie on a plain white backdrop or placed in a car seat covered with a plain white cloth.

Learn what every traveler should know before visiting Qatar in our trip guide.

Get support for your Qatari eVisa application

If you’d like to apply for a Qatari eVisa and need more information, you can get in touch with our customer support team. Contact them any time via WhatsApp or through the iVisa chat.