Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements
International travel to Saudi Arabia requires an e-Visa, which involves submitting necessary documents, one of which is the indispensable scan of your photograph.
The photo verifies your identity for the authorities and border control. Meeting the photo requirements is important for timely approval of your Saudi Arabia e-visa. You can take your photo at home and send it to us for processing according to the guidelines. We will make sure your photo meets all required standards.
Visa Photograph Specifications:
Check out the Saudi Arabia visa photo specifications:
- The photograph should be 2 inch in height and 2 inch in width, and resolution must be at least 600 dpi.
- The photo must be in color. Black and white pictures aren't acceptable.
- In the photo, your head should face forward.
- The applicant's picture should be a recent one. The Saudi government doesn't accept photos older than 6 months.
- The background of the photo must be simple, plain white. No other color is allowed.
- Your photo should feature your face's entire front view, eyes should be visible, and the face should be straight.
- Don't smile when you are taking pictures for the evisa.
- The photograph should not get blurry. The image must be high-quality, and all the facial features should be visible.
- Saudi government allows applicants to submit pictures with headgear because of religious reasons.
- Your clothing/dress should be in a different color from the background. Don't wear a white color dress.
- Beard is permitted, provided that it is part of your everyday appearance.
- The applicant must provide 1 passport-sized photo at the time of submitting the Saudi e-Visa application.
Bad Photo Example
Before submitting your e-Visa application, check out these common mistakes to avoid!
Saudi Visa Photo Guidelines:
Now that you know the Saudi e-Visa photo specifications, let's look at the essential guidelines and rules regarding taking a photo on your own. Do remember that if you submit an incorrect photo, your Saudi Arabia e-Visa application will get rejected. Therefore, we have created a list of necessary points to remember while taking the visa photograph.
Background:
Always take the picture against a white backdrop. The background must be plain, without any shadow, pattern, or color. In case you don't have a full white wall in your home, use a white sheet that isn't see-through.
Lighting:
Don't take the photo in a dark environment. There should be ample daylight or artificial light available; else, the picture will not be visible. Similarly, the light shouldn't be too bright. Do make sure that the light source is on your front side so that it doesn't create a shadow on your face.
Facial Expressions:
While getting yourself ready for the picture, make sure to keep your head straight. Also, your face should be perpendicular to the camera. The complete front side of your face must be visible in the picture.
Another essential point to remember is to never smile in your e-Visa or passport photo. Keep your expressions neutral, for which you must keep your facial muscles relaxed when snapping the picture.
Avoid Visual Obstructions:
Nothing should obstruct your eyes or your face in the photo. Moreover, only prescription glasses are allowed, but make sure that the frame isn't too large. The picture shouldn't have a flash reflection at all. Remember, never take a photo for your e-Visa while wearing sunglasses or tinted lens glasses.
Appearance:
Having a beard is not a problem for your e-Visa photo, as long as your appearance in the photo matches with your current look. If you want to change your appearance by either growing a beard or shaving, make these changes before taking the photo. Kindly, make sure your e-Visa photo matches exactly with your current look.
Dress Code:
A decent dressing is necessary for any visa photo, but it is particularly important when applying for a Saudi e-Visa. Though the dress won't be too visible in the picture, it’s best to wear a light-coloured dress shirt, but not pure white. Wearing a fully white shirt or t-shirt against a white background can make your shoulders blend in, which may lead to rejection
Photos with headdresses are allowed, but on the condition that it shouldn't cover your face from forehead to the chin area. Also, the headgear shouldn't cast a shadow on your face.
Saudi Arabia eVisa Photo Guidelines for Infants and Babies:
When traveling abroad, everyone in the family, including newborn babies, infants, toddlers, and children, must carry a passport. Each member must obtain a visa before travelling to Saudi Arabia. This condition applies to people who aim to go with their families. If you are confused about the e-Visa photo of your children, we are here to help.
Check out the rules and guidelines on taking pictures of your children.
- The child must be awake when you photograph him or her. That's because the eyes must be visible in the photo as per the requirement.
- Parents usually prefer to take a picture of their child while he/she is sitting in a car seat. If you plan to do the same, don't forget to cover the seat's back with a white cloth. Do remember that the white background condition applies to the minor's photo as well.
- If you intend to take your child's photo from above while the baby is lying on his or her back, do place a layer of white cloth underneath the baby.
- None of the parents or anyone else can appear in the visa photo of children. Not even while you are holding the child. Not even your hands should be visible in the picture. If your child uses a pacifier or wears headgear, remove it when taking his or her photograph. However, if the headgear is for religious reasons, it is allowed.
Saudi Arabia e-Visa Photo Requirements for Babies
Saudi Arabia e-Visa Photo Requirements for Infants
Frequently Asked Questions
No, avoid using filters or editing tools that alter your appearance or background. Submit a natural, unedited photo that meets all requirements.
No, scan quality may not meet resolution requirements. Submit an original digital photo.
Yes, blurry or pixelated images will be rejected. Use a phone with a good camera and proper lighting.
Avoid large or shiny jewellery that may reflect light or obscure facial features.
Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in May 2025. Please verify with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure its accuracy for your travel plans.
