Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Requirements

International travel to Saudi Arabia requires an e-Visa, which involves submitting the necessary documents, including a scanned copy of your photograph. The photograph verifies your identity for the authorities and border control.

Meeting the photo requirements is important for the 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 ensure your photo meets all required standards.

Visa Photograph Specifications

• Photo Size Requirement: The photograph should be 2 inches by 2 inches, and the resolution must be at least 600 dpi.
• Colour Requirement: The photo must be in colour; black-and-white photographs are not acceptable.
• Background Requirement: The photo background must be plain white. No other colour is allowed.
• Image Quality: The photograph should not get blurry. The image must be high-quality, and all the facial features should be visible.
• Head Position: In the photo, your head should face forward.
• Face Visibility: Your photo should show your entire front view, with your eyes visible, and your face straight.
• Expression Requirement: Do not use an exaggerated smile when taking your photo. A natural expression with a mild smile is acceptable.
• Recent Photograph: The applicant's picture should be recent. The Saudi government does not accept photos older than 6 months.
• Beard: A Beard is permitted, provided that it is part of your everyday appearance.
• Clothing Requirement: Your clothing/dress should be in a different colour from the background. Do not wear a white dress.
• Headgear Rule: The Saudi government allows applicants to submit pictures with headgear because of religious reasons.
• Number of Photographs Required: Applicant must provide 1 digital passport-sized photo for the Saudi e-Visa application.

Saudi Visa Photo Guidelines for Adults

Before submitting your e-Visa application, check out these common mistakes to avoid. 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. If you submit an incorrect photo, your Saudi Arabia e-Visa application processing will be delayed. Therefore, we have created a list of necessary points to remember while taking the visa photograph.

Note: A photo example with a green tick represents a correct submission, while a red cross indicates an incorrect photo that does not meet Saudi e-Visa standards.

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 travelling 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 for taking pictures of your Children:

• Child Must Be Awake: The child must be awake when you photograph them. That's because the eyes must be visible in the photo as per the requirement.
• Using a Car Seat for the Photo: Parents usually prefer to take a photo of their child while the child 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.
• Taking the Photo While the Baby Is Lying Down: If you intend to take your child's photo from above while the baby is lying on their back, place a white cloth under the baby.
• No Parents or Objects Visible in the Photo: Parents or anyone else cannot 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.

Note: Use the right-side photo as your guide. Any photo similar to the incorrect example may lead to issues with your child’s visa application.

Saudi Arabia e-Visa Photo Requirements for Babies

Saudi Arabia e-Visa Photo Requirements for Infants

Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in 2025. Please verify this with the relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines to ensure its accuracy for your travel plans.