UAE Visa Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to uae visa photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-10.
UAE visa photos must be 43x55mm with a plain white background, a larger format than most countries require for travel documents. Glasses are strictly prohibited, though head coverings are permitted for religious purposes provided the full face remains clearly visible. Digital submissions require 600x767 pixels at 300 DPI in JPEG format, with file sizes between 40 KB and 5 MB. These specifications are set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and apply to all visa types for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all other emirates. PassportPic produces ICP-compliant visa photos automatically, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 43mm x 55mm |
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 767 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | White |
| Head Size | 60-70% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 40 KB - 5 MB |
| Document Type | Visa |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed
Glasses
Not allowed
Head Covering
Allowed for religious purposes but face must be fully visible
Additional Requirements
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- Larger format than most countries at 43x55mm
- White background with no patterns or shadows
- Face must be centred and directly facing the camera
- No tinted lenses or sunglasses
- Both ears should be visible for non-religious head coverings
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be white — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 60-70% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for UAE Visa photos: not allowed. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression, mouth closed. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 43mm x 55mm; digital submissions need 600x767 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
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Last updated
2026-01-10