Qatar Biometric Photo Size
38×48 mm, ICAO 9303
How should a Qatar passport photo look?
Qatar uses a 38×48 mm format, which differs from the standard ICAO size. This dimension applies to both passport (jawaz safar) and national identity card (bitaqat al-hawiyya) applications. As a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, Qatar consistently enforces this non-standard size. Photos must be submitted within six months of the capture date.
Photo Size
38×48 mm
Head Ratio
70%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm
Background Color
White
Standard
ICAO 9303
Requirements & Notes
Qatari photo is 38×48 mm. White background required.
The bodies that set the spec
The standard is published by the Ministry of Interior (Wizarat al-Dakhiliyya) and the Personal Status Affairs Department. Passport and national ID card applications use the same 38×48 mm format. The background must be plain white.
Workflow after the shoot
The frame is loaded into PhotoID Studio and the Qatar preset is selected; the app aligns the face, cleans the background to pure white and exports 38×48 mm at 300 DPI. The non-standard size is produced correctly without any manual cropping. If a UAE or Oman format is needed from the same frame, switch the preset and re-export.
Capture setup and direction
Seat the customer 1.5-2 m in front of the white backdrop with shoulders parallel to the camera. Camera on a tripod, lens at eye level. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression". A thobe or abaya is accepted as long as the face is not covered. Medical glasses are allowed if the eyes remain clearly visible.
Reasons for rejection at the Ministry of Interior and visa centres
• A size other than 38×48 mm: non-standard dimensions are rejected. • A non-white background: cream, grey or coloured backdrops are not accepted. • A photo older than six months from the capture date. • Glasses glare or tinted lenses. • A smile, visible teeth or an open mouth. • A niqab or face covering: chin, forehead and cheeks must all be fully visible.
For studios in Doha and other cities
Studios in Doha benefit from a large expat population and high tourism activity, generating steady passport and ID renewal photography work throughout the year. The PhotoID Studio Qatar preset produces the non-standard 38×48 mm size automatically, with no manual cropping needed.
Used For
- Passport
- QID card
- Visa
Related guides
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Frequently asked questions
- What size is a Qatar passport photo?
38×48 mm: larger than the standard ICAO size of 35×45 mm. Submitting the wrong size will result in rejection.
- Can the photo be taken in a thobe or abaya?
Yes. National dress is accepted as long as the full face (forehead, cheeks, chin) remains clearly visible.
- How long is the photo valid?
The photo must be submitted within six months of the capture date.
Create Qatar Biometric Photos
Creating Qatar-compliant photos with PhotoID Studio takes just seconds. Get professional results with AI face detection and automatic background removal.