QAQatar

Qatar Visa Photo Size

Qatari photo is 38×48 mm. White background required.

Scale diagram38 × 48 mm
Top of head%6.5
Pupil line%44.0
Bottom of chin%81.5

The diagram shows the required framing for Qatar at true proportions: head height and eye line are drawn from the official ratios.

Photo Size

38×48 mm

Background Color
White
Head size
70-80%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm

ICAO 9303

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Used For

  • Passport
  • QID card
  • Visa

With the PhotoID Studio desktop app you can create a custom photo size for any document used in any country, save it as a preset, and reuse your saved preset with a single click.

Always verify the size before an official application

The information here reflects the sizes commonly accepted for visa applications. Authorities can change photo requirements without prior notice, and different documents in the same country (passport, ID card, driving licence, residence permit) may require different sizes. Check the current guidance of the authority you are applying to before preparing your photo.

How should a Qatar visa 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.

Issuing authority: General Directorate of Passports

Passport and identity document applications are handled by General Directorate of Passports (Ministry of Interior). Applications are accepted at authorised offices and service centres, and the photo requirements follow ICAO 9303.

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.

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.

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