Saudi Arabia Biometric Photo Size
40×60 mm, ICAO 9303
Author: Gözde Ural
Content editor at PhotoID Studio: visa and passport specifications
·
How should a Saudi Arabia passport photo look?
Saudi Arabia uses two different formats. For passport, iqama (residence permit) and national ID: 40×60 mm (4×6 cm) on a white background, with about 6 mm of free space at the top; the head fills roughly 70-80% of the frame. For eVisa: a 200×200 px square digital image on a white background (about 51×51 mm physical equivalent).
Photo Size
40×60 mm
Head Ratio
70%
Eye Position
56% from bottom
Top Margin
3-5 mm
Background Color
White
Standard
ICAO 9303
Requirements & Notes
Saudi photo is 40×60 mm. White background required. Headscarf accepted for religious reasons.
The bodies that set the spec
Standards for passport, iqama and ID are set by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) under the Ministry of Interior, and the procedures run through the Absher portal. eVisa standards are enforced via visa.visitsaudi.com. The photo must be submitted within six months of the capture date.
Workflow after the shoot
When the customer arrives at the studio, the first question is which application is being filed. For passport, iqama or ID, the Saudi Arabia 40×60 mm preset is selected; for the eVisa, the 200×200 px square preset. From the same frame, two different outputs are produced in seconds: a 40×60 mm print at 300 DPI, and a digital eVisa file delivered electronically.
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. Standard setup: a 50-85 mm portrait lens, f/8 aperture, a softbox at 45° with a reflector on the opposite side. Cue: "chin slightly back, mouth closed, eyes fully open, neutral expression". A hijab or shayla is accepted as long as it does not cover the face; for a male customer in a kandura, the face line must remain fully visible.
Reasons for rejection at Jawazat and the eVisa portal
• Wrong format: a 200×200 px square submitted for a passport, or a 40×60 mm print submitted for an eVisa. • A non-white backdrop; grey, cream or coloured background. • A niqab or face cover on a female applicant; chin, forehead, both cheeks and ears must remain fully visible. • Hair, forehead or face line covered under the hijab. • A frame older than six months from the capture date. • Glasses glare or tinted lenses. • Head not filling 70-80% of the frame; the ~6 mm space at the top not preserved. • A smile or visible teeth.
Two-format flow for studios in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam
Saudi studios produce passport and eVisa photos for the same customer in one visit. During Hajj and Umrah, foreign pilgrim traffic pushes the eVisa format to the forefront. PhotoID Studio offers two separate Saudi presets, so a 40×60 mm print and a 200×200 px square file are prepared in one session.
Used For
- Passport
- Iqama card
- Visa
- Hajj/Umrah
Similar Sizes
Related guides
Passport Photo
ICAO 9303 standard, country sizes and the mistakes that get photos rejected
Passport Photo Software
AI-powered passport, visa and ID photos in seconds: Mac & Windows, fully offline
Passport Photo Requirements
Size, background, head height, glasses and expression: what every authority checks
Passport Photo Size
US 2×2 in, Europe 35×45 mm: every dimension in one chart
Frequently asked questions
- Can the same photo be used for a Saudi passport and an eVisa?
No. The passport / iqama / ID requires a 40×60 mm print, while the eVisa requires a 200×200 px square digital file; two separate outputs are produced from the same frame.
- Can the photo be taken in a hijab or headscarf?
Yes. A hijab or shayla is accepted, provided the chin, forehead, both cheeks and ears remain fully visible. A niqab or any cover that hides the face is rejected.
- Is the format the same for Saudi citizens and foreigners?
For passport and iqama (foreign residence) both use the 40×60 mm format. The eVisa format applies only to foreigners.
- How long is the photo considered valid?
Six months from the capture date; reprinting an older frame is rejected at Jawazat and on the eVisa portal.
Create Saudi Arabia Biometric Photos
Creating Saudi Arabia-compliant photos with PhotoID Studio takes just seconds. Get professional results with AI face detection and automatic background removal.