Saudi Arabia passport photo

The Saudi passport is a must-have for Saudi citizens who travel abroad, as it is the basis for entering foreign countries. In this article, we will cover some basics of getting a Saudi passport and share some details and tips on the Saudi passport photo.

Table of contents

• How to apply for a Saudi Arabia passport online
• Saudi Arabia passport photo requirements
• Saudi Arabia ID card photo
• Saudi Arabia passport photo dress code
• Saudi Arabia baby passport photo requirements
• Can I wear glasses in a Saudi Arabia passport photo?
• Get a Saudi Arabia passport photo online!
• Saudi Arabia passport photo price
• Printing out a Saudi Arabia passport photo
• My photo for my Saudi Arabia passport is not accepted. What to do?

How to apply for a Saudi Arabia passport online

Even for first-time applications, the applicant can apply from the comfort of their home without visiting a governmental office using the Absher application. Follow the instructions, and fill out the application form on the app. You must have a valid Government ID to apply.

Saudi Arabia passport photo requirements

The passport photo must fulfil the following requirements:

• The photo size must be 4×6 cm;
• The background should be plain white;
• Your eyes must be open and looking straight at the camera;
• Eyeglasses are only allowed for medical purposes. In this case, you must provide a letter from a registered medical practitioner stating the reason. The frame must not obscure your face;
• The photo must be taken whilst the applicant is in Saudi dress unless the applicant is underage and has no Government ID card;
• The picture must have good contrast and lighting, with no dramatic shadows nor blurs or pixelated parts;
• You must not retouche the picture; it may not have red eyes or glares.

Here is an example:

Saudi Arabia ID card photo

The photo requirements for ID cards are almost identical to the passport photos:

• The picture size must be 4 in wide and 6 in height. That standard ID photo format in Saudi Arabia is applicable for most documentation.
• The background should be plain light grey;
• Your eyes must be open and looking straight at the camera;
• Eyeglasses are only allowed for medical purposes. In this case, you must provide a letter from a registered medical practitioner stating the reason. The frame must not obscure your face;
• The photo must be taken whilst the applicant is in Saudi dress;
• The picture must have good contrast and lighting, with no dramatic shadows nor blurs or pixelated parts;
• The picture must not be retouched; it may not have red eyes or glares.

Saudi Arabia passport photo dress code

Passport and ID card photos must be taken in Saudi dress. Don’t wear white clothing as it must create a clear contrast with the background. Remember that your headwear shouldn’t hide your appearance. Be sure to adjust the edges of the hijab or thawb so that they open the facial oval.

For women, head and neck covering is a must. Visible jewellery is not allowed. When photographing in a niqab or burka, women must take off the veil from the face. Don’t worry: for passport photos, there are separate female sections. You can also take a passport photo at home (see the guideline below) to avoid uncovering your face in front of other people.

Since June 2022, Saudi passport photo clothing rules have softened a bit: ladies aged 10-14 are allowed to take a passport picture with their hair uncovered. The same indulgence applies to some special needs groups.

Saudi Arabia baby passport photo requirements

The requirements for baby passport photos are practically the same as for adults. Additionally, pay attention to the following details:

• Ensure the child’s eyes are open and face the camera. It may be permissible for newborns not to have open eyes;
• Ensure there are no shadows on the face;
• Make sure pacifiers and toys are not in the picture.

Can I wear glasses in a Saudi Arabia passport photo?

Glasses are only allowed if they are worn daily for medical purposes. They should not have thick rims that obscure the face or glares in the picture. Lenses must be clear.

Get a Saudi Arabia passport photo online!

If you need a picture formatted for Saudi passports, we recommend using Visafoto, an online photo editing service that ensures your photo is fully compliant with the requirements. Just upload a portrait of yourself following the dress code and posing guidelines explained above to our tool below.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

While Visafoto is an electronic service, we will also provide you with a template ready for printing, so you can simply print your photo without worrying about formatting.

If you still have questions, just contact us!

Saudi Arabia passport photo price

With our service, you can take a passport picture online just for $7 US dollars.

Printing out a Saudi Arabia passport photo

Visafoto.com will provide you with an image with four separate photos for your Saudi passport. All you need to do is print out this file with a color printer.

Learn more about passport printing options in this article.

My photo for my Saudi Arabia passport is not accepted. What to do?

Our services have a 99.7% pass rate, so this is unlikely if you received your photos from us.

In case of any problems or questions just contact our 24/7 support. We will replace the photo for free or provide a 100% refund.