What size is a United Arab Emirates visa photo?
TL;DR A United Arab Emirates visa photo is 35 × 45 mm on a plain light-coloured, usually white background, supplied at 413 × 531 px (300 DPI). The expression must be neutral, mouth closed, looking directly at camera, and the photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Specification at a glance
| Print size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI |
| Background | plain light-coloured, usually white (#FFFFFF) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Gaze | Directly at camera |
| Maximum age of photo | 6 months |
Rules that apply to this document
- The Federal Authority publishes ICAO photo specifications: 35-40 mm wide
- Your face must take up 70-80% of the photograph
- No more than 6 months old
- Plain light-coloured background, uniform lighting, no shadows or flash reflections
- Colour neutral, both edges of the face clearly visible, eyes open, mouth closed
- Glasses allowed if the eyes show clearly — no tinted lenses, no glare, avoid heavy frames
- Head coverings only for religious reasons, and chin to forehead and both edges of the face must show
- You must be alone in the photo — no chairs, toys or other people
A figure you may see elsewhere
43 x 55 mm with the head filling 80% of the picture is the figure most often copied around the web for a UAE visa, and it is the one we carried too until we read the Federal Authority's own sheet. That sheet gives 35-40 mm wide, the face at 70-80% of the photo, and no more than 6 months — and 80% is the ceiling of that band, not a target.
Can I wear a head covering?
A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
Where these figures come from
Checked against the issuing authority's own page on 2026-09-06. Published by the issuing authority: icp.gov.ae. SGfoto is independent, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government or issuing authority, and does not guarantee acceptance. Final acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.
Common questions
- What size is a United Arab Emirates visa photo?
- A United Arab Emirates visa photo is 35 × 45 mm, printed or supplied digitally at 413 × 531 pixels (300 DPI), on a plain light-coloured, usually white background.
- Can I take a United Arab Emirates visa photo with my phone?
- Yes. Take a plain, front-facing photo in even light and SGfoto reformats it to 35 × 45 mm on a plain light-coloured, usually white background. Hold the phone at eye level — a shot from above or below looks less like you.
- How recent must a United Arab Emirates visa photo be?
- It must have been taken within the last 6 months.
- Can I wear a head covering in a United Arab Emirates visa photo?
- A habitually worn religious or cultural head covering — a tudung, hijab, turban, kippah or songkok — is generally permitted, provided your face stays visible: forehead edge, both cheeks, jaw line and chin.
- How much does a United Arab Emirates visa photo cost on SGfoto?
- The watermarked preview is free, so you see the result before paying. The full-resolution file is S$1.99.
Make a United Arab Emirates visa photo →
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