On this page
Specifications
Every measurable requirement, in the same order on every country page. Bracketed numbers point to the official source below.
| Printed photo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 60 mm × 40 mm | [2] |
| Head height (chin to crown) | Not specified by the authority | |
| Eye position | Not specified by the authority | |
| Background | White background | [2] |
| Print resolution | Not specified by the authority | |
| Paper | Not specified by the authority | |
| Copies required | Not specified by the authority | |
| Digital upload | ||
| Pixel size | Not specified by the authority | |
| File format | Not specified by the authority | |
| File size | Not specified by the authority | |
| Colour | Not specified by the authority | |
| Validity | ||
| Taken within | Recent | [2] |
| Also specified | ||
| Passport photo size — passport photo standard | 45 mm × 35 mm (differs from this page's 60 mm × 40 mm visa photo size) | [2] |
Rules
What is allowed and what is refused. Same ten rows on every page; “Conditional” means allowed only as described.
| Expression | Required | The face must be straight and the expression neutral. [3] |
| Eyes | Required | Eyes must be clearly visible, without shadows or reflections. [3] |
| Glasses | Conditional | Only medical glasses are permitted, provided they do not cover the eyes; sunglasses are not allowed. [3] |
| Head covering | Not allowed | Hats are not allowed. [3] |
| Hair | Not specified | — |
| Ears | Not specified | — |
| Clothing | Not specified | — |
| Retouching / filters | Not specified | — |
| Shadows and objects | Not allowed | Shadows and reflections are not allowed. [3] |
| Infants and children | Not specified | — |
Notes and common mistakes
Visa photo size vs. the UAE passport standard
The requirement comes from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) [2]. ICP’s Services Guide also states a photo size of 45 × 35 mm elsewhere in the same document [2], which differs from this page’s own 60 × 40 mm size [2].
Background and recency
The photo must have a white background [2] and must be recent [2].
Expression, eyes, glasses and headwear
ICP’s FAQ on approved photo standards sets out how the face itself must appear: straight, with a neutral expression [3], and eyes clearly visible, without shadows or reflections [3]. Hats are not allowed [3]. Glasses are only acceptable if they are medical glasses that do not cover the eyes; sunglasses are not permitted at all [3].
Countries with the same photo size
Questions
Which UAE authority sets this photo requirement?
It comes from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) [2].
Why is the UAE visa photo a different size from my passport photo?
ICP's Services Guide also states a photo size of 45 × 35 mm elsewhere in the same document [2], which differs from this page's own 60 × 40 mm size [2].
What background does ICP require for the visa photo, and how recent must it be?
The photo must have a white background [2] and must be recent [2].
What expression and eyes does ICP require in the photo?
The face must be straight and the expression neutral [3]. Eyes must be clearly visible, without shadows or reflections [3].
Can I wear glasses or a hat in the photo?
Only medical glasses are permitted, and only if they do not cover the eyes; sunglasses are not allowed [3]. Hats are not allowed [3].
Sources
Every value above is taken from the following official documents. If a source disagrees with this page, the source is right — tell us. Report an error.
- [1] Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) — Personal Photo Specifications
https://icp.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/icao_english.pdf - [2] Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) — Services Guide 2024
https://icp.gov.ae/wp-content/themes/ica_v3/assets/images/servicesGuideEN2024.pdf - [3] Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) — FAQ
https://icp.gov.ae/en/faq/