Dubai Visa Photo Size Requirements 2025 – Guide

Planning a trip to Dubai? Ensuring your visa photo meets the UAE’s strict requirements is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UAE/Dubai visa photo size requirements, and how to get it right the first time. Whether you’re applying online or in-person, we’ve got you covered with tips, specifications, and common mistakes to avoid.

Dubai Visa Photo Size Requirements

To secure your Dubai visa, your photo must comply with guidelines set by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Here’s a quick summary:

• Size: 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm (physical) or 300 x 369 pixels (digital).

• Background: Plain white or light grey (light blue for specific attire like qandoura).

• Photo Age: Taken within the last 3–6 months.

• Quality: High-resolution, color, sharp, no edits or filters.

This guide dives into the details to ensure your visa photo size for Dubai is perfect.

Detailed Dubai Visa Photo Specifications

Meeting the Dubai visa photo specifications is non-negotiable. Below, we break down each requirement to help you comply.

Size and Dimensions

• Physical Photos: 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm (43 mm x 55 mm) or 2 x 2 inches (50 mm x 50 mm for some embassies, e.g., Indian applicants via BLS International).

• Digital Photos: Minimum 300 x 369 pixels for online submissions.

• Face Coverage: Face must occupy 70–80% of the photo, with head height between 31–36 mm.

Background and Lighting

• Background: Plain white or light grey. Light blue is allowed for traditional attire like qandoura.

• Lighting: Uniform, no shadows or reflections on the face or background.

• Tips: Avoid fluorescent lights to prevent color casts; use natural daylight for best results.

Facial Expression and Positioning

• Expression: Neutral, closed mouth, no smiling or raised eyebrows.

• Positioning: Face centered, looking directly at the camera, head straight (no tilting).

• Visibility: Eyes open, both ears, forehead, and chin fully visible.

Attire and Accessories

• Clothing: Wear dark-colored clothing to contrast with the white background.

• Accessories: No sunglasses or tinted glasses. Prescription glasses are allowed if no glare.

• Headgear: Permitted only for religious or medical reasons, ensuring facial features remain visible.

Photo Quality

• Resolution: High-resolution, color photos; no black-and-white images.

• Clarity: Sharp focus, no blurriness, pixelation, or digital edits (e.g., filters, retouching).

• Paper: Printed on high-quality photo paper for physical submissions.

Requirement	Specification
Size (Physical)	4.3 cm x 5.5 cm or 2 x 2 inches (50 mm x 50 mm for some cases)
Size (Digital)	300 x 369 pixels
Background	Plain white or light grey (light blue for qandoura)
Expression	Neutral, closed mouth, no smiling
Attire	Dark-colored, no uniforms; headgear only for religious/medical reasons
Quality	High-resolution, color, no edits, printed on photo paper

Special Requirements for Children and Infants

Taking a Dubai visa photo for children or infants requires extra care, but the UAE offers some leniency:

• Size: Same as adults (4.3 cm x 5.5 cm or 2 x 2 inches).

• Subject: Child must be alone—no toys, chairs, or parents visible.

• Expression: Neutral, eyes open, mouth closed; leniency for children under 10.

• Infant Tips:

  • Lay infants on a white sheet, take photo from above.

  • Ensure face is centered and fills 70–80% of the frame.

  • Use natural light to avoid startling the child.

How to Take a Compliant Dubai Visa Photo at Home

Want to save time and money? Taking a DIY Dubai visa photo at home is easier than you think. Follow these steps:

1. Setup:

   • Use a plain white wall or hang a white sheet.

   • Position yourself 1–2 meters from a high-quality camera (5+ megapixels).

   • Use natural daylight or soft lighting to avoid shadows.

2. Framing:

   • Center your face, filling 70–80% of the frame.

   • Keep head straight, eyes open, and maintain a neutral expression.

3. Camera Tips:

   • Avoid selfies unless using a high-resolution phone camera.

   • Use a tripod or have someone else take the photo.

4. Post-Processing:

   • Use free online tools to adjust size to 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm or 300 x 369 pixels.

   • Ensure the background is plain white; tools like PhotoAiD can remove imperfections.

5. Verification:

   • Double-check specifications or use an AI-based photo checker (like Tripstoo’s tool, if available).

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these errors to prevent your Dubai visa photo from being rejected:

• Incorrect Size: Using photos smaller or larger than 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm or 300 x 369 pixels.

• Wrong Background: Patterned or colored backgrounds (e.g., not plain white/light grey).

• Facial Issues: Smiling, tilting head, closed eyes, or partially visible face.

• Quality Problems: Blurry, pixelated, black-and-white, or edited photos.

• Inappropriate Attire: Wearing uniforms, sunglasses, or non-religious headgear.

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Comparison with Other Visa Photo Requirements

How do Dubai visa photo dimensions compare to other countries? Here’s a quick look:

Where to Get Professional Dubai Visa Photos

Prefer a professional touch? Here’s how to get a professional Dubai visa photo:

• Photo Studios: Visit reputable studios in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or major cities worldwide. Confirm they know UAE visa standards.

  • Dubai: Studios like Foto UAE or Al Ansari Exchange.

  • Abu Dhabi: Grandiose Photography or Al Mariah Studio.

• Online Platforms: Use services like PhotoAiD or Atlys for digital processing, ensuring compliance with UAE visa photo size.

• Tips: Request 2–3 printed copies (4.3 x 5.5 cm) and a digital version (300 x 369 pixels).

Submission Guidelines for Dubai Visa Photos

Submitting your photo correctly is key to a smooth application:

• Online Applications:

  • Upload a digital photo (300 x 369 pixels) via portals like Emirates.com or ICP.gov.ae.

  • Ensure the file is in JPEG format, under 40 KB, and meets resolution requirements.

• Physical Applications:

  • Provide 2–3 printed photos (4.3 x 5.5 cm) with your application form.

  • Indian applicants via BLS International may need 51 x 51 mm photos.

• Tips:

  • Scan physical photos clearly if submitting digitally.

  • Double-check embassy or visa center requirements for specific visa types (e.g., tourist, work).

Conclusion

Getting your Dubai visa photo size right is essential for a smooth visa application. By following the UAE’s strict guidelines—4.3 cm x 5.5 cm or 300 x 369 pixels, plain white background, neutral expression—you can avoid rejections. Whether you take a DIY photo or visit a professional studio, use this guide to ensure compliance. Ready to apply for your Dubai visa? Check out Tripstoo’s visa resources or use our photo checker tool for peace of mind!

FAQs on Dubai Visa Photo Requirements

Can I use a selfie for a Dubai visa photo?

No, selfies are generally not accepted due to potential issues with framing, lighting, or resolution. Use a high-quality camera or professional service.

What if my photo is older than 3 months?

Photos older than 3–6 months are typically rejected, as they must reflect your current appearance.

Are glasses allowed in Dubai visa photos?

Prescription glasses are allowed if there’s no glare and eyes are clearly visible. Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not permitted.

How do I take a baby’s visa photo for Dubai?

Lay the infant on a white sheet, take the photo from above, and ensure a neutral expression with eyes open. Leniency applies for infants.

What happens if my Dubai visa photo is rejected?

You’ll need to resubmit a compliant photo, which may delay your visa processing. Use our guide to get it right the first time.