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United Arab Emirates Passport Photo Size & Requirements
United Arab Emirates passport photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP). In this guide, you can confirm the exact 43×55 mm size, 508×650 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your United Arab Emirates passport application. A key local rule to remember is: UAE visa and Emirates ID photos require a white background with no shadow, taken with warm ambient lighting.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 43×55 mm (508×650 px) with a white background. This guide also covers where applicants usually submit their documents, which local rules cause the most rejections, and which related country pages to compare before you apply.
Official United Arab Emirates passport photo rules
- UAE visa and Emirates ID photos require a white background with no shadow, taken with warm ambient lighting.
- The ICP portal accepts JPEG uploads up to 300 KB at 300 DPI, 35×45 mm dimensions.
- Ghutrah, keffiyeh, hijab and other cultural or religious head coverings are accepted; sunglasses and tinted lenses are not.
Common mistakes in United Arab Emirates passport photos
- Photos taken with fluorescent office lighting that adds a green cast — ICP's automated pass flags anything with a non-neutral white-balance.
- Ghutrah worn so low that it covers the eyebrows.
- Using the passport-page scan from an older visa instead of a fresh capture.
Passport vs visa photo differences in United Arab Emirates
The passport photo in United Arab Emirates is 43×55 mm, while the visa photo is 43×55 mm. The size is the same for both documents, but you should still verify the specific submission rules for the visa application. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated United Arab Emirates visa photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
Saudi Arabia (40×60 mm)India (51×51 mm)United Kingdom (35×45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Emirates ID photo size?
The Emirates ID uses 35×45 mm at 300 DPI on a white background, uploaded as a JPEG under 300 KB through the ICP smart-app or in-person at a Tas'heel centre. The same file works for a UAE residence-visa application.
Are traditional Emirati head coverings allowed?
Yes. The ICP permits the ghutrah, keffiyeh and hijab in official photos. The eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth and full chin outline must remain visible, and no part of the covering may cast a shadow across the face.
What is the official passport photo size for United Arab Emirates?
The official United Arab Emirates passport photo size is 43×55 mm, which equals 508×650 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a United Arab Emirates passport photo?
United Arab Emirates passport photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.