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Qatar Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Qatar visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Qatar General Directorate of Passports under the Ministry of Interior. In this guide, you can confirm the exact 38×48 mm size, 449×567 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Qatar visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Qatar requires a 38×48 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 449×567 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 38×48 mm (449×567 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 Qatar visa photo rules
- Qatar requires a 38×48 mm colour photo on a white background, corresponding to 449×567 pixels at 300 DPI in the digital upload.
- Traditional and religious head coverings are permitted; sunglasses, tinted lenses and non-medical eyewear are not.
- Qatar General Directorate of Passports under the Ministry of Interior accepts photos taken within the last 6 months that accurately reflect your current appearance, including recent facial hair, glasses frames or hairstyle changes.
- Two identical prints on photographic paper are used for the paper file, in addition to the digital upload used by the biometric enrolment system.
Common mistakes in Qatar visa photos
- Ordering an off-spec size — the international 35×45 mm default is not 38×48 mm used by Qatar, and studios often print the wrong size unless the exact dimensions are stated in millimetres.
- Ghutrah, keffiyeh or hijab worn low enough to shadow the eyebrows or partially cover the ears — the automated pass reads it as a face-obstruction failure.
- Uploading a photo whose background reads as off-white or cream once compressed — always verify the RGB values before submitting.
- Submitting a photo older than 6 months even if you look the same — Qatar General Directorate of Passports under the Ministry of Interior matches EXIF dates against the application date when available.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Qatar
The visa photo in Qatar is 38×48 mm, while the passport photo is 38×48 mm. The size is the same for both documents, but you should still verify the specific submission rules for the passport application. You can also compare the alternate document on the dedicated Qatar passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
United Arab Emirates (43×55 mm)Saudi Arabia (40×60 mm)Kuwait (40×60 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a passport in Qatar?
Qatar nationals apply through Qatar General Directorate of Passports under the Ministry of Interior at the nearest passport office. Government service portals commonly handle the initial upload and appointment booking. Booking an appointment online first is standard practice and rarely optional.
Is a white background required in Qatar passport photos?
Yes. Qatar General Directorate of Passports under the Ministry of Interior requires a white background at the 38×48 mm print size. Substituting another colour or an off-white tone triggers rejection at the biometric pre-check even when the framing and lighting are otherwise correct.
What is the official visa photo size for Qatar?
The official Qatar visa photo size is 38×48 mm, which equals 449×567 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Qatar visa photo?
Qatar visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.