Home › Visa Photo Size › Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Visa Photo Size & Requirements
Saudi Arabia visa photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards but are enforced by Saudi Ministry of Interior (وزارة الداخلية) and the General Directorate of Passports (الجوازات). In this guide, you can confirm the exact 40×60 mm size, 472×709 pixel output at 300 DPI, the required white background, and the fastest way to prepare a compliant image before submitting your Saudi Arabia visa application. A key local rule to remember is: Background must be pure white with absolutely no shadows — Absher's automated checker is unforgiving.
Use ImageGates to resize your image to exactly 40×60 mm (472×709 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 Saudi Arabia visa photo rules
- Background must be pure white with absolutely no shadows — Absher's automated checker is unforgiving.
- Female applicants may wear hijab but the full oval of the face from forehead to chin must be visible.
- For Hajj and Umrah visa photos, the photo must be very recent — taken within the last 3 months.
Common mistakes in Saudi Arabia visa photos
- Background that is even slightly off-white.
- Hijab covering any part of the chin or forehead.
- Using photos older than 3 months for Umrah/Hajj visas.
Visa vs passport photo differences in Saudi Arabia
The visa photo in Saudi Arabia is 40×60 mm, while the passport photo is 40×60 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 Saudi Arabia passport photo page.
Popular countries
United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomIndiaSchengen Zone
Related countries
United Arab Emirates (43×55 mm)India (51×51 mm)Pakistan (51×51 mm)
Frequently asked questions
Can women wear hijab in a Saudi visa photo?
Yes. Saudi Arabia explicitly permits hijab in passport and visa photos as long as the full oval of the face — from forehead down to the chin — is fully visible and not casting shadows.
How recent must my Saudi Arabia visa photo be?
For tourist and business visas, within the last 6 months. For Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage visas, the photo must be no older than 3 months — Saudi authorities verify this against the EXIF date when possible.
What is the official visa photo size for Saudi Arabia?
The official Saudi Arabia visa photo size is 40×60 mm, which equals 472×709 pixels at 300 DPI.
What background is required for a Saudi Arabia visa photo?
Saudi Arabia visa photos require a white background with even lighting, no patterns, and no visible shadows.