Saudi Arabia requires passport photos measuring 40×60 millimeters (approximately 1.57×2.36 inches). At standard 300 DPI, this translates to 472×709 pixels. These specifications are set by Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) and apply to all Saudi passport applications.
The 40×60mm format is unique among major countries. This larger format differs from the common European 35×45mm standard and the US 51×51mm square format.
Why Does Saudi Arabia Use 40×60mm Passport Photo Size?
Jawazat selected 40×60mm to accommodate their specific biometric passport system. The larger size provides additional facial detail for the embedded chip and machine-readable data, which Saudi Arabia considers important for security and identification purposes.
Your photo must display your face clearly with adequate surrounding space for the embedded chip and machine-readable text. Getting this right from the start prevents processing delays.
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Digital Specifications for Saudi Passport Photo Size
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 40mm / 1.57 inches / 472px |
| Height | 60mm / 2.36 inches / 709px |
| Aspect Ratio | 2:3 |
| Minimum DPI | 300 |
| Color Space | RGB |
| File Format | JPEG |
Verify these exact dimensions in your photo editing software. The 2:3 aspect ratio is mandatory — always verify and adjust manually.
Saudi Passport Photo Head Height: The 60–80% Rule
Saudi Arabia requires head height to occupy 60-80% of the photo's vertical space:
- Too small (under 60%): Insufficient facial detail for biometric algorithms
- Too large (over 80%): Face extends too close to edges; may appear cropped incorrectly
Target 70-75% for optimal positioning within the acceptable range.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Saudi Passport Photos
Saudi Arabia does not allow glasses in passport photos. This applies to all types — prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and even clear non-prescription frames. Remove all eyewear before the photo is taken. There is no medical exemption for this rule.
Expression must be neutral with mouth closed. No smiling, no frowning, no raised eyebrows. Your face must be evenly lit without shadows. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.
Religious and cultural head coverings follow specific rules in Saudi passport photos:
- Women: Hijab or headscarf is permitted and common. The covering must not cast shadows on the face and must leave the full face visible from forehead to chin. For Saudi women, photos may be taken with or without head covering per personal preference.
- Men: The ghutrah (traditional headscarf) with agal is generally not worn in Saudi passport photos. Men are typically photographed bare-headed. The face must be fully visible without any obstruction.
- Niqab (face veil) is not permitted — the full face must be visible in all passport photos regardless of personal practice.
Heavy makeup, face filters, or any digital retouching that alters your natural appearance will result in rejection. The photo must represent how you look in person.
Saudi Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Print Size | Pixels (300 DPI) | Head Height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 40×60mm | 472×709 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| UAE | 40×60mm | 472×709 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United States | 51×51mm | 600×600 | 50–69% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 64–76% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
| Turkey | 50×60mm | 591×709 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| India | 35×35mm | 413×413 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
Saudi Arabia and the UAE share identical 40×60mm dimensions — one of the few countries using this format. Turkey is close at 50×60mm (same height, wider width). Most European countries use 35×45mm, meaning photos taken abroad for European travel will not work for Saudi applications.
Common Saudi Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
These errors frequently cause Saudi passport photo rejections:
Using 35×45mm photos. The most common mistake, especially for Saudi citizens returning from travel in Europe or Asia where 35×45mm is the norm. Jawazat requires 40×60mm specifically.
Wrong aspect ratio. The 2:3 ratio differs from the 7:9 used by most European and Asian countries. Crop to 2:3 before resizing to final dimensions.
Low-resolution source images. Enlarging a small photo produces pixelation and blurriness. Always capture at the highest resolution your camera supports, then crop down to 472×709px.
Outdated photos. Photos more than six months old may be rejected. Jawazat requires photos that accurately represent your current appearance.
Head too small in frame. The 60mm height gives more vertical space than most formats. Ensure your head still fills at least 60% of the frame — don't let the extra space push your face too small.
Shadows from head coverings. Hijab or headscarf can cast shadows across the jawline or forehead if lighting is not set up correctly. Use front-facing soft light to eliminate shadow.
Where to Get Correctly Sized Saudi Passport Photos
Jawazat offices. Passport offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and other cities have official photo services that guarantee compliance. Staff are familiar with exact requirements. Cost is typically SAR 30–50 for a set of prints.
Professional photography studios. Studios experienced with Saudi government requirements are found in most cities. Look for studios near Jawazat branches or government service complexes — they handle the volume and know the specifications. Prices range from SAR 50–150 depending on the number of prints and whether a digital file is included.
Shopping mall photo services. Photo counters in malls (Riyadh Gallery, Kingdom Centre, Hayat Mall, Red Sea Mall in Jeddah) offer passport photo services. Prices typically SAR 30–80. Verify the output dimensions match 40×60mm before accepting prints.
Saudi citizens abroad. Saudi embassies and consulates can provide guidance on approved photo services in your area. In cities with large Saudi communities (London, Washington DC, Cairo, Kuala Lumpur), studios near the embassy are usually familiar with the 40×60mm requirement. Always confirm the dimensions before paying.
DIY at home. Stand against a plain white wall in a well-lit room. Use soft, diffused light — indirect window light works well. Set your camera to the highest resolution, shoot at chest level, and crop to exactly 472×709 pixels at 300 DPI. Position your head to fill 70–75% of the frame. If wearing hijab, ensure front-facing light eliminates any shadow on the face.
Absher Digital Upload Requirements for Saudi Photos
When applying through the Absher platform or the Ministry of Interior (MOI) portal, your digital photo must meet specific requirements:
- File format: JPEG
- Dimensions: 472×709 pixels minimum
- File size: Check the portal's specific limit (typically under 2MB)
- Background: Pure white with no gradients, shadows, or patterns
- Colour space: sRGB
Absher is the primary digital channel for Saudi passport services. Ensure your photo meets all technical specifications before uploading, as the system may reject non-compliant images automatically.
Saudi Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Infants and young children follow the same 40×60mm size requirement as adults, but Jawazat applies some practical allowances:
Newborns and infants (under 1). Lay the baby flat on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. The baby's eyes should ideally be open, though very young infants may be given some leniency. No toys, hands, or other objects should appear in the frame. No head coverings are required for infants.
Toddlers (1–5). Seat the child against a white background. Use a car seat or high chair to keep them upright. An assistant can hold the child's attention with a toy held above the camera — the toy must not appear in the photo. Ensure the child's face fills 60–80% of the 60mm frame height.
Children's passports in Saudi Arabia have a shorter validity period than adult passports. Because children's faces change quickly, photos must accurately reflect their current appearance. Even for renewals, a fresh photo is always required.
Matching Saudi Passport Photo Size with Other Rules
Your 40×60mm photo must also satisfy:
- Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF) with no gradients or patterns
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, no smiling
- Glasses: Not permitted
- Appearance: Natural, no retouching or filters
- Recency: Taken within the last six months
Get the size right first — proper dimensions and head positioning are the foundation for acceptance. Then verify the background, expression, and appearance rules are also met.
Need to verify all Saudi requirements? Our passport photo checker analyzes your image against Jawazat standards.
For complete background requirements to accompany these dimensions, read our guide to Saudi Arabia passport photo background. And if you're a Saudi citizen traveling abroad, our Saudi Arabia travel requirements page has all the details.
