UAE passport photos must measure 40 × 60 mm (4 × 6 cm). At 300 DPI, this translates to 472 × 709 pixels. These specifications are set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) and apply to all Emirati passport applications.
Critical distinction: UAE visa photos use a different size — 43 × 55 mm. The passport and visa formats are not interchangeable. If you are applying for a UAE passport, use 40×60mm. If you are applying for a UAE visa, use 43×55mm. Mixing these up is one of the most common mistakes.
Exact UAE Passport Photo Dimensions
| Document | Size | Pixels (300 DPI) |
|---|---|---|
| UAE Passport | 40 × 60mm | 472 × 709px |
| UAE Visa | 43 × 55mm | 508 × 650px |
The passport format (40×60mm) has a 2:3 aspect ratio — the same as Thailand and Saudi Arabia. The visa format (43×55mm) has a different aspect ratio entirely.
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Head Height Requirements for UAE Passport Photos
Your head — measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull — must occupy 60-80% of the photo's 60mm vertical space.
In concrete terms:
- Minimum (60%): 36mm from chin to crown
- Maximum (80%): 48mm from chin to crown
- Target (70%): approximately 42mm — the safest position
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
These measurements are significantly larger than the 27-36mm range on a standard 35×45mm ICAO photo. If you're accustomed to European or most Asian passport photos, the UAE format requires your face to be physically larger in the frame.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for UAE Passport Photos
- Glasses: Not permitted. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Tinted lenses and decorative frames are also not allowed.
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face or forehead.
- Head coverings: Women may wear hijab. Men should not wear headwear unless for religious reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible regardless.
- Clothing: Emirati national dress (kandura for men, abaya/shayla for women) is fine. Avoid white tops that blend into the white background — the system needs a clear boundary between your clothing and the background.
UAE Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Passport size | Head height | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 40×60mm | 60–80% | Rectangle |
| Saudi Arabia | 40×60mm | 60–80% | Rectangle |
| Thailand | 40×60mm | 60–80% | Rectangle |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 64–76% | Rectangle |
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | Square |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | Square |
The UAE shares the 40×60mm passport format with Saudi Arabia and Thailand — the only three countries using this size. Most European and Asian countries use the smaller 35×45mm ICAO standard. The US uses a 51×51mm square. None of these formats are interchangeable with the UAE's 40×60mm.
UAE Passport vs Visa Photo Size: The Critical Difference
This is the single most important distinction for UAE photo applicants. The two formats side-by-side:
| Passport | Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 40×60mm | 43×55mm |
| Pixels | 472×709 | 508×650 |
| Aspect ratio | 2:3 | ~4:5 |
| Issuing body | ICP | Various (GDRFA, ICP) |
The passport format is taller and narrower. The visa format is wider and shorter. A photo taken for one will not work for the other — the aspect ratios are different enough that cropping destroys the head height compliance.
If you're applying for both a passport and a visa (common for UAE residents with expat passports), you need two separate photos in two different sizes.
Where to Get Correctly Sized UAE Passport Photos
ICP service centres. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship operates centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates. On-site photo services produce the correct 40×60mm format and verify compliance before printing. This is the most reliable option.
Amer centres (Dubai). Dubai-based applicants can use Amer service centres, which handle passport and visa applications. Most have photo services that understand both the 40×60mm passport and 43×55mm visa formats. Specify which document you're applying for.
Photo studios in malls. Studios in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and other major shopping centres offer passport photo services. Always specify "40×60mm UAE passport" — do not accept the default 35×45mm format that many studios produce for European applications. Prices range from AED 25-60.
Typing centres. Common throughout the UAE, typing centres handle document services and often include photo booths. Quality varies — verify dimensions with a ruler before accepting prints.
Outside the UAE: Most international photo studios default to 35×45mm or 51×51mm. You must explicitly request 40×60mm. Many services won't have this size pre-configured, so provide the exact pixel dimensions (472×709) and DPI (300).
UAE Passport Photo Digital Submission Requirements
The ICP accepts digital photo uploads for online passport applications:
- JPEG format, 472×709 pixels minimum at 300 DPI
- White background, no shadows
- The automated system checks dimensions, aspect ratio, and face detection
- If rejected, the error message may be generic — verify your photo with a compliance checker before uploading
For in-person appointments, bring printed copies on glossy or matte photo paper. The prints must be exactly 40×60mm — measure with a ruler before leaving the studio.
UAE Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Children's UAE passport photos follow the same 40×60mm size and 60-80% head height requirements. The ICP automated system applies the same checks regardless of age.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. The face must be centered and clearly visible. ICP service centres with on-site photo services are the most reliable option for infants.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — neutral expression, eyes open, face centered. Studios in ICP centres and Amer centres handle children's passport photos regularly.
Common UAE Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Confusing passport and visa sizes. UAE passports require 40×60mm. UAE visas require 43×55mm. Using the wrong one causes immediate rejection. Always confirm which document you're applying for before ordering photos.
Using a European 35×45mm photo. The ICAO standard used by most countries is too small for a UAE passport. You cannot crop a 35×45mm photo to 40×60mm — the aspect ratios are different.
Using a US 51×51mm photo. The US square format is a completely different shape. Dual citizens (UAE-US) need separate photos for each passport.
White clothing on white background. The ICP system needs a visible boundary between your body and the background. If you wear a white kandura or white top, the system may struggle with face detection. Wear clothing with some contrast against white.
Face too small from selfie distance. Arm's-length selfies produce a face at roughly 40-50% of the frame — below the 60% minimum. Position the camera about 1.5 metres away, or have someone else take the photo.
Verifying Your UAE Passport Photo Size
Use our passport photo checker to validate your photo against ICP requirements before submitting. This catches dimension errors, aspect ratio mismatches, and file format issues.
For background requirements, see our guide to UAE passport photo background. View all UAE passport specifications on the UAE passport photo hub.
