May 28, 2026 · Country Guides
Qatar Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – MOI Biometric Rules
Qatar follows the ICAO standard 35×45mm passport photo format with a plain white background. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the General Directorate of Passports govern biometric passport issuance. Key rules include the hijab policy (permitted, full face visible), the prohibition on niqab for biometric documents, and the requirement to use authorised photography studios or MOI service centres.
Qatari Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35×45mm (ICAO standard) |
| Authority | Ministry of Interior (MOI) / General Directorate of Passports |
| Background | Plain white — no shadows or patterns |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Hijab | Permitted — full face must be visible |
| Niqab | Not accepted for biometric passport |
| Where taken | Authorised studios or MOI service centres |
| Digital services | Metrash2 app (MOI digital services) |
MOI Biometric Passport and the Metrash2 App
Qatar's Ministry of Interior (MOI) issues biometric passports through the General Directorate of Passports. The Qatari biometric passport contains an RFID chip storing the holder's facial and fingerprint biometric data in line with ICAO Doc 9303 specifications.
The Metrash2 app is Qatar's official MOI digital services platform, available for iOS and Android. Qatari citizens and residents can use it to access a range of government services, check application status, and receive notifications. For passport and identity document applications, in-person attendance at MOI service centres or authorised photography studios is typically required for biometric capture.
Visitors and residents requiring an eVisa can apply through the Hayya portal (portal.hayya.qa). Photo requirements for visa applications are the same as for passports: 35×45mm, white background.
Hijab and Religious Head Coverings
The Qatari MOI — in line with ICAO biometric requirements — permits religious head coverings such as the hijab in passport photos, subject to the condition that the full face is clearly visible:
- The face must be unobstructed from hairline to chin and from ear to ear.
- No part of the face covering may cast a shadow over the face or obscure any facial feature.
- The niqab (face veil covering most of the face below the eyes) is not accepted for biometric passport photos because it prevents adequate facial biometric capture.
This policy is consistent across virtually all Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) — all of which permit the hijab and disallow the niqab for biometric passport photos.
Gulf State Passport Photo Comparison
| Country | Size | Background | Hijab | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 35×45mm | White | Yes (niqab: no) | MOI |
| UAE | 40×60mm (passport) | White | Yes (niqab: no) | ICA |
| Saudi Arabia | 35×45mm | White | Yes (niqab: no) | MOIA / Jawazat |
| Bahrain | 35×45mm | White | Yes (niqab: no) | NPRA |
| Kuwait | 35×45mm | White | Yes (niqab: no) | PACI / MOI |
| Oman | 35×45mm | White | Yes (niqab: no) | ROP |
Note: UAE passport uses 40×60mm (larger than ICAO). UAE visa applications use 35×45mm. Always verify with the official issuing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Qatar passport photo?
Qatari passport photos must measure 35×45mm — the standard ICAO format. This is the same size used across most of Europe and the Middle East. The background must be plain white.
Is a hijab allowed in a Qatar passport photo?
Yes. A hijab is permitted in Qatari passport photos provided the full face is clearly visible — from the hairline to the chin and from ear to ear. The niqab (face veil) is not accepted for biometric passport photos because it obscures facial features required for biometric verification.
What background is required for a Qatar passport photo?
The background for a Qatari passport photo must be plain white. The background must be uniform, with no shadows, patterns, or gradients.
Can non-residents renew a Qatari passport at a Qatari consulate abroad?
Qatari citizens residing abroad can typically access consular services at Qatari embassies and consulates, which handle passport renewal and other document services. Photo requirements remain the same: 35×45mm, white background. Contact the relevant Qatari embassy or use the Metrash2 app to check current service availability.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. MOI photo requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official MOI or consular guidance.
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