May 28, 2026 · Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – ICAO Rules & Hijab Policy
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat), under the Saudi Ministry of Interior, issues biometric passports following the ICAO standard. This guide explains every technical requirement, the hijab and niqab policy, and how to submit photos through the Absher platform.
Quick summary
35×45mm, plain white background, no glasses, no coloured contacts, neutral expression. Hijab allowed with full face visible; niqab not accepted. Photo must be taken within 6 months.
Core Photo Requirements
The following requirements apply to photos submitted with Saudi Arabian passport applications at General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) offices or through the Absher digital platform.
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall. The standard ICAO biometric format.
- Background: Plain white. No off-white, light grey, or patterned backgrounds are accepted.
- Head position: The face should be centred, fully facing the camera, with the chin to crown occupying the majority of the photo height.
- Expression: Neutral and relaxed. Mouth must be closed. Both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
- Glasses: Not permitted. All types of eyewear — prescription glasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses — are banned.
- Coloured contact lenses: Not permitted. Regular clear contact lenses are acceptable.
- Recency: The photo must have been taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
- Retouching: Digital filters, skin smoothing, or any alteration to your appearance is not permitted.
Hijab Allowed — Niqab Not Accepted
Saudi passport guidelines allow women to wear a hijab (headscarf) in their passport photo, subject to the following conditions:
- The full face must be clearly visible — from chin to forehead, including both cheeks and the full width of the face.
- The hijab must not cast shadows on the face or on the white background.
- The hijab fabric must not overlap the face in any area.
A niqab (face veil that covers the nose and mouth) is not accepted for biometric passport photos. The Saudi General Directorate of Passports requires all facial features to be fully exposed for biometric identification purposes, in line with ICAO Doc 9303 requirements.
Online Applications via Absher Platform
Saudi citizens and residents can apply for and renew passports through the Absher platform (absher.sa) or the Absher mobile application. The digital photo uploaded must meet all ICAO biometric requirements:
- ICAO-compliant dimensions (35×45mm equivalent for digital uploads)
- Plain white background
- High resolution — typically 600 DPI or a minimum of 400×514 pixels
- No shadows, glare, or red-eye
- JPEG format, file size within the platform's limit
Specific technical requirements for digital uploads may be updated. Always verify the current specifications on the Absher platform before submitting.
Common Rejection Reasons for Saudi Passport Photos
Background not pure white
Use a plain white background — off-white, grey, or patterned walls are rejected.
Glasses or coloured contacts
Remove all eyewear. Do not wear coloured or tinted contact lenses.
Niqab covering face
The niqab must be removed for the passport photo. Only hijab (with full face visible) is accepted.
Shadows on face or background
Use even front lighting and stand at least 1 metre from the wall.
Photo older than 6 months
Take a fresh photo that reflects your current appearance.
Digital retouching detected
No skin smoothing, spot removal, or beauty filters. The photo must show your natural appearance.
Comparison: SA / MY / AE / DE — Hijab Policy
| Country | Size | Background | Hijab | Niqab |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 35×45mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 35×45mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 40×60mm | White | Allowed | Not allowed |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 35×45mm | White/light grey | Allowed* | Not allowed |
* Germany: hijab allowed for online/visa photos; Reisepass/Personalausweis require in-person biometric capture. Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Saudi Arabia passport photo?
Saudi Arabia passport photos must be 35mm wide × 45mm tall, following the ICAO biometric standard. The face should occupy the majority of the photo with a plain white background.
Can women wear a hijab in a Saudi Arabia passport photo?
Yes. Women may wear a hijab in a Saudi Arabian passport photo, but the full face must be visible — from chin to forehead and both cheekbones. A niqab (face veil) is not accepted for biometric passport photos as it covers facial features required for identification.
Are glasses allowed in a Saudi Arabia passport photo?
No. Glasses of any kind — including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses — are not permitted in Saudi Arabian passport photos, in line with the ICAO biometric standard.
How do I submit a passport photo online in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi citizens and residents can use the Absher platform (absher.sa) to apply for or renew passports online. A digital ICAO-compliant photo meeting all size and quality requirements must be uploaded during the application process.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — the General Directorate of Passports, Saudi Arabia (jawazat.gov.sa) or the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.
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