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The UAE regularly updates its Visa requirements to ensure smooth processing for travelers. One of the key aspects of a successful visa application is submitting a photo that meets the latest specifications. In 2025, UAE authorities have reinforced strict guidelines to ensure uniformity in visa photos, reducing application rejections due to incorrect images.
Introduction
A visa photo is more than just an image; it is an essential document for identification purposes. Failing to meet the UAE’s visa photo requirements can lead to unnecessary delays or rejection of your application. In this guide, we will walk you through the latest UAE Visa photo size requirements for 2025, ensuring a seamless application process.
Understanding Standard UAE Visa Photo Size Requirements
The standard UAE visa photo size requirements include:
- Size: 45mm x 35mm (standard passport size)
- Background: White, plain, and without shadows
- Face Position: Centered and facing forward
- Expression: Neutral with a closed mouth and open eyes
- Glasses: Only permitted if they do not obstruct the eyes
- Head Covering: Allowed for religious reasons but must not obscure facial features
- Resolution: High-quality (at least 600 dpi for digital submissions)
Specific Requirements for UAE Tourist Visa Photo Size
For a UAE tourist visa, the photo must comply with the following guidelines:
- Recent photograph (not older than six months)
- Color photo (black and white photos are not accepted)
- Clear, high-resolution image with no filters or alterations
- No excessive makeup or accessories that obscure the face
Technical Aspects of UAE Visa Photos
Understanding the technical details of your UAE visa photo can help avoid rejections:
- Format: JPEG for digital submission, printed on high-quality photo paper for physical copies
- Brightness and Contrast: Even lighting without overexposure or underexposure
- File Size: Typically between 10 KB and 300 KB for digital submissions
- Photo Quality: No blurs, grainy textures, or digital alterations
Expert Tips for Taking Perfect UAE Visa Photos
- Use a professional studio to ensure compliance with UAE regulations
- If taking the photo at home, use a high-quality camera with even lighting
- Keep a straight posture and look directly into the camera
- Remove any hair accessories or items that could lead to rejection
- Double-check requirements with the UAE visa application portal before submission
UAE Visa Photo Requirements for Special Cases
- Babies and Children: Must have eyes open and mouth closed (infants can be supported with a white cloth behind them)
- Elderly Individuals: Exempt from strict facial expression rules, but clarity is mandatory
- Religious Head Coverings: Allowed as long as the face is fully visible
Where to Get UAE Visa Photos Taken?
- Photography Studios: Many studios specialize in visa and passport photos with knowledge of UAE specifications.
- Online Photo Services: Some online platforms allow you to upload an image and adjust it to UAE visa standards.
- Embassy or Consulate Services: Some UAE embassies provide photo services to ensure compliance.
Digital vs. Physical Photo Submissions for UAE Visas
- Digital Submission: Most UAE visa applications now accept high-resolution digital photos. Ensure that your image meets the required specifications before uploading.
- Physical Submission: If submitting a hard copy, print the photo on high-quality, glossy paper without any creases or marks.
Future Trends in UAE Visa Photo Requirements
As technology advances, UAE immigration authorities may introduce:
- AI-based verification for visa photos
- Stricter biometric measurements for enhanced security
- Mandatory digital photo submissions for all Visa categories
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Photo Specifications:
- Size: 40 mm x 35 mm (Height x Width)
- Composition: A close-up of the head and shoulders, with the face occupying 70–80% of the photo
- Age of Photo: Must be taken within the last 6 months
- Background: Plain white
- Eyes: Clearly visible
- Facial Expression: Neutral, without any exaggerated expressions
- Head Position: Straight, not tilted, and parallel to the camera lens
- Color: The photo must be in color
- Quality: Clear print with continuous-tone quality
- Editing: No retouching, enhancement, or softening allowed
Additional Documents Required for a Dubai Visa Application:
- Passport Copy: A scanned color copy of the first and last page of a valid passport
- Bank Statements: Last 6 months’ statements to verify financial stability and sufficiency of funds
Processing Time:
- The Emirates ID is typically issued within 7–10 business days after submitting fingerprints.
Process Explanation:
Document Verification:
- The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) reviews your documents, including biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans.
Biometric Processing:
- ICA processes your biometrics, which may take some time for verification.
Approval and Printing:
- Once verified, your Emirates ID is approved, printed, and prepared for collection.
Tracking & Collection:
- You can track your application online and receive updates via text messages.
- Once ready, you can collect the Emirates ID from an Emirates Post branch.
UAE ID Card Photo Requirements
- Photo Size: 35 mm x 45 mm (Width x Height)
- Mandatory Compliance: Photos that do not meet this size requirement will not be accepted.
Dubai Visa Passport Photo Background & Requirements
- Background Size: The photo should have a plain white background without borders.
- Face Position: Full face, front view, with eyes open.
- Clothing: Wear contrast-colored clothes (avoid white clothing).
- Background Restrictions:
- No dark, busy, or patterned backgrounds.
- No shadows on the face or background.
Yes, you can use the red-eye reduction feature on your digital camera while taking a photo. However, you are not permitted to use any photo editing software to digitally remove red-eye. In general, digitally enhancing or altering the photo to modify your appearance is not allowed.
Need assistance with your UAE visa application? Unicorn Global Solutions is here to help! Text us on whatsApp or call us today .
