UAE passport photo requirements are specific — the passport size is 40 × 60 mm, larger than the standard European format, while the visa size is 35 × 45 mm and Emirates ID uses the same 35 × 45 mm format. Getting these dimensions wrong or wearing glasses can lead to rejection. This guide covers everything you need to know and shows how PicToPassport helps you create a compliant photo for free.
Why UAE passport photo rules are unforgiving
Photo rejection means delays to your passport, visa, or Emirates ID application. UAE authorities enforce their rules strictly — incorrect dimensions, a non-white background, or wearing glasses will all result in rejection. Getting the details right the first time saves you from extra trips to GDRFA or Amer centres.
Official Photo Size
The UAE passport photo size is 40 mm wide × 60 mm tall — larger than the standard 35 × 45 mm format used by many countries. For visa applications, the standard 35 mm × 45 mm size is required. Emirates ID also uses 35 × 45 mm. Make sure you use the correct dimensions for your specific application type. Always verify with the official Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship before submitting.
Getting the frame to land on the exact millimetre is the fiddly part: Photo Resizer
Background and Lighting
Every ICP UAE document photo — passport, visa and Emirates ID — calls for plain white behind the subject, with no variation between the three. The standard also expects a high-resolution capture, at least 600 DPI, so a grainy phone shot on a dull wall will be turned away regardless of framing. Face a white backdrop under even light and produce the file at full quality before submitting it.
Expression and Pose
UAE photos call for a neutral expression with the mouth closed and both eyes open and clearly visible. Glasses of any kind — prescription, reading and sunglasses — are refused, and headwear is permitted only when worn for religious reasons. Keep the face fully uncovered and square to the lens: a half-smile, a squint or a tilted head all read as a non-standard frame at Emirates ID and visa counters alike.
Glasses and Accessories
Glasses are not allowed in UAE passport and visa photos. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and reading glasses. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious reasons, but the full face must remain visible. No hats, caps, or other head coverings are accepted unless for religious purposes.
Face Visibility
Officers weigh the face at 70–80% of the 40 mm × 60 mm passport photo, so crown and chin sit close to the top and bottom edges while the background stays clear. Emirates ID and visa photos use the smaller 35 mm × 45 mm sheet but keep the same proportional weight. Resolution matters more here than anywhere: the specification asks for 600 DPI minimum, which at 40 mm × 60 mm means roughly 945 × 1417 pixels.
Photo Recency
Six months is the UAE ceiling, applying to passport, visa and Emirates ID submissions alike. Only an image taken within the last 6 months is safe, because an older print invites a comparison your current appearance may not win — a shaved beard, new spectacles or a changed hairstyle are enough to stall a file. Shoot fresh before visiting GDRFA or an Amer centre, and keep the original for reprinting.
How Many Copies You Get
UAE passport and visa applications typically require 2–4 photos. When you use PicToPassport, you receive a digital file sized exactly for the 40 × 60 mm passport format, 35 × 45 mm visa format, or 35 × 45 mm Emirates ID format, plus a print-friendly layout with multiple copies on a single page. The digital file can be uploaded directly or taken to a photo shop for professional printing.
Most rejections are file size rather than pixels, so shrink it until it clears the limit: Compress Image to KB
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent reasons for rejection are using the wrong dimensions (40 × 60 mm for passport, 35 × 45 mm for visa — NOT 40 × 50 mm), wearing glasses, and non-white backgrounds. Other issues include head tilting, not centring the face, and using old photos that don't match your current appearance. Always check the UAE passport photo requirements before submitting.
Baby Passport Photos
The Emirates asks that an infant be awake, looking at the camera, with eyes open, and that no pacifier, toy or other person appears in the frame. Build the shot on the same 40 mm × 60 mm white background used for adults, lay the baby flat, and photograph from above in daylight. Keep both eyes visible, steady the head without bringing hands into shot, and take several frames until one is sharp and square.
Expect a few attempts before one passes, and a tool built for babies makes the first count: Baby Passport Photo Maker
Using PicToPassport
PicToPassport sets an Emirati passport photo at 40 mm × 60 mm and a visa or Emirates ID photo at 35 mm × 45 mm in your browser, running free with no upload. The background is plain white for all three documents, the face occupies 70–80% of the frame, and the view is full-face with a neutral expression and no glasses. Output meets the print rule: 600 DPI minimum, about 945 × 1417 px at that density, ready for the 2 to 4 photos required, kept on your device.
Get Started in Minutes
ICP UAE charges AED 10 for the application, AED 40 for issuance on a 5-year passport, and AED 15 for delivery, with the service completed within 2 days for 5-year and 10-year passports. Have the photo ready before you start: PicToPassport is free, runs in your browser, sets the plain white background, and keeps the picture private on your device.
