UAE Passport Photo Requirements 2026

Official specifications issued by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Use this guide to ensure your photo is accepted first time.

45 × 55 mm Plain white background 300 DPI Updated Jan 2026

📐 UAE Passport Photo Specifications

Specification	Required Value
Photo Size	45 × 55 mm 1.77 × 2.17 inches
Digital Dimensions	531 × 650 pixels minimum
Resolution	300 DPI
File Format	JPEG
File Size	Max 1 MB
Background	Plain white No colour
Face Coverage	70–80% of photo area
Glasses	Not allowed
Photo Recency	Within last 3 months
Photo size	45×55 mm (unique — not 35×45)
Face coverage	70–80% of photo
Expression	Neutral, mouth closed
Headwear	Allowed for national dress / religious reasons
Issuing Authority	Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)

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✅ Photo Rules — What Is Required

Photo taken Within last 3 months
Neutral facial expression, mouth closed
Both eyes open and clearly visible
Plain white background — no patterns or shadows
Face centred and occupying 70–80% of photo area of the photo
Head upright, looking directly at the camera
Even lighting — no shadows on face
High quality, in focus — minimum 300 DPI
Not allowed
No headwear (except religious with documentation)
No digital filters, beauty effects, or editing
No shadows behind the head

🚫 Common Reasons for Photo Rejection

Wrong size (must be 45×55 mm, not 35×45)
Non-white background
Glasses
Shadows on face or background
Photo older than 3 months
Smiling or open mouth

📸 How to Take a Compliant Photo at Home

Stand against a plain white wall with even lighting from a window in front of you
Use your phone's rear camera on a tripod or rested surface — never a selfie camera
Keep the camera at eye level — not above or below
Ensure no shadows appear on your face or the background
Remove glasses before taking the photo
Wear dark clothing — it stands out from the white background
Do not use portrait mode, filters, or beauty correction
Do not take in a room with coloured walls behind you
Do not take in low light or with a light source behind you

Upload your photo — we crop it to the exact 45 × 55 mm size automatically.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a UAE passport photo? +

45×55 mm (531×650 pixels at 300 DPI). Note: this is different from the standard 35×45 mm used by most other countries.

Can women wear hijab in UAE passport photos? +

Yes. Head coverings worn for religious or cultural reasons are permitted as long as the face is fully visible.

How recent must a UAE passport photo be? +

Within the last 3 months — stricter than most other countries.