If you're planning to travel or migrate to the Middle East, whether for tourism, work, or residency, getting your visa photo right is crucial. Gulf nations like Dubai (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and others have specific photo requirements that can lead to visa rejection if not followed properly.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the visa photo size, background requirements, dress codes, and expert tips for a hassle-free experience.

Countries Covered:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai, Abu Dhabi
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Bahrain

Visa Photo Requirements by Country (UAE & Gulf Nations)

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

• Photo Size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm
• Background: Plain white
• Head Coverage: 70–80% of photo
• Dress Code: No white shirts; dark attire preferred
• Special Notes: Digital copy often required for online submissions

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

• Photo Size: 200x200 pixels (for online); 4x6 cm (for prints)
• Background: White
• Dress Code: Conservative; women can wear hijab (face must show)
• Special Notes: No eyeglasses; mandatory online upload for e-visa

🇶🇦 Qatar

• Photo Size: 4.0 cm x 3.0 cm
• Background: Light grey or white
• Head Coverage: Eyes should be positioned around 2/3 height from the bottom
• Dress Code: No uniforms, white-on-white discouraged
• Special Notes: Neutral face required; often used for resident permits

🇴🇲 Oman

• Photo Size: 6.0 cm x 4.0 cm
• Background: White
• Dress Code: No headwear unless religious; avoid white tops
• Special Notes: Often used for both visa and resident card processing

🇰🇼 Kuwait

• Photo Size: 4.0 cm x 6.0 cm
• Background: White or light blue
• Dress Code: Formal clothing; dark or contrasting color recommended
• Special Notes: Used for residency visa and civil ID

🇧🇭 Bahrain

• Photo Size: 4.0 cm x 6.0 cm
• Background: White
• Dress Code: Modest attire; no white tops
• Special Notes: E-visa system may require digital upload in JPEG format

Background Requirements

Photography Tip: Use a softbox or ring light to avoid shadows and ensure even lighting on the background.

Dress Code & Appearance Guidelines

What to Wear:

• Formal or semi-formal attire
• No white shirts (they blend with the background)
• Hijab or headscarves are allowed for women (face must be visible)
• No uniforms or camouflage attire

❌ Avoid:

• Heavy makeup or filters
• Sunglasses or tinted glasses
• Hats or headgear (unless for religious reasons)
• Overexposed shoulders or flashy jewelry

📷 Tip for Women: A dark top contrasts best with a white background, especially for passport or visa photos.

😐 Facial Expression & Pose

• Neutral expression (no smiling or frowning)
• Eyes open, mouth closed
• Face forward, centered
• No hair covering the eyes

🧒 Children & Infant Photos

• No toys, pacifiers, or hands showing
• Plain white background (lay baby on white blanket if needed)
• Eyes should be open (for babies, it's acceptable if not)

🎯 Why Choose a Professional Studio?

Photos taken at professional studios like Photo Studio Service offer:

• Accurate sizing for each country
• High-resolution images for digital and print
• Instant editing and correction
• Expert guidance on dress and posture

📌 Final Checklist Before You Submit:

• Correct photo size for the country
• Plain white or light background
• Clear, front-facing face
• Neutral expression
• Proper attire (no white on white)

📍Need Help?

Visit PhotoStudioService.com for visa photos that meet UAE and Gulf country standards. We specialize in passport, visa, and ID photography for global destinations—done in minutes, guaranteed to meet embassy specs.

Top 5 FAQs: UAE & Gulf Visa Photos

1. What size photo is needed for a UAE visa?
👉 Usually 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm with a white background. Face must cover 70–80% of the photo.

2. Can I smile in my Gulf visa photo?
❌ No. Use a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.

3. What should I wear for the photo?
✔️ Wear dark or colored clothes, avoid white.
❌ No uniforms or flashy jewelry.

4. Are head coverings allowed?
✔️ Yes, for religious reasons—but your face must be fully visible.

5. Do kids and babies have special rules?
👶 Yes. No toys or hands in the frame. For infants, it's okay if eyes aren’t fully open.