Saudi Visa Photo

To apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia, you need a picture taken within the last six months reflecting your current and natural look (digital alterations aren’t allowed). The required Saudi visa photo size is 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), and the image’s background must be plain white and without shadows.

Here are other essential guidelines Saudi visa photos must meet:

If you apply in person, attach the picture with tape, a paper clip, or one staple (in the corner of the photo, not across your face). Don’t use glue. 

Saudi Arabia offers several visa types, depending on the purpose of your visit. You may need to submit more than one picture. 

Note: The photo size for a Saudi visa is the same as for a US passport photo. Still, ensure the rest of the requirements are the same if you want to get your visa picture at a local studio in the US.

Saudi Arabia Visa Photo: Other Guidelines

Let’s discuss additional Saudi visa image specifications.

Makeup

Remember that the purpose of visa pictures is to identify you accurately. That’s why you must ensure your facial features are clearly recognizable. If you want to use makeup, opt for a natural “less is more” approach. Leave sparkles, heavy contouring, highlighters, and fake eyelashes for other occasions.

Hair

Your entire face, ears, and eyebrows must be visible in the photo. So, if you have long hair, tuck it behind the ears or tie it. Facial hair is allowed if you wear it usually.

Dress code 

There’s no strict visa photo dress code. The only rule is that you can’t wear white, which will blend with the backdrop. Choose modest clothes in darker colors and without patterns. 

Headgear & accessories

Head coverings are acceptable only for religious reasons. As for accessories, it’s better not to wear any, as they could obstruct your face or cause glare—both of which could get your photo rejected. Saudi visa photo rules allow facial piercings as long as they’re not bulky or distracting.

💡 Did you know? In Saudi Arabia, tourists are no longer required to wear a hijab or abaya. Still, you should dress modestly and even somewhat conservatively, especially in public.

Glasses

Prescription glasses are allowed, but you must ensure that:

• There’s no glare or reflections in the lenses
• Lenses aren’t tinted (your natural eye color must be visible)
• Frames don’t cover your eyes or any part of the eyebrows

We suggest you remove the glasses or wear transparent contact lenses to avoid issues.

Saudi e-Visa Photo Requirements

Many countries, including the US, are eligible for an electronic visa (e-visa). In this case, a digital image will suffice.

Your photo for an e-visa to Saudi Arabia must measure 200x200 pixels and be in a JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, or BMP format. When uploading it online, ensure the file size is 5–100 KB. 

Does a Saudi e-visa need to be printed?

The immigration agents should have your visa details in their database. However, it’s best to print your Saudi Arabia e-visa and keep it on you.

Umrah Visa Photo: Size and Requirements

The Umrah visa allows foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia and perform the Islamic pilgrimage (called Umrah). You can perform the pilgrimage at any time of the year except during the Hajj season (in 2025, it'll be between the 4th and 9th of June).

Umrah visa photo requirements are the same as for any other type of Saudi visa.

An Umrah visa photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) and have a plain white background. To apply online, submit a digital image of 200x200 pixels in JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, or BMP format.

Saudi Visa Photo Editor Online

With our Saudi visa photo app (PhotoAiD® for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android), you can take compliant Saudi Arabia visa photos in a few taps—for you, your partner, and children of all ages.