Are you planning a trip to Dubai? Whether you’re heading to explore the iconic Burj Khalifa, relax at world-class beaches, or shop in the luxurious malls, securing a Dubai visa is your first step. But did you know that your visa application could be delayed or even rejected due to a single incorrect photo? That’s right! One of the most crucial elements of your Dubai visa application is your visa photo, and meeting the specific guidelines for photo size and quality is essential for visa approval.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Dubai visa photo requirements for 2025, including photo size, posture, background, lighting, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re applying for a Dubai visa online or in person, following these simple steps can ensure a smooth visa application process.
Dubai Visa Photo Size Requirement
The first step to a successful Dubai visa application is ensuring that your visa photo meets the exact specifications outlined by the UAE Embassy. The standard photo size for a Dubai visa is 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm or 300×369 px.
Here are the key details for your Dubai visa photo:
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Photo Dimensions: 4.5 cm (height) x 3.5 cm (width).
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Face Dimensions: Your face must be between 31mm and 36mm in height from chin to crown.
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Positioning: Your face should be centered in the photo with both shoulders visible.
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File Format: The photo must be a high-resolution image (300 dpi) with a minimum of 300px x 369px.
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Quantity: One scanned digital photo is required for online applications.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure about the sizing, simply upload your photo to an online Dubai visa application platform, and they’ll automatically adjust it for you!
Dubai Photo Visa Size 2025
For 2025, the Dubai visa photo size remains consistent:
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4.5 cm x 3.5 cm (or 1.8 inches x 1.4 inches).
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Resolution: Minimum 300px x 369px to ensure clarity.
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Face Placement: The face should take up 70-80% of the image (approximately 31mm to 36mm in height from chin to crown).
Ensure the face is properly aligned in the center, without any part of the face being cropped or hidden.
Posture and Facial Expressions
Your posture and facial expression are essential components of the visa photo guidelines. Here’s what you need to do:
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Look Directly at the Camera: Ensure that your eyes are open and looking straight ahead.
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Neutral Expression: Maintain a neutral expression. Smiles, raised eyebrows, and showing teeth are not acceptable.
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Mouth Closed: Keep your mouth closed—no open-mouth photos are allowed.
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No Head Tilts: Your head must remain straight and aligned with your body. Avoid tilting it in any direction.
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No Hair Covering the Face: Ensure that no strands of hair obscure your eyes or face.
Background
The background for your Dubai visa photo is just as important as the photo itself. The UAE Embassy requires that:
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Background Colour: The background must be plain white or a light color.
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No Shadows: Avoid shadows or any objects in the background. The goal is to ensure a clear, unobstructed view of your face.
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Lighting: Ensure that your face is evenly lit with no reflections, shadows, or glare.
You can take the photo in a well-lit room, but it’s important to avoid too harsh or too soft lighting. The best results come from natural, diffused light.
Colour and Lighting
Dubai visa photo requirements stress that the image must be:
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Colour Photo: Only recent, full-color photos will be accepted.
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Lighting: The lighting must be uniform, with no overexposure or dark spots. Shadows or reflections on your face could cause delays or rejections of your visa application.
Body Camera Distance
When taking the photo, ensure you maintain the correct distance from the camera. For optimal results:
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Distance: The camera should be 1 to 2 meters away from you.
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Proper Framing: Make sure that your entire face and both shoulders are clearly visible in the image.
Dress Code
While there’s no strict dress code for Dubai visa photos, it’s recommended to wear:
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Regular Clothes: Dress in everyday attire that is suitable for a formal document.
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Dark-Coloured Clothes: Wearing dark clothes can help you stand out against the light-colored background.
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Religious Attire: If you wear religious attire (e.g., hijab or turban), make sure that it does not cover your face. The face, ears, and chin must remain visible.
Headgear and Eyeglasses
When taking your Dubai visa photo, follow these rules regarding accessories:
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Eyeglasses: Glasses are allowed as long as they don’t create glare, shadows, or reflections. Avoid wearing tinted glasses or sunglasses.
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Headgear: Generally, headgear like hats or scarves should be avoided unless worn for religious reasons. In such cases, ensure that your face is fully visible, including your ears, chin, and forehead.
Dubai Visa Photo Size Requirement for Children
When taking a photo for a child’s Dubai visa application, the rules are slightly more relaxed. However, it’s essential to follow these guidelines:
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Solo Photo: The child must be photographed alone, without toys or any other objects in the background.
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Neutral Expression: Even for infants, a neutral expression is required. No smiling or open-mouth photos.
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Head Centered: The child’s head must be in the center of the photo, with both ears and the full face visible.
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Leniency for Infants: For children under 10 years old, there’s more leniency in facial expression and eye alignment. If necessary, infants can be photographed lying down, as long as their face is clearly visible.
Things to Remember on Dubai Visa Photo Requirement
Here’s a quick recap of the most important photo guidelines for Dubai visa applications:
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Face Visibility: Your face must be fully visible, and hair should not obscure your features.
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Neutral Expression: Keep a neutral expression with no smiles, frowns, or visible teeth.
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No Editing: The photo must be original and unedited—no retouching, even if you have marks or scars on your face.
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Eyes Visible: Ensure your eyes are clearly visible, especially if you wear glasses.
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No Filters: Avoid applying any filters or effects that may alter your appearance.
Closure
Getting the right Dubai visa photo is critical to ensuring your application gets approved without delay. By adhering to the UAE’s strict photo guidelines, you’ll be one step closer to experiencing all that Dubai has to offer—luxurious shopping malls, stunning beaches, thrilling desert safaris, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
If you’re unsure about the guidelines or want to make your application process smoother, consider using a professional service that specializes in visa photos. In case you want to take matters into your own hands, follow the advice in this guide and you should have no trouble submitting a compliant visa photo.
Ready to explore Dubai? If you’re still planning your trip, check out our personalized Dubai tour packages to create your dream vacation itinerary.
FAQs About Dubai Visa (UAE) Photo Requirements 2025
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What is the Dubai visa photo size 2025?
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The required size is 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, or 1.8 inches x 1.4 inches, with a resolution of 300 px x 369 px.
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How many photos must be submitted during the Dubai visa application process?
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You must submit one scanned digital photo for online applications.
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What is the proper way to scan the photo for a Dubai visa?
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The photo should be scanned in high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and uploaded in a digital format.
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What is the UAE visa passport photo size and background requirements for 2025?
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The size should be 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm with a white or light-colored background and no shadows.
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Disclaimer:
The details on Dubai Visa Photo Requirements 2025 are for general guidance only. While we are an authorized Dubai visa service provider, requirements may change without prior notice. Please confirm the latest guidelines with our support team before applying.