International travel to Saudi Arabia requires an eVisa, which involves submitting the necessary documents, including submitting a photograph. The photograph verifies the applicant's identity for the authorities and border control.

The applicant can take their photo at home and send it to us, and we will prepare it according to the required photo guidelines.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Photograph Specifications

• Photo Size Requirement: There is no definitive size requirement for the photo. It should meet the Saudi eVisa photo standards.
• Colour Requirement: The photo must be in colour, as black-and-white photographs are not acceptable.
• Background Requirement: The photo background must be plain white.
• Image Quality: The photograph must be of high quality, with all facial features clearly visible.
• Head Position: In the photo, the applicant’s head should face forward.
• Face Visibility: The applicant’s full face and eyes must be clearly visible, facing the camera.
• Expression Requirement: Keep a natural expression; a mild smile is acceptable, but avoid an exaggerated smile.
• Recent Photograph: The applicant's picture should be recent. The Saudi government does not accept photos older than 6 months.
• Beard: A beard is permitted, provided that it is part of the applicant’s everyday appearance.
• Clothing Requirement: Clothing/dress should be in a different colour from the background. Do not wear a white dress.
• Headgear Rule: Headgear is only allowed for religious reasons.
• Number of Photographs Required: The applicant must provide 1 digital passport-sized photo for the Saudi eVisa application.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Photo Guidelines for Adults

Before submitting the eVisa application, check these common mistakes to avoid. If an incorrect photo is submitted, the applicant will be required to resubmit it.

Note: A photo example with a green tick represents a correct submission, while a red cross indicates an incorrect photo that does not meet Saudi eVisa standards.

Background:

The background must be plain, without any shadow, pattern, or colour. In case you don't have a full white wall in your home, use a white sheet that isn't see-through.

Lighting:

Don't take the photo in a dark environment. There should be ample daylight or artificial light, but the light shouldn't be too bright. Make sure the light source is in front of you so that it doesn't create a shadow on your face.

Facial Expressions:

While getting ready for the photo, keep your head straight. Your face should face the camera, showing the complete front side in the picture.

Another essential point to remember is to never smile in your e-Visa or passport photo. Keep your expressions neutral.

Avoid Visual Obstructions:

Nothing should obstruct your eyes or face in the photo. Only prescribed glasses are allowed for medical reasons, and the frame should not be too large.

The glasses should not have any reflection. Do not wear sunglasses or tinted lens glasses.

Appearance:

Having a beard is not a problem for your eVisa photo, as long as your appearance in the photo matches your current look.

If you want to change your appearance by either growing a beard or shaving, make these changes before taking the photo. Kindly make sure your eVisa photo matches exactly with your current look.

Dress Code:

Wear a light-coloured dress shirt, but not pure white. A fully white shirt or t-shirt against a white background can make your shoulders blend in, which may lead to rejection.

Headdresses are allowed, but they should not cover your face from the forehead to the chin or cast a shadow on your face.

Saudi Arabia eVisa Photo Guidelines for Infants and Babies

If you are confused about the eVisa photo of your children, we are here to help.

Check out the rules and guidelines for taking pictures of your children:

• Child Must Be Awake: The child must be awake when you photograph them, because the eyes must be visible in the photo, as per the requirement.
• Using a Car Seat for the Photo: Parents usually prefer to take a photo of their child while the child is sitting in a car seat. If you do the same, cover the seat's back with a white cloth, as the white background condition also applies to the minor's photo.
• Taking the Photo While the Baby Is Lying Down: If you intend to take your child's photo from above while the baby is lying on their back, place a white cloth under the baby.
• No Parents or Objects Visible in the Photo: Parents or anyone else should not appear in the background of their child's photo, even while holding the child; also, their hands should not be visible in the picture.
• Remove pacifiers and headgear when taking the photo, unless the headgear is worn for religious reasons.

Note: Use the right-side photo as your guide. Any photo similar to the incorrect example may lead to issues with your child’s eVisa application.

Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in August 2026. Please verify this with the relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines to ensure its accuracy for your travel plans.