Why the passport photo matters
The Saudi Arabian passport is the official travel document of citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It proves the identity and nationality of the holder and is issued by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). The booklet has 48 pages, measures 125×88 mm and carries a microchip with biometric data, including the holder's photograph and fingerprints. The passport photo you submit becomes the picture printed on the data page and stored on the chip, so a clear passport photo in the correct size matters.
Passport photo size explained
The passport photo is a vertical rectangle of 40×60 mm, written as 4×6 cm. That is larger than the square 2×2 inch passport photo many other countries use, so a passport photo printed for another country will not fit. In our template the head size is about 38 mm from the chin to the top of the hair, with about 6 mm of space between the top of the hair and the top edge of the passport photo. Printed at 300 DPI, the passport photo stays sharp at this size, and the same image works as a digital file when you apply online.
Background and appearance
Use a plain light background with no shadows, patterns or objects behind you. Our passport photo tool replaces the background for you, so you can take the picture against any wall at home. The passport photo must be recent and in colour, and the official specifications call for no glasses, so take them off before you take the photo. For the clearest result, look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open, and keep your whole face visible inside the frame.
Passport photos for children
Minors apply with a birth certificate instead of a national ID, and a child needs a passport photo in the same 4×6 cm size as an adult. Seat a young child against a light wall or on a light sheet, and take several photos in daylight; the AI picks out the face and replaces the background. Wait for a moment when the baby looks at the camera with open eyes, and keep hands and toys out of the passport photo.
Printed or digital passport photo
The passport photo is printable and also suitable for online submission. For an online application, upload the digital passport photo file in the form. For an application at a passport office, print the passport photo at 300 DPI on photo paper and cut it to the exact 40×60 mm size. Check the print before you cut it: the passport photo should be sharp, in colour and free of shadows on the background.
How to apply and renew
To apply, you must be a Saudi citizen with a valid national ID. Prepare a copy of the ID, recent passport photos that meet the specifications, the birth certificate for a child and the completed application form. You can apply online on the Absher platform after creating an account, or in person at the nearest Jawazat office. You can track the application in Absher and you are notified by SMS or through Absher when the document is ready to collect. Renewal is similar to the first application and can also be done online through Absher or in person, so prepare a recent passport photo for it too. If your passport is lost or stolen, report it straight away and apply for a replacement with a police report. For the latest rules, check the official passport procedures page.
Passport photo checklist
- Passport photo size 40×60 mm (4×6 cm), vertical.
- Head about 38 mm tall, with about 6 mm of space above the hair.
- Plain light background, no shadows or patterns.
- Neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.
- No glasses; head straight and centred.
- Recent, sharp colour passport photo with no filters.
Other Saudi Arabia document photos
Other Saudi documents use their own photo formats. For a photo for the Saudi Arabia ID card, a Saudi Arabia work permit, the Saudi Hajj visa or the Saudi e-visa, open its page so the photo is made in the right size.
