UAE Passport (35x45 mm) Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the UAE Passport (35x45 mm). Meeting every specification below — correct dimensions, head height, background and expression — is essential to avoid rejection and get your application processed the first time.

Key Features:

• Country: United Arab Emirates
• Document Type: Passport
• Primary Specifications: 3.5x4.5 cm, 300 DPI. Head size 33mm (~73% of height). White BG.

Photo Checking Standards for UAE Passport (35x45 mm)

When processing a UAE Passport (35x45 mm) photo, the following core standards are automatically validated:

1. Dimensions: The photo must match the 3.5x4.5 cm (35x45 mm) format at 300 DPI.
2. Head Size and Position: The head (crown to chin) should measure about 33 mm, occupying roughly 70–80% of the photo height, centered horizontally.
3. Background: A plain white background with even lighting and no shadows.

4. Expression and Pose: Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, facing the camera directly.

5. Background: The background must conform to the specified color (usually white or light gray) and be free of shadows.

6. Lighting and Contrast: The face must be evenly lit without harsh shadows or glare.
7. Facial Expression: A neutral expression with closed mouth is required.
8. Obstructions: Glasses (if allowed) must not have glare; no red-eye, and no hair covering the eyes.

Common Rejection Reasons

Photos for a UAE Passport (35x45 mm) are frequently rejected for the following issues:

• Incorrect Dimensions: Photo is not exactly 3.5x4.5 cm (35x45 mm).
• Non-White Background: Background is colored, patterned, or shows shadows instead of plain white.
• Wrong Head Size: The head is too large or too small — it should fill roughly 70–80% of the frame height (about 33 mm).
• Facial Expression: Smiling, mouth open, or a non-neutral expression.

• Obstructions: Glare on glasses, hair covering the eyes, or head coverings that hide facial features (religious head coverings are allowed if the full face is visible).

• Poor Lighting: Harsh shadows on the face or background.

• Incorrect Background: The background color is not correct or has patterns/shadows.
• Improper Expression: Smiling, frowning, or having teeth visible.
• Glasses Glare: Reflections on eyeglass lenses.
• Head Size: The head is either too large or too small within the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the required size for a UAE Passport (35x45 mm) photo? A: The required size is 3.5x4.5 cm (35x45 mm) at 300 DPI, with the head measuring about 33 mm. This size is commonly used for digital and online passport applications.

Q: When should I use the 35x45 mm size instead of 43x55 mm? A: The 35x45 mm format follows the international ICAO proportion and is often requested for online passport submissions. Use the 43x55 mm format when a printed 4.3x5.5 cm photo is required.

Q: What background color is needed? A: A plain white background is required, with even lighting and no shadows.

Q: Can I smile in this photo? A: No, a neutral expression with a closed mouth is required, with both eyes open and clearly visible.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: You can easily generate a compliant photo by selecting the UAE Passport (35x45 mm) standard on our main page.

Q: Can I smile in this photo? A: No, a neutral expression with a closed mouth is required for almost all official ID photos.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: You can easily generate a compliant photo by selecting this standard on our main page.

Official Specs & References

For the most up-to-date and legally binding guidelines, please refer to the official government or issuing authority website for the United Arab Emirates.

Official Reference: UAE Passport (35x45 mm) – Official Photo Requirements

Quoted from Official Source:

Additional Official References: - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) - ICP Smart Services