Create a biometrically compliant Saudi passport photo for Jawazat in-person submissions and Absher digital applications — sized to the Saudi-specific 4×6cm format with white background and correct face framing.
Every Saudi national applying for or renewing a passport through the General Directorate of Passports (الإدارة العامة للجوازات — Jawazat) must submit a photo that meets Saudi-specific biometric standards. Unlike most of Europe and North America, Saudi Arabia uses a 4×6cm (40×60mm) photo format — not the 35×45mm standard — a distinction that catches many applicants off guard when printing or uploading.
The background must be pure white. The face must be forward-facing, eyes fully open, and the overall face-to-frame ratio should place the head occupying approximately 70–80% of the frame height. Photos older than six months, those with coloured backgrounds, or images with glasses are routinely rejected by Jawazat officers and the automated biometric system used in Absher applications. Getting the dimensions and framing right the first time avoids delays at the passport office or a failed Absher upload.
Saudi passport photo rejections follow a predictable pattern. The 4×6cm size is non-standard globally, meaning most generic photo tools default to 35×45mm and produce undersized prints. Jawazat officers measure photos physically at the counter — even a 1–2mm difference flags the photo for rejection. The Absher upload system additionally runs automated facial-zone validation: a face that sits too low in the frame or a background with any warmth or shadow fails before the application proceeds.
Passport Photo Maker handles the Saudi-specific format natively. Select Saudi Arabia as your document type, upload your photo, and the tool locks to 40×60mm, centers your face within the required 70–80% head ratio, and normalises the background to pure white — no manual measurement or cropping needed.
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Requirements set by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) and applied at all Saudi passport offices and through the Absher platform.
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 4 × 6 cm (40 × 60 mm) | Saudi-specific format. Not 35×45mm. |
| Width | 40 mm (4 cm) | Physical tolerance ±1mm at Jawazat counters. |
| Height | 60 mm (6 cm) | Physical tolerance ±1mm at Jawazat counters. |
| Face height ratio | 70–80% of total frame height | Head (chin to crown) should fill approx. 42–48mm of the 60mm height. |
| Background | Plain white | Pure white only. No grey, cream, or coloured backgrounds. |
| Resolution (digital) | Minimum 600 dpi / 944×1417 px | For Absher digital upload. JPEG, sRGB colour space. |
| File format (digital) | JPEG / JPG | Required for Absher digital submission. |
| Glasses | Not permitted | All eyewear prohibited per ICAO biometric standard. |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Eyes fully open, looking directly at camera. |
| Hijab (women) | Permitted | Full face must remain visible. No shadow on face. |
| Niqab / face veil | Not permitted | Full face must be visible for biometric capture. |
| Age of photo | Maximum 6 months | Must reflect current appearance. |
The General Directorate of Passports, universally known as Jawazat, is the Saudi government body responsible for issuing and renewing all Saudi passports (جواز السفر السعودي), managing residency permits (Iqama) for expatriates, and overseeing entry and exit procedures for the Kingdom. Jawazat operates under the Ministry of Interior (وزارة الداخلية) and maintains offices in every Saudi region, from Riyadh and Jeddah to smaller governorates.
Applications submitted at a Jawazat office require printed 4×6cm photos. The officer checks the photo dimensions, background, and face framing physically before accepting the application.
Saudi nationals and residents can renew passports through the Absher e-government platform. A digital JPEG photo is uploaded and validated by automated biometric software before payment is accepted.
Saudi nationals residing outside the Kingdom apply at their nearest Saudi embassy or consulate. The same 4×6cm photo and Jawazat biometric standards apply. Some embassies also accept Absher-initiated applications.
Expatriates holding Saudi residency permits (Iqama) also submit photos for Iqama renewals and work visas. Iqama photos typically follow the same 4×6cm white background standard as passport photos.
Saudi passport applicants can choose between the Absher digital platform and in-person submission at a Jawazat office. Both routes enforce the same photo standards, but the submission format differs.
Saudi Arabia's 40×60mm photo format is notably larger than the 35×45mm European standard and the 51×51mm (2×2 inch) US format. This means photos prepared for other countries' passports cannot be used for Saudi documents without re-cropping. The physical size difference is checked by Jawazat staff with a physical template gauge at the submission counter.
Saudi women may wear hijab in their passport photo. The critical requirement is that the full facial oval — from forehead to chin and from ear to ear — must be completely visible. The hijab must not cast any shadow onto the face. Face veils (niqab) are not permitted in passport photos; biometric identification requires a clear facial capture.
Jawazat requires pure white (#FFFFFF) backgrounds. Unlike Switzerland, which permits very light grey, Saudi passport standards do not allow any grey variation. Cream, off-white, light blue, or any coloured background results in automatic rejection — both by Jawazat officers and the Absher validator.
Saudi Arabia aligned with ICAO biometric passport standards, which prohibit all eyewear in travel document photos. Prescription glasses, tinted lenses, and frameless glasses are all banned. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
Children of all ages require their own Saudi passport to travel internationally. Child passport photos follow the same 4×6cm format and white background requirement as adult photos, with biometric face-framing rules applied proportionally.
First-time child passport applicants must appear in person at a Jawazat office for biometric data capture. Both parents' national ID (Hawiyya) or valid documents are typically required at the appointment.
Use a white wall, door, or sheet. Saudi standards require pure white — not cream or grey. Even, front-facing light prevents shadows. Avoid taking the photo near coloured walls that reflect colour onto the background.
All eyewear is prohibited. Look straight into the camera with a neutral expression and closed mouth. Eyes must be fully open. Ensure your full face is visible if wearing hijab.
Visit clonypdf.com/passport-photo-maker, upload your image, and select Saudi Arabia. The tool loads the 4×6cm (40×60mm) template with Jawazat face-ratio settings automatically.
Confirm the face occupies approximately 70–80% of the frame height and the background reads as pure white. Adjust crop position if needed — dimensions remain locked at 40×60mm.
For Absher: download the JPEG and upload directly to your application. For in-person submission: download and print two copies on 10×15cm photo paper at 600 dpi minimum. Bring both prints to your Jawazat appointment.
These rejection causes occur at both Jawazat counters and the Absher automated validator.
Using a 35×45mm European-format photo instead of the required 4×6cm. The size difference is visible and checked physically.
Only pure white is accepted. Light grey, cream, and studio blue backgrounds are all rejected by Jawazat.
Head occupying less than 70% of the frame height — common when photos are taken at a distance and not properly cropped.
Any eyewear including prescription and frameless glasses causes automatic rejection under ICAO biometric rules.
Overhead or side lighting creates shadows that disqualify the photo. Diffuse front-facing light is essential.
Hijab that covers any part of the forehead, chin, or sides of the face causes rejection. Full facial oval must be visible.
Jawazat officers compare the photo to the applicant's current appearance. Outdated photos are rejected on inspection.
Photos printed on plain A4 paper or at low resolution are rejected. Photo-quality paper at minimum 600 dpi is required for physical submissions.
Travelling from Saudi Arabia or applying for additional visas? These guides cover neighbouring countries and common Saudi traveller routes:
4×6cm format, pure white background, correct face ratio. Ready for Absher upload or Jawazat office submission — no studio required.
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